Induction by the calcium ionophore A23187 of a protective effect against cell injury in cultured gastric mucosal cells

An intrinsic protective mechanism against cell injury seems to exist in cultured gastric mucosal cells. Cells, isolated from the stomachs of 10- to 12-day-old rats and subcultured, were examined for damage by the erythrosine B dye exclusion test. Pretreatment with 5 microM A23187 (a calcium ionophore) diminished the cell damage induced by acidified medium (pH 3.5) or 8 mM aspirin (pH 5.0). The effect of A23187 appeared 4 hr after its addition and was reversible. Protection by A23187 against cell injury diminished in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ and was dependent on Ca2+ concentration. An increase in intracellular Ca2+ may induce cell resistance against injury in cultured gastric mucosal cells.