ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effects of the polysaccharides isolated from ganoderma applanatum (PGA) on gastric mucosal injury in rats and the underlying mechanism.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Gastric ulcer was induced by either acetic acid or pylorus ligation in the rats. The level of PGE2 and GMBF, and gastric mucus secretion were examined respectively.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>After oral administration of PGA (250-1000 mg x kg(-1)) repeatedly, the level of PGE2 and GMBF were obviously increased in gastric mucosa of rats as compared with the model group. The secretions of both free mucus in stomach and mucus of gastric wall were enhanced apparently by PGA in a dose-dependent manner.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PGA could strengthen gastric mucosa barrier by improving the level of PGE2, GMBF and the secretion of gastric mucus, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of PGA on the gastric mucosa during the gastric ulcer.</p>