In vivo fusigenicity of polyethylene glycols: Protective role and potential risk

ABSTRACT

Polyethylene glycols [PEGs] are widely used in pharmaceutical preparations inspite of their known potentin vitro fusigenic properties. The subject of this note is to demonstrate that similar fusion can take place when these agents are administered to laboratory animals. Fusigenicity as observed by direct microscopic examination, and alsoby monitoring protective activity that cell fusion provides against ulcer formation by indomethacin. Rectal or oral administration of PEGs was found to result in histological alterations, suggesting fusion of mucosal cells. Also, high molecular weight PEGs were found to provide the stomach with protection against indomethacin induced ulceration, following oral administration to rats