Geranylgeranylacetone induces heat shock proteins in cultured guinea pig gastric mucosal cells and rat gastric mucosa

Background & Aims: An antiulcer drug, geranylgeranylacetone (GGA), rapidly induces resistance of gastric mucosal cells to irritants in vivo and in vitro. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of this action. Methods: Heat shock proteins (HSPs) were detected by immunoblotting with antibody against HSP90, HSP70, heat shock cognate protein 70, or HSP60. HSP70 messenger RNA level was measured by Northern hybridization with an HSP70 complementary DNA probe. Activation of the heat shock factor was detected by gel mobility shift assay with the heat shock element oligonucleotide. Results: GGA induced resistance of cultured guinea pig gastric mucosal cells against ethanol-induced exfoliation and damage within 30 minutes, proportionally to the induction of the HSPs. This protection was blocked by cycloheximide but not by indomethacin. GGA caused rapid activation of heat shock factor 1 and expression of HSP70 messenger RNA in the cells. Intragastric administration of GGA to rats induced HSPs in gastric mucosa. The administration of GGA additionally enhanced the heat shock response and reduced ulcer formation in rats subjected to restraint and water-immersion stress. Conclusions: GGA may induce transcriptional activation of HSP genes, and this novel action may increase gastric mucosal defense at conditions of stress.