The effects and mechanism of action of PF-10040, a quinoline derivative, were examined in an experimental model of NSAID-gastritis. Oral pretreatment with PF-10040 dose-dependently reduced the severity of indomethacin-induced gastric damage, with a significant protective effect being observed with doses of 10 mg/kg or greater. The protective effects of this compound persisted for as long as 6 h after administration. PF-10040 also significantly reduced the severity of aspirin- or naproxen-induced gastric damage. At protective doses, PF-10040 did not significantly affect gastric LTB4 synthesis, LTB4-induced granulocyte recruitment to intradermal injection sites, or LTD4-induced changes in gastric blood flow. The free radical scavenging effects of PF-10040 were examined using an in vitro assay, in which it failed to exert significant effects at concentrations of up to 10 mM. PF-10040 had no significant effect on gastric acid secretion. In rat mesenteric venules, PF-10040 inhibited PAF-, but not LTB4-induced leukocyte adherence and emigration. These results suggest that the protective effects of PF-10040 are not attributable to scavenging of free radicals, inhibition of leukotriene synthesis, blockade of LTB4 or LTD4 receptors or inhibition of LTB4-mediated leukocyte endothelial cell adhesion.