The cytoprotective effect of a highly potent somatostatin (SRIF) analog, RC-121 (H-D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Thr-NH2), was examined in the absolute ethanol-induced gastric erosion model in rat. This analog diminished the degree of gastric erosion by 50-55% when administered in i.p. doses of 2 x 10(-10)-10(-8) g/100 g body weight, or in oral doses of 10(-8)-2 x 10(-7) g/100 body weight. The orally active, highly potent SRIF analogs may be useful as therapeutic agents in the treatment of human peptic ulcer.