To clarify the interaction of endothelial cells, myofibroblasts, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in healing of gastric mucosal damage, histochemical and biochemical observations were undertaken. In addition, the effect of sofalcone on ulcer healing and especially on angiogenesis was studied. Male Wistar rats were used. Ethanol (50%) was administered through an orogastric tube. Thirty minutes after ethanol administration, an aqueous solution of sofalcone (100 mg/100 g b.w.) or the same amount of physiologic saline was administered in the same way. At 1, 3, and 12 h after sofalcone treatment, the localization of endothelial cells and myofibroblasts was studied. The bFGF concentration was decreased at 3 and 12 h in rats treated with ethanol alone, but addition of sofalcone did not alter the content of bFGF 3.5 and 12.5 h after sofalcone administration. Sofalcone had a strong influence on healing of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage, possibly through an indomethacin-sensitive, prostanoid-related increase in bFGF concentration.