Showing papers in "American Journal of Physiology-gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology in 1990"
TL;DR: An important role for neutrophils in the pathogenesis of NSAID-induced gastric ulceration is suggested and may be important in the vascular injury that occurs early after administration of these compounds.
Abstract: The hypothesis that neutrophils play an important role in the pathogenesis of gastric ulceration induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was tested in rats. Rats made neutropenic by prior treatment with an antibody to rat neutrophils raised in goat were found to be significantly more resistant to the gastric-damaging actions of indomethacin or naproxen than were control rats or rats pretreated with normal goat serum. The reduction of damage in neutropenic rats was not due to effects of the antineutrophil serum on either gastric acid secretion or the ability of indomethacin or naproxen to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Gastric cyclooxygenase activity was inhibited by greater than 95% in both normal and neutropenic rats that received indomethacin or naproxen. Reduction of circulating neutrophil numbers by treating rats with methotrexate also resulted in a significant reduction in the susceptibility to gastric damage induced by indomethacin. Since activation of circulating neutrophils appeared to be important in the development of gastric erosions after administration of indomethacin, and in the significant changes in vascular endothelial integrity (Monastral Blue staining) observed within 15 min of indomethacin administration, we investigated the possibility that leukotrienes (LTs) and platelet-activating factor (PAF) might be involved in the pathogenesis of indomethacin-induced ulceration. Changes in gastric LTB4 synthesis were not observed after indomethacin administration. Pretreatment with either an LTD4 antagonist or a PAF antagonist was without significant effect on the extent of gastric damage induced by indomethacin. These results suggest an important role for neutrophils in the pathogenesis of NSAID-induced gastric ulceration. Neutrophils may be important in the vascular injury that occurs early after administration of these compounds.
578 citations
TL;DR: Specific variables of swallowing are affected significantly by the variables of the swallowed bolus, such as volume and viscosity, and the study findings have implications about the neural control mechanisms that govern swallowing as well as about the diagnosis and treatment of patients with abnormal oral-pharyngeal swallowing.
Abstract: In this investigation, we studied the effects of bolus volume and viscosity on the quantitative features of the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing. Concurrent videofluoroscopic and manometric studies were done in 10 healthy volunteers who were imaged in lateral projection. Videofluorography was done at 30 frames/s while concurrent manometry was done with 5 intraluminal transducers that straddled the pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Submental electromyography was recorded also. Swallows of 2-20 ml were recorded for low-viscosity liquid barium and high-viscosity paste barium. Analysis indicated that the major effect of increases in bolus volume was an earlier onset of anterior tongue base movement, superior palatal movement, anterior laryngeal movement, and UES opening. These events provide receptive adaptation for receiving a swallowed bolus. Earlier UES opening was associated with an increase in the duration of sphincter opening and sphincter diameter. The major effects of high bolus viscosity, unrelated to bolus volume, were to delay oral and pharyngeal bolus transit, increase the duration of pharyngeal peristaltic waves, and prolong and increase UES opening. Thus the specific effect of bolus viscosity per se differs substantially from that of bolus volume. We conclude that 1) specific variables of swallowing are affected significantly by the variables of the swallowed bolus, such as volume and viscosity; 2) overall, bolus volume and viscosity affect swallowing in a different manner; and 3) the study findings have implications about the neural control mechanisms that govern swallowing as well as about the diagnosis and treatment of patients with abnormal oral-pharyngeal swallowing.
451 citations
TL;DR: These new values for luminal Glc have five important physiological implications: the problem of accounting for apparently very hypertonic SI contents in the face of high osmotic water permeability disappears, the effective Km of the SI Glc transporter is now comparable to prevailing Glc concentrations, and regulation of Glc transport by dietary intake now makes functional sense.
Abstract: Luminal glucose (Glc) concentrations in the small intestine (SI) are widely assumed to be 50-500 mM. These values have posed problems for interpreting SI luminal osmolality and absorptive capacity, Glc transporter Michaelis-Menten constants (Km), and the physiological role of active Glc transport and its regulation. Hence we measured luminal contents, osmolality, and Glc, Na+, and K+ concentrations in normally feeding rats, rabbits, and dogs. Measured Glc concentrations were compatible with the portion of measured osmolality not accounted for by Na+ and K+ salts, amino acids, and peptides. Mean SI luminal osmolalities were less than or equal to 100 mosmol/kg hypertonic. For animals on the most nearly physiological diets, SI Glc concentrations averaged 0.4-24 mM and ranged with time and SI region from 0.2 to a maximum of 48 mM. The older published very high values are artifacts of direct infusion of concentrated Glc solutions into the gut, nonspecific Glc assays, and failure to test for quantitative recovery or to centrifuge samples in the cold. By storing food after meals and releasing it between meals, rat stomach greatly damps diurnal fluctuations in quantity and osmolality of food reaching the SI and hence also damps fluctuations in absorption rates. These new values for luminal Glc have five important physiological implications: the problem of accounting for apparently very hypertonic SI contents in the face of high osmotic water permeability disappears; the effective Km of the SI Glc transporter is now comparable to prevailing Glc concentrations; the SI no longer appears to have enormous excess absorptive capacity for Glc; regulation of Glc transport by dietary intake now makes functional sense; and the claim that high luminal Glc concentrations permit solvent drag to become the major mode of Glc absorption under normal conditions is undermined.
258 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that a specific, orally active inhibitor of LT synthesis can significantly accelerate healing in this animal model of colitis when the treatment is performed during the early phase of the inflammatory response.
Abstract: Leukotrienes (LTs) have been implicated as mediators of the inflammation and ulceration associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In the present study, the effects of a novel, orally active inhibitor of LT synthesis (MK-886) were examined in a rat model of chronic colitis. Colitis was induced by intracolonic administration of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. Colonic LTB4 synthesis was measured after incubation of tissue samples in vitro and by in vivo equilibrium dialysis. A single dose of MK-886 (10 mg/kg) significantly inhibited colonic LTB4 synthesis for greater than 24 h. Daily treatment with this dose significantly reduced colonic damage, as assessed macroscopically and histologically, when the treatment was performed 2 h before induction of colitis and daily thereafter for 1 wk, but not when treatment was performed during the second week after induction of colitis. A less marked beneficial effect of MK-886 was observed when the pretreatment dose was excluded, suggesting a role for LTs in the early events of the inflammatory process. Inhibition of LT synthesis during the first 24 h after induction of colitis did not alter the extent of infiltration of neutrophils into the colon, as measured by tissue myeloperoxidase activity. Daily treatment with sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg po) either during the first or second week after induction of colitis did not significantly affect the rates of healing. At the dose used, sulfasalazine only produced a transient inhibition of colonic LTB4 synthesis. This study therefore demonstrates that a specific, orally active inhibitor of LT synthesis can significantly accelerate healing in this animal model of colitis when the treatment is performed during the early phase of the inflammatory response.
237 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that PAF plays an important role in mediating the adhesive interaction between circulating leukocytes and microvascular endothelium induced by ischemia/reperfusion and that the phospholipid promotes the leukocyte extravasation associated with ischemIA/rePerfusion.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine whether platelet-activating factor (PAF) mediates the leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions elicited by ischemia/reperfusion. The rates of adherence and extravasation of leukocytes were monitored in cat mesenteric venules subjected to 60 min of ischemia (blood flow reduced to 20% of control) followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Leukocyte rolling velocity, red blood cell velocity, and vessel diameter were also measured. The experiments were performed in control (untreated) animals and in animals pretreated with one of two PAF receptor antagonists, i.e., BN 52021 or WEB 2086. The responses of venular blood flow, wall shear rate, and vessel diameter did not differ between the three groups. In the control group, 1 h of ischemia was associated with significant adherence and extravasation of leukocytes, with reperfusion greatly enhancing these responses. The rates of leukocyte adherence and extravasation during reperfusion were greatly attenuated by both PAF antagonists. Furthermore, the proportion of adherent leukocytes that ultimately extravasate during reperfusion was markedly reduced by WEB 2086. These results suggest that PAF plays an important role in mediating the adhesive interaction between circulating leukocytes and microvascular endothelium induced by ischemia/reperfusion and that the phospholipid promotes the leukocyte extravasation associated with ischemia/reperfusion.
233 citations
TL;DR: The tonometric method for measuring GI pHi is invalid under conditions of zero flow and leads to error under conditions-of-low flow, however, the method is reliable in the setting of tissue acidosis induced by endotoxemia.
Abstract: Tonometry is a minimally invasive method for estimating gastrointestinal intramural pH (pHi). Tissue pH is calculated by using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and measurements of arterial [HCO-3] and CO2 tension (PCO3) of saline contained in a Silastic balloon within the lumen of the gut. The validity of the method rests on two key assumptions: 1) PCO2 in saline in the tonometer balloon is similar to tissue PCO2 and 2) tissue and arterial [HCO-3] are similar. To validate this method, ileal pHi measured directly with a microelectrode was compared with pHi estimated tonometrically in four groups of anesthetized pigs. Group I (n = 4) were controls. In group II (n = 4), intestinal tissue acidosis was induced by total occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). In group III (n = 5), acidosis was induced by partial occlusion of the SMA. In group IV (n = 4), tissue acidosis was induced by endotoxemia. Agreement was excellent between direct and tonometric measurements in groups I and IV and less good in groups II and III. Weighted mean correlation coefficients (rw) for the two measurement methods were 0.743 and 0.9447 in groups II and IV, respectively. Correlation coefficients for the individual animals in group III were more variable than the other groups and ranged from 0.547 to 0.990. The tonometric method for measuring GI pHi is invalid under conditions of zero flow and leads to error under conditions of low flow. However, the method is reliable in the setting of tissue acidosis induced by endotoxemia.
228 citations
TL;DR: The ascending and transverse colon appear to be sites of storage of solid residue, whereas the left colon and rectosigmoid function mainly as conduits.
Abstract: We used a noninvasive method to label the solid phase of contents in the unprepared human colon. 111In-labeled Amberlite pellets (0.5-1.8 mm diam) were placed in a gelatin capsule that was then coated with a pH-sensitive polymer (methacrylate). In vitro, the capsules disintegrated in simulated small bowel contents within 1-2 h; when ingested by healthy subjects, capsules released radiolabel in the distal ileum or proximal colon in 13 of 15 subjects. Transit of 111In-pellets through the unprepared colon could then be quantitated radioscintigraphically. Segmental transit was defined in the ascending (AC), transverse (TC), descending (DC), and rectosigmoid (RS) colon. Radioactivity was also quantitated in stools. At 12 h, radioactivity was most obvious in the AC (59 +/- 11%, mean +/- SE) and the TC (21 +/- 6%); at 24 h, counts were distributed equally between AC, TC, and stools (P greater than 0.05); by 48 h, 56 +/- 11% counts had been excreted, although 30 +/- 10% remained in the TC. At 24 and 48 h, the amount in DC or RS was lower (P less than 0.05) than in the TC or in stools. Emptying of the AC was characterized by an initial lag period, when no counts emptied into the TC, followed by a period of emptying that was approximately linear. Thus this simple approach is able to label contents in the healthy human colon. The ascending and transverse colon appear to be sites of storage of solid residue, whereas the left colon and rectosigmoid function mainly as conduits.
209 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that massive quantities of XDH and XO are released into the circulation after hepatic ischemia and that the resulting reactive oxygen metabolites could produce widespread tissue injury.
Abstract: Reactive oxygen metabolites generated from the enzyme xanthine oxidase (XO) play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemia-induced tissue injury. The observation that intracellular proteins such as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) are released from the ischemic liver during reperfusion led us to postulate that XO could be released into the systemic circulation. Livers from fasted rats were extirpated, perfused with oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit buffer, and subjected to 2 h ischemia followed by 2 h reperfusion. Reperfusion increased AST in the perfusate from 1 +/- 1 to 830 +/- 280 U/l, whereas ADH increased from 0.3 +/- 0.1 to 95 +/- 26 U/l. Concomitantly, xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) + XO activity in the perfusate increased from 0 to 4.1 +/- 1.0 mU/ml. A 64% decrease in endogenous tissue XDH + XO activity paralleled release of XDH + XO. The XDH + XO activity predicted to appear in the circulation after hepatic ischemia was sufficient, when supplied with substrate, to produce severe vascular endothelial injury in vitro, even in the presence of serum or whole blood. These results suggest that massive quantities of XDH and XO are released into the circulation after hepatic ischemia and that the resulting reactive oxygen metabolites could produce widespread tissue injury.
203 citations
TL;DR: Hydrogen peroxide, iron, and/or hydroxyl radicals play a role in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced granulocyte infiltration in the feline small intestine and whether a chemoattractant is formed when superoxide or hydrogen peroxide reacts with feline extracellular fluid is investigated.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine whether hydrogen peroxide, iron, and/or hydroxyl radicals play a role in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced granulocyte infiltration in the feline small intestine and whether a chemoattractant is formed when superoxide or hydrogen peroxide reacts with feline extracellular fluid. In vivo determinations of granulocyte infiltration consisted of measurements of tissue myeloperoxidase activity in either the intestinal mucosa (I/R studies) or dermis (chemotaxis studies), whereas in vitro measurements of granulocyte migration were obtained using a Boyden chamber. Treatment with either catalase or the iron chelator deferoxamine significantly attenuated granulocyte infiltration into the mucosa induced by reperfusion of the ischemic intestine. Two hydroxyl radical scavengers, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylthiourea (DMTU), were also evaluated for their ability to modulate I/R-induced granulocyte infiltration. DMTU significantly attenuated the I/R-induced granulocyte accumulation, whereas DMSO had no effect. In other experiments, we were unable to stimulate granulocyte migration with feline plasma exposed to superoxide-generating systems using both in vitro and in vivo models of leukocyte chemotaxis. However, hydrogen peroxide in the presence of either ferrous iron or hemoglobin did significantly increase the chemotactic activity of cat plasma. The results obtained from our studies suggest that either hydrogen peroxide or radical species derived from the interaction of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide with iron elicit I/R-induced granulocyte infiltration in the intestine.
192 citations
TL;DR: Using autoradiography to identify 125I-PP binding to frozen sections of rat brain, saturable, high-affinity PP receptors in high concentrations are identified in the interpenduncular nucleus, area postrema (AP), nucleus tractus solitarius, and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus.
Abstract: Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) inhibits pancreatic exocrine secretion by indirect mechanisms that may be centrally mediated. The central site of action of PP that results in inhibition of pancreatic secretion has not been identified. Using autoradiography to identify 125I-PP binding to frozen sections of rat brain, we have identified saturable, high-affinity PP receptors in high concentrations in the interpenduncular nucleus, area postrema (AP), nucleus tractus solitarius, and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. The PP receptor differs from neuropeptide Y and peptide YY receptors in its binding specificity and location. Because PP is not produced in the brain, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) excludes circulating peptides from most areas in the brain, we employed an in vivo radioreceptor assay to determine whether circulating PP binds to areas such as the AP that has both an incomplete BBB and a high concentration of PP receptors. 125I-PP and 131I-bovine serum albumin were infused simultaneously into rats through a peripheral vein with or without excess unlabeled PP. After 10 min, rats were killed and the brains were removed and cut into eight regions based on the autoradiographic localization of PP receptors. There was a significant (P less than 0.02) increase in saturable radiolabeled PP accumulation in the region that included the AP, demonstrating that circulating PP can bind to this area of the brain in vivo. PP is released into the circulation after a meal via mechanisms that exhibit vagal and cholinergic dependence. We speculate that PP completes a feedback loop by binding to receptors in the AP and interacting with the adjacent vagal nuclei to inhibit vagal activity.
157 citations
TL;DR: In dogs with chronic intestinal fistulas, the intensity of intestinal feedback when different lengths of the small intestine were exposed to meals of 3, 9, or 27 mM sodium oleate was compared and it was found that on a molar basis oleATE was 20 times as effective as glucose at inhibition of gastric emptying and that this difference was related to the slower rate of fat absorption.
Abstract: Previously, we reported that inhibition of gastric emptying by glucose or acids depends on the length of gut exposed to the inhibitor [Gastroenterology 95: A877, 1988; Am. J. Physiol. 256 (Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 19): G404-G411, 1989]. In this study, we hypothesized that feedback control by fat may be similarly regulated. In dogs with chronic intestinal fistulas, we compared the intensity of intestinal feedback when different lengths of the small intestine were exposed to meals of 3, 9, or 27 mM sodium oleate. We found that 1) inhibition of liquid emptying was dose dependent, 2) intensity of negative feedback was dependent on both the concentration of the oleate and the length of gut exposed to fat, 3) full inhibitory effect was achieved with exposure of fat to 150 cm of gut, 4) inhibition from the distal one-half of gut was less potent than that generated from the proximal one-half of gut, and 5) on a molar basis oleate was 20 times as effective as glucose at inhibition of gastric emptying and that this difference was related to the slower rate of fat absorption.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that the absorption of a physiological load of lipid into lymph does not affect the apo B synthesis in the mucosa or the secretion of apO B in lymph, and the number of CM particles made by the small intestine remains relatively constant during fasting or active lipid uptake and transport.
Abstract: To test the regulatory effect of dietary triglyceride (TG) on rat lymphatic apolipoprotein B (apo B) transport, lymph-fistula rats were infused intraduodenally for 8 h at 3 ml/h with a lipid emulsion containing 40 mumol TG labeled with glycerol [9,10-3H(N)]triolein, 7.8 mumol egg phosphatidylcholine, and 57 mumol sodium taurocholate in phosphate-buffered saline with or without 1 mg/h Pluronic L81 (L81). L81 is known to prevent lipid transport in the intestine by inhibiting the formation of chylomicrons (CM). This action of L81 is quickly reversible by merely replacing L81 infusion by saline infusion. In the control rats (without L81 added to the infusate), the amount of apo B secreted in either whole lymph, CM, or the very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) fractions did not change significantly during lipid infusion compared with fasting. Compared with the fasting, the apo B output in lymph during L81 plus lipid or saline infusion in the experimental rats did not change significantly. The lymphatic apo B output data were also supported by the incorporation studies using [3H]leucine. In summary, these data demonstrate that the absorption of a physiological load of lipid into lymph does not affect the apo B synthesis in the mucosa or the secretion of apo B in lymph. Furthermore, the action of L81 is probably not by inhibiting intestinal apo B production because apo B secretion was not affected by the presence of L81. This study also demonstrates that the number of CM particles made by the small intestine remains relatively constant during fasting or active lipid uptake and transport. During active lipid absorption, instead of increasing the number of CM, the enterocytes expand the size of the CM particles. Lastly, the number and TG content of VLDL particles synthesized and secreted by the small intestine also seems to remain relatively constant during fasting and active lipid absorption.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of intraileal nutrients on human pancreatic secretion and gastrointestinal motility were investigated using oroileal multilumen tube for ileal perfusion, duodenal juice aspiration and intestinal motility recording.
Abstract: To study the effects of intraileal nutrients on human pancreatic secretion and gastrointestinal motility, nine healthy subjects were intubated with an oroileal multilumen tube for ileal perfusion, duodenal juice aspiration, and intestinal motility recording. The duodenum was perfused continuously with essential amino acids to induce submaximal stimulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion and fed motility pattern. Additional ileal perfusion with carbohydrate at quantities similar to those observed under physiological late postprandial conditions or fat at isocaloric loads significantly decreased pancreatic enzyme outputs by greater than 80% (P less than 0.001) compared with saline. Ileal carbohydrate or fat induced a duodenal motor activity front that migrated distally and was followed by reduced motility. In summary, ileal delivery of small quantities of nutrient markedly decreased endogenously stimulated pancreatic enzyme secretion in humans. This was associated with specific changes in fed intestinal motility that converted to patterns characteristic of the interdigestive state. Our findings suggest that the distal small intestine may participate in the late postprandial regulation of gastrointestinal function in humans.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the subcardiac region of the stomach is primarily responsible for triggering TLESR induced by distension and that the effect on background LES pressure depends on the region distended.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to localize the region of the stomach responsible for triggering distension-induced transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR). The canine stomach was partiti...
TL;DR: The integration of growth and the acute-phase response is investigated by comparing the mRNA levels in rat liver during acute inflammation with those after partial hepatectomy and Ornithine transcarbamylase mRNA levels are found to exhibit negative acute- phase regulation.
Abstract: The integration of growth and the acute-phase response is investigated by comparing the mRNA levels in rat liver during acute inflammation with those after partial hepatectomy. Northern analysis is carried out for the mRNAs for thiostatin, alpha 2-macroglobulin, alpha 1-antitrypsin, inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor subunit 1, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, vitamin D-binding protein, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, beta-fibrinogen, apolipoproteins A-IV and E, albumin, transthyretin, alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein, retinol-binding protein, beta-tubulin, c-myc protooncogene, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, ornithine transcarbamylase, and alcohol dehydrogenase. The acute-phase response dominates during the first 18 h. Changes in mRNA levels related to growth of the liver become important thereafter, and the capacity for an acute-phase response of plasma protein synthesis becomes greatly reduced. The early increase in the level of ceruloplasmin mRNA observed during inflammation is abolished during regeneration, and that of vitamin D-binding protein mRNA is converted into a decrease. The mRNAs levels of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase increase, and those for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase decrease during regeneration. Ornithine transcarbamylase mRNA levels are found to exhibit negative acute-phase regulation. The pattern of transcriptional regulation is similar during inflammation and regeneration.
TL;DR: Data indicate that the increased microvascular permeability induced by PAF can be attenuated when leukocyte adherence to microv vascular endothelium is reduced using molecules that either bind to CD18 adhesive glycoproteins or scavenge superoxide.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess whether superoxide and leukocyte adhesion glycoproteins (CD18) mediate the leukocyte adherence to mesenteric microvessels and increased intestinal microvascular permeability induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF). PAF was infused into the arterial supply of an isolated autoperfused segment of cat intestine. Thirty minutes into the infusion, the number of adherent leukocytes within mesenteric venules was measured. This was followed by intravenous administration of either human recombinant superoxide dismutase (hSOD), hydrogen peroxide-inactivated hSOD, or a monoclonal antibody against the leukocyte adhesion molecule CD18 (MoAb IB4), and 30 min later, adherence measurements were repeated. hSOD and MoAb IB4 produced a 30 and 66% decrease, respectively, in leukocyte adherence, whereas inactivated hSOD had no effect. Adherence of PAF-activated cat neutrophils to plastic was reduced only by MoAb IB4, suggesting that PAF-induced leukocyte adherence is mediated by both CD18 and superoxide and that endothelium is necessary for the superoxide-mediated adhesion. In a correlate study, hSOD and MoAb IB4 were shown to attenuate the PAF-induced increase in microvascular permeability by 40 and 70%, respectively. These data indicate that the increased microvascular permeability induced by PAF can be attenuated when leukocyte adherence to microvascular endothelium is reduced using molecules that either bind to CD18 adhesive glycoproteins or scavenge superoxide.
TL;DR: CCK release in the rat does not appear to be modulated by central vagal pathways, and is stimulated by dietary protein or fatty acid and by gastrin-releasing peptide and inhibited by somatostatin and bethanechol.
Abstract: Regulation of cholecystokinin (CCK) secretion was studied in conscious unrestrained rats by simultaneous duodenal perfusion with foodstuffs, intravenous infusion of hormones or neural agents, and arterial blood sampling for CCK bioassay. Duodenal infusion of casein resulted in elevation of plasma CCK from fasting level of 0.5 +/- 0.1 to 3.8 +/- 0.4 pM. Casein hydrolysate, calcium, and glucose did not elevate plasma CCK. Infusion of intact fat had a small, but nonsignificant, effect (1.4 +/- 0.4 pM), whereas infusion of oleate increased plasma CCK to 3.7 +/- 0.6 pM. Thus intact protein and fatty acids are the major dietary intestinal stimuli for CCK release in the rat. The CCK response to protein could be inhibited by somatostatin but not by peptide YY (0.2, 2, or 20 micrograms.kg-1.h-1); intravenous infusion of 1 or 10 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 somatostatin decreased casein-stimulated CCK levels to 1.5 +/- 0.2 and 0.9 +/- 0.3 pM, respectively. Stimulation of vagal discharge with 2-deoxy-D-glucose had no effect on basal or protein-stimulated plasma CCK levels; thus CCK release in the rat does not appear to be modulated by central vagal pathways. Gastrin-releasing peptide increased fasting plasma CCK levels to 1.6 +/- 0.1 pM. Administration of the cholinergic agonist bethanechol, while having no effect on fasting CCK level, inhibited protein-stimulated plasma CCK from 3.9 +/- 0.6 to 1.3 +/- 0.3 pM. Cholinergic blockade with atropine, in contrast, had no effect on basal or protein-stimulated plasma CCK. Thus CCK release is stimulated by dietary protein or fatty acid and by gastrin-releasing peptide and inhibited by somatostatin and bethanechol.
TL;DR: It is suggested that erythromycin has multiple motor effects on the stomach and small intestine, including biphasic effect on MMC cycle length, initiating premature MMCs at low doses and prolonging their cycle length at higher doses.
Abstract: We studied the small intestinal motor effects of oral and intravenous (iv) erythromycin in 10 conscious dogs. After control recordings with placebo, oral or iv erythromycin was given at 40% of the migrating motor complex (MMC) cycle. Recordings were made after administration until normal contractile activity had returned or 12 h postdrug administration. Low doses initiated a premature MMC. High doses, however, prolonged the MMC cycle length. Erythromycin reduced the MMC propagation velocity at all doses. Both oral and iv erythromycin induced amyogenesia. During this pattern, electrical control activity was obliterated in the proximal and destabilized in the distal small intestine. Erythromycin also increased the incidence of retrograde giant contractions (RGCs) and vomiting. These effects occurred within the first 2 h after oral and within the first 30 min after iv administration. The incidence of giant migrating contractions (GMCs) increased significantly from 5 to 12 h but not from 0 to 5 h after administration. The distance of origination of GMCs from the ileocolonic junction was significantly increased from 5 to 12 h. The amplitude ratio, duration, and velocity of migration of GMCs induced after erythromycin were similar to control values. Clusters of coordinated antral and duodenal contractions also occurred early after administration. Our findings suggest that erythromycin has multiple motor effects on the stomach and small intestine. Diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and vomiting associated with erythromycin may be related to increased incidence of GMCs and RGCs. Erythromycin has a biphasic effect on MMC cycle length, initiating premature MMCs at low doses and prolonging their cycle length at higher doses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
TL;DR: A modified solid-state transducer that measures pressures over 360 degrees was tested and no differences were seen in timing sequences, UES resting pressure, nadir of UES relaxation, and pharyngeal contraction pressures.
Abstract: Manometric studies of pharyngeal-upper esophageal sphincter (UES) coordination during swallowing have proven difficult. Asymmetry of the UES makes pressure measurements with a single, unoriented transducer suspect. Perfused systems lack the necessary response rate for measuring peak pharyngeal contraction pressures. Precise quantification of the coordination of pharyngeal contractions and UES relaxations during swallowing is difficult because of rapid pressure changes. We tested a modified solid-state transducer that measures pressures over 360 degrees. This transducer was placed in the proximal UES with a second, single transducer 5 cm proximal. Data were collected and analyzed with an Apple IIe microcomputer. A computer program was developed to measure nine timing sequences, UES resting pressure, nadir of UES relaxation, and pharyngeal contraction pressures. We studied 21 volunteers with six swallows each for dry, 5, 10, and 20 ml of water. Dry swallows differed significantly (P less than 0.05) from wet (5 ml). All timing sequences became progressively longer with increasing bolus size. Residual pressures were unchanged. Timing sequences were also measured for wet (5 ml) and dry swallows in seven volunteers using a Dent sleeve and single perfused orifice in the UES; no differences were seen.
TL;DR: In the presence of Glc, creatinine and mannitol are absorbed passively by solvent drag between absorptive cells, as found previously in anesthetized rats and may account for the capacity of human intestines to absorb large amounts of GlC during prolonged exercise, Glc tolerance tests, or oral Glc-saline therapy for dehydration.
Abstract: Mice, rats, or rabbits were provided with a liquid diet of 10-12% glucose (Glc), 0.5-1% creatinine, 1-2% mannitol, and mannitol labeled with 3H on a terminal carbon. Average rates of ingestion of Glc were greater than maximum rates of active, carrier-mediated Glc transport reported for the intestines of these species. The discrepancy was small in mice but increased exponentially with body weight (BW). Ingestion-absorption of Glc increased exponentially with the 0.73 power of BW as expected from metabolic rate, whereas active transport, estimated from the literature, varied exponentially with the 0.50 power of BW. It is estimated that in humans the ingestion-absorption rate of Glc may be 10-20 times greater than active transport. In the presence of Glc, 50-65% of the ingested creatinine was recovered in urine compared with 75-85% recovered after intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injections. The amount of creatinine recovered in urine depended on the amount of ingested Glc, as predicted from the effects of Glc on width and permeability of absorptive cell junctions. Eighty percent or more of the 3H label on mannitol was recovered in urine or other body fluids, although most of the [3H]mannitol was oxidized to [3H]water after being absorbed intact from the intestine. It is concluded that in the presence of Glc, creatinine and mannitol (together with Glc, amino acids, and other small nutrients) are absorbed passively by solvent drag between absorptive cells, as found previously in anesthetized rats (J. R. Pappenheimer and K. Z. Reiss. J. Membr. Biol. 100: 123-136, 1987). The ratio of solvent drag to carrier-mediated transport increases exponentially with BW and may account for the capacity of human intestines to absorb large amounts of Glc during prolonged exercise, Glc tolerance tests, or oral Glc-saline therapy for dehydration.
TL;DR: There are several different reflex pathways by which liquid test meals act to delay gastric emptying, and the results suggest that all three test meals delay emptying by mechanisms depending at least in part on afferent neurons.
Abstract: Peptone, acid, and hyperosmolal saline delay gastric emptying in conscious gastric fistula rats. We have now studied the emptying of these solutions in animals pretreated with capsaicin to lesion small diameter primary afferents and in rats with both a gastric and duodenal cannula. In capsaicin-treated rats, hyperosmolal saline did not significantly inhibit gastric emptying, whereas the inhibitory action of acid and peptone was reversed but not abolished. In control rats, the action of peptone was inhibited by the selective cholecystokinin antagonist L364,718, but in capsaicin-treated rats, L364,718 enhanced the action of peptone in delaying gastric emptying. In rats with a duodenal cannula approximately 5 cm from the pylorus, intragastric peptone or hyperosmolal solutions only delayed emptying when the duodenal cannula was closed; in contrast, intragastric acid inhibited gastric emptying when the duodenal cannula was open or closed. The results suggest 1) that all three test meals delay emptying by mechanisms depending at least in part on afferent neurons; 2) peptone delays emptying by at least two mechanisms: one is mediated by cholecystokinin A-type receptors and afferent neurons, and the other requires neither these receptors nor small diameter afferents; and 3) acid, but not peptone or hyperosmolal saline, regulates emptying by an action localized to the stomach or proximal duodenum. The results suggest that there are several different reflex pathways by which liquid test meals act to delay gastric emptying.
TL;DR: Results indicate that 5 micrograms/ml mucosal toxin A induces substantial alteration in epithelial permeability and in structure of absorptive cells in guinea pig ileum in the absence of recruited neutrophils and blood flow.
Abstract: Mucosal sheets of guinea pig ileum mounted in Ussing chambers were used to determine effects of highly purified Clostridium difficile toxin A on intestinal structure and barrier function in the absence of recruited neutrophils and blood flow. With the use of standard electrophysiological and morphological techniques, our results indicate that 5 micrograms/ml mucosal toxin A induces substantial alteration in epithelial permeability and in structure of absorptive cells. Transepithelial fluxes of mannitol (3.6 A) and inulin (11.5 A) increased 20-80 min after toxin A exposure (63 +/- 13 vs. 149 +/- 14 and 2.33 +/- 0.43 vs. 7.03 +/- 1.0 nmol.cm-2.h-1 for mannitol and inulin; controls vs. toxin exposed, respectively, both P less than 0.01). Toxin A exposure diminished short-circuit current (153 +/- 8 vs. 77 +/- 6 microA/cm2 for control and toxin exposed, respectively, P less than 0.001), decreased transepithelial electrical resistance (61.6 +/- 3 vs. 50.1 +/- 3.9 omega.cm2 for control and toxin exposed, respectively, P less than 0.05), increased passive permeation of Na+ (19.1 +/- 0.9 vs. 27.4 +/- 0.9 mumol.cm-2.h-1 for control and toxin exposed, respectively), and induced a Cl- secretory response (net flux 3.65 +/- 3.0 vs. -4.62 +/- 2.6 mumol.cm-2.h-1, for control and toxin exposed, respectively, P less than 0.05) over the 2-h experimental time course. Toxin A-induced structural alterations of villus tip absorptive cells were strikingly similar to those induced by the actin-binding agent cytochalasin D. Specifically, cells displayed constricted subjunctional zones, flared microvillus brush borders, condensation of microfilaments in the zone of the perijunctional actomyosin ring, and breakdown of intercellular tight junctions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
TL;DR: There is an active contraction at the esophagogastric junction during periods of increased intra-abdominal pressure and tonic contraction of the crural diaphragm is a mechanism for this LES pressure response.
Abstract: We studied the effects of increased intra-abdominal pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in 15 healthy subjects. The role of the diaphragm in the genesis of LES pressure during increased intra-abdominal pressure was determined by measuring diaphragm electromyogram (EMG). The latter was recorded using bipolar intraesophageal platinum electrodes that were placed on the nonpressure sensing surface of the sleeve device. We also measured the LES pressure response to increased intra-abdominal pressure during inhibition of the smooth muscles of the LES by intravenous atropine (12 micrograms/kg). Straight-leg raising and abdominal compression were used to increase intra-abdominal pressure. Our results show that the increase in LES pressure during straight-leg raising is greater than the increase in gastric pressure. During abdominal compression, the rate of LES pressure increase is faster than that of the gastric pressure, suggesting an active contraction at the esophagogastric junction. The increase in LES pressure during periods of increased intra-abdominal pressure is associated with a tonic contraction of the crural diaphragm as demonstrated by EMG recording. Atropine inhibited the resting LES pressure by 50-70% in each subject but had no effect either on the peak LES pressure attained during increased intra-abdominal pressure or tonic crural diaphragm EMG. We conclude that 1) there is an active contraction at the esophagogastric junction during periods of increased intra-abdominal pressure and 2) tonic contraction of the crural diaphragm is a mechanism for this LES pressure response.
TL;DR: The results of this study indicate that PAF promotes the filtration of fluid and protein across intestinal capillaries, mediated, in part, by adherent leukocyte adherence to mesenteric venular endothelium.
Abstract: Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of intestinal mucosal injury associated with endotoxemia, inflammation, allergic reactions, and ischemia-reperfusion. Although it is generally held that PAF initiates mucosal injury by enhancing transcapillary fluid and protein exchange, the effects of PAF on the intestinal microvasculature have not been defined to date. In this study we examined the influence of local intrarterial infusions of PAF (4, 20, and 40 ng/min) on intestinal transcapillary, lymphatic, and transmucosal water and protein fluxes. All of these parameters were increased by each of the concentrations of PAF. PAF caused a large rise in venous hematocrit without a corresponding increase in venous plasma protein concentration and a 14- to 37-fold increase in vascular protein flux. Local intra-arterial infusion of PAF promoted leukocyte adherence to mesenteric venular endothelium, a process that is inhibited by the monoclonal antibody, MoAb IB4. PAF-induced increments in intestinal lymph flow, venous hematocrit, and vascular protein flux were greatly attenuated in animals treated with MoAb IB4. The results of this study indicate that PAF promotes the filtration of fluid and protein across intestinal capillaries. These microvascular effects of PAF are mediated, in part, by adherent leukocytes.
TL;DR: The results indicate that NO exerts beneficial effects in SAO shock in cats and suggest that exogenously administered NO may be a potentially useful therapeutic agent in splanchnic ischemic shock, probably via a cytoprotective rather than a vasodilator effect.
Abstract: We studied the effects of nitric oxide (NO) solution and acidified sodium nitrite (NaNO2), which produces NO, in splanchnic artery occlusion (SAO) shock in cats. NO is thought to be endothelium-der...
TL;DR: Comparison of the activity of each peptide at inhibiting the ability of equipotent concentrations of BN or neuromedin B to stimulate contraction of rat esophageal muscle demonstrated that each peptides had the same relative potencies as for inhibiting binding.
Abstract: To determine whether newly described bombesin (BN) receptor antagonists distinguish subtypes of BN receptors, we investigated their abilities to interact with BN receptors on esophageal muscle or p...
TL;DR: Data indicate that CRS appears to change central nervous system output to the colon and that it alters colonic smooth muscle motility in a manner that facilitates colonic transit and evacuation.
Abstract: Increased fecal pellet output that occurs during cold-restraint stress (CRS) was evaluated systematically. Free-feeding rats, which exhibit a reduced occurrence of gastric ulcers under these conditions, were studied. CRS significantly increased fecal pellet production and fluid content. However, the fecal output produced during CRS was not associated with increased gut secretory activity or somatic motor activity associated with cold restraint and did not occur in anesthetized animals. Cold and restraint stress were additive in producing increased fecal output. Significant dose-related decreases in fecal output were produced by drugs that decrease gut transit (i.e., B-HT 920, clonidine, Lomotil, loperamide, and lidamidine). Anticholinergic-antisecretory drugs, antidepressants, and tranquilizers had little effect on fecal output or fluid content. Changes in gastrointestinal transit did not contribute to the increased fecal output during CRS. Transit in the lower small intestine was not altered, but the cecum tended to empty more contents into the large intestine during CRS. Colonic transit was dramatically affected by CRS, which eliminated retrograde transit and produced the evacuation of the majority of colonic contents. The increased colonic transit produced by CRS was decreased in a dose-related fashion by hexamethonium, nifedipine, loperamide, and B-HT 920. In several time-response and drug-inhibition studies during CRS, both fecal pellet output and colonic transit were affected similarly. These data indicate that CRS appears to change central nervous system output to the colon and that it alters colonic smooth muscle motility in a manner that facilitates colonic transit and evacuation. Small intestinal transit is not involved in this phenomenon and is regulated differently during CRS.
TL;DR: Data indicate that excitatory and inhibitory control of LES and intragastric pressure are mediated by vagal efferent neurons located in two distinct sites in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus.
Abstract: Our purpose was to determine the central vagal sites for regulating changes in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in the cat. Injection of the retrograde tracer, horseradish peroxidase, into...
TL;DR: The results show that the perfused rat liver can be used to measure O2-.
Abstract: A simple method is described to monitor the superoxide dismutase (SOD)-inhibitable production of superoxide anion (O2-.) in the liver. The isolated rat liver was perfused in situ with ferricytochrome c, and the reduction of this substrate during perfusion was determined. Within 30 s after the introduction of the substrate, significant reduction of ferricytochrome c was observed and stabilized at 2-4 min. A marked reduction of the substrate was observed in the livers of rats that received Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg/kg) in vivo 3 h before liver perfusion. Ferricytochrome c reduction was inhibited by SOD, but not significantly with allopurinol or deferoxamine mesylate in the livers of LPS-treated rats. Control livers exhibited only a small reduction of the substrate, and this was not significantly inhibited by SOD. After in vivo LPS administration, O2-. production peaked in the liver at 3 h (6.6 nmol/min) and returned toward normal at 6 h (1 nmol/min) after endotoxin. The amount of O2-. generated by the endotoxic livers was dose related. At 3 h post-LPS, neutrophil infiltration and necrotic areas were found in the histological sections of the liver with concomitant elevation of serum aminotransferases, indicating hepatic abnormalities during the early stage of endotoxemia. Phorbol myristate acetate in the perfusion system markedly enhanced O2-. generation in the endotoxic liver. These results show that the perfused rat liver can be used to measure O2-. generation following in vivo stimuli. The data also demonstrate that O2-. release after LPS treatment in vivo is a short and early event and may have an important role in hepatic injury in endotoxemic conditions.
TL;DR: Results are consistent with the hypothesis that a reduced sensitivity to NE can contribute to systemic vasodilation in portal hypertension and suggest that hyperglucagonism can play a key role in its pathogenesis.
Abstract: This study examined whether hyperglucagonism may promote an altered sensitivity to norepinephrine (NE) and contribute to systemic vasodilation in rats with portal hypertension due to portal vein stenosis. Three groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied, portal hypertensive, normal controls, and hyperglucagonemic controls. Systemic vascular reactivity was studied by constructing dose-response curves of systemic vascular resistance (SVR) during infusions of increasing doses of NE and calculating NE ED50, the dose of NE that caused 50% of the maximal increase in SVR. Measurement of SVR was based on simultaneous measurements of arterial pressure and cardiac output (CO). Repeated measurements of CO were performed by indicator dilution curves of indocyanine green by means of a fiber-optic catheter placed in the carotid artery. Portal hypertensive rats had a decreased systemic sensitivity to NE, shown by a significant increase in NE ED50 compared with normal controls (60 +/- 8 micrograms vs. 25 +/- 3 micrograms; P less than 0.001). Glucagon levels were markedly increased in the portal hypertensive group (332 +/- 51 pg/ml vs. 176 +/- 22 pg/ml in controls; P less than 0.005). Glucagon infusion in normal rats achieved levels similar to those observed in portal hypertension (305 +/- 48 pg/ml; NS). Systemic vascular sensitivity to NE was also impaired in these hyperglucagonemic normal animals, as shown by an abnormal NE ED50 (69 +/- 16 micrograms; P less than 0.001 vs. controls) that was almost identical to that observed in portal hypertension. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that a reduced sensitivity to NE can contribute to systemic vasodilation in portal hypertension and suggest that hyperglucagonism can play a key role in its pathogenesis.