Effects of methionine-enkephalin on intestinal circulation and oxygen consumption.

Abstract

AbstractThe effects of intra-arterial administration of Met-enkephalin upon intestinal blood flow, oxygen consumption, intestinal motor activity, and distribution of blood flow to the compartments of the gut wall were measured in anesthetized dogs before and after blockade of opiate receptors with naloxone. Blood flow to a segment of distal ileum was measured with an electromagnetic blood flow meter and intestinal oxygen extraction was measured spectrophotometrically. Oxygen uptake was calculated as the product of oxygen extraction and total blood flow. Changes in blood flow distribution were estimated from the distribution of radiolabeled microspheres. Motor activity was monitored from changes in intraluminal pressure. In dogs prior to blockade of opiate receptors, Met-enkephalin induced a dose-related increase in mesenteric blood flow, oxygen extraction and consumption, and intestinal motor activity. A significant increase in blood flow to the muscularis was also observed. The intestinal vasodilator, me...