Abstract
Tapeworms alter the physiological environment of the host's small intestinal lumen by contracting the intestinal smooth muscle, thereby slowing the transit of intestinal contents. We hypothesize that parasite-to-host molecular signaling is responsible for the specific patterns of small intestinal smooth muscle contraction observed both during tapeworm infection and after the infusion of tapeworm-secreted molecules into the intestinal lumen of unanesthetized rats. Of the tapeworm-secreted compounds tested, only lumenal infusion of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) induced contractile patterns that mimic those observed during tapeworm infection. The response to cGMP occurred in a concentration-dependent fashion. Our study clearly demonstrates that cGMP can serve as an extracellular signal molecule regulating small intestinal motility mechanisms in vivo.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
