Lubiprostone stimulates small intestinal mucin release

Robert C De Lisle

doi:10.1186/1471-230x-12-156

Abstract

BackgroundLubiprostone is a synthetic bicyclic fatty acid derivative of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) used for chronic constipation. The best known action of lubiprostone is simulation of Cl- dependent fluid secretion. In a mouse model of the genetic disease cystic fibrosis, we previously showed that in vivo administration of lubiprostone resulted in greater mucus accumulation in the small intestine. The aim of this study was to directly test whether lubiprostone stimulates intestinal mucin release.MethodsMucin release was measured by mounting segments (4-5 cm) of mouse proximal-mid small intestine in an organ bath, allowing access to the perfusate (luminal) and the bath (serosal) solutions. Nifedipine (10-6 M) and indomethacin (10-5 M) were included in all solutions to inhibit smooth muscle activity and endogenous prostaglandin production, respectively. The tissue was equilibrated under flow for 30 min, using the perfusate collected during the final 10 min of the equilibration period to measure unstimulated release rate. Stimulus was then added to either the perfusate or the bath and the perfusate was collected for another 30 min to measure the stimulated mucin release rate. Mucin in perfusates was quantified by periodic acid-Schiff's base dot-blot assay, using purified pig gastric mucin as a standard.ResultsWhen applied luminally at 1 μM lubiprostone was ineffective at stimulating mucin release. When added to the serosal solution, 1 μM lubiprostone stimulated mucin release to ~300% of the unstimulated rate. As a positive control, serosal 1 μM prostaglandin E2 increased mucin release to ~400% of the unstimulated rate.ConclusionsThese results support the idea that lubiprostone has prostaglandin-like actions on the intestine, which includes stimulation of mucin release. Stimulation of mucin release by lubiprostone may be protective in gastrointestinal conditions where loss of mucus is believed to contribute to pathogenesis. Thus, in addition to chronic constipation, there is greater potential for the therapeutic applications of lubiprostone.

Highlights

Lubiprostone is a synthetic bicyclic fatty acid derivative of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) used for chronic constipation
Recent work suggests that lubiprostone may act in a prostaglandin-like manner to stimulate cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dependent Cl- and fluid secretion [2]
The results of this study support the idea that lubiprostone has prostaglandin-like actions on the intestine, which includes stimulation of mucin release

Summary

Introduction

Lubiprostone is a synthetic bicyclic fatty acid derivative of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) used for chronic constipation. The best known action of lubiprostone is simulation of Cl- dependent fluid secretion. In a mouse model of the genetic disease cystic fibrosis, we previously showed that in vivo administration of lubiprostone resulted in greater mucus accumulation in the small intestine. Lubiprostone is a synthetic bicyclic fatty acid derivative of prostaglandin E1 used for chronic constipation. Recent work suggests that lubiprostone may act in a prostaglandin-like manner to stimulate cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dependent Cl- and fluid secretion [2]. Because lubiprostone can stimulate Cl- secretion, we had previously investigated its use as a therapy for CF by testing its effects in a mouse model of CF, a Cftr knockout [3]

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