Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Gastrointestinal disorders are frequently reported in patients with Parkinson’s disease whose disorders reduce the absorption of nutrients and drugs, worsening the clinical condition of patients. However, the mechanisms involved in modifying gastrointestinal pathophysiology have not yet been fully explained. Aim: To evaluate its effects on gastrointestinal motility and the involvement of the vagal and splanchnic pathways. Methods: Male Wistar rats (250-300 g, n = 84) were used and divided into two groups. Group I (6-OHDA) received an intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (21 µg/animal). Group II (control) received a saline solution (NaCl, 0.9%) under the same conditions. The study of gastric emptying, intestinal transit, gastric compliance and operations (vagotomy and splanchnotomy) were performed 14 days after inducing neurodegeneration. Test meal (phenol red 5% glucose) was used to assess the rate of gastric emptying and intestinal transit. Results: Parkinson’s disease delayed gastric emptying and intestinal transit at all time periods studied; however, changes in gastric compliance were not observed. The delay in gastric emptying was reversed by pretreatment with vagotomy and splanchnotomy+celiac gangliectomy, thus suggesting the involvement of such pathways in the observed motor disorders. Conclusion: Parkinson’s disease compromises gastric emptying, as well as intestinal transit, but does not alter gastric compliance. The delay in gastric emptying was reversed by truncal vagotomy, splanchnotomy and celiac ganglionectomy, suggesting the involvement of such pathways in delaying gastric emptying.
Highlights
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the world, affecting 1% of the population over 55 years old[16]
The neurodegeneration induced by unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6OHDA) in animals is one of the most used, capable of providing important information to clarify the understanding regarding the pathophysiology of the disease, enabling the development of new therapeutic strategies[5]
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of PD on gastrointestinal motility and the involvement of vagal and splanchnic pathways on rats
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the world, affecting 1% of the population over 55 years old[16]. Estimates demonstrate that it could affect more than 10 million worldwide by 203010. Reduction in the rate of gastrointestinal emptying affects the absorption of levodopa, causing fluctuations in motor symptoms, reducing the quality of life for patients[8]. Studies conducted with animal models suggest that delayed gastrointestinal emptying may be associated with an impairment of the vagal and splanchnic pathways. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of PD on gastrointestinal motility and the involvement of vagal and splanchnic pathways on rats
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