Abstract
Post operative ileus (POI) is a common and serious complication of colic surgery in the horse. There is a high correlation between the incidence of POI and the presence of ischaemic bowel, suggesting a role for endotoxin. 0.1 micrograms/kg endotoxin was administered intravenously to six ponies with chronically implanted gastrointestinal electromechanical recording devices. It produced profound disruption of normal fasting bowel motility patterns, with an inhibition of gastric contraction amplitude and rate, left dorsal colon contraction product and small colon spike rate. In the small intestine an increase in abnormally arranged regular activity and a decrease in irregular activity was observed. There was no significant prolongation in stomach to anus transit time as assessed by the passage of plastic spheres. The bowel motility patterns induced by endotoxin could be mimicked by the intravenous infusion of PGE2 and less potently by PGI2 (prostacyclin), but not by PGF2 alpha. This study provides evidence that systematic endotoxin present in clinical cases of colic may play a role in the pathogenesis of equine ileus. The acute effects of endotoxin on bowel motility appear to be mediated indirectly by prostaglandins, and the inhibitory effects may be mediated mainly by PGE2.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.