Gastrointestinal Motility In Rats Research Articles

Slowed gastrointestinal transit is associated with an altered caecal microbiota in an aged rat model.

Gastrointestinal (GI) motility is largely dependent upon activity within the enteric nervous system (ENS) and is an important part of the digestive process. Dysfunction of the ENS can impair GI motility as is seen in the case of constipation where gut transit time is prolonged. Animal models mimicking symptoms of constipation have been developed by way of pharmacological manipulations. Studies have reported an association between altered GI motility and gut microbial population. Little is known about the changes in gut microbiota profile resulting specifically from pharmacologically induced slowed GI motility in rats. Moreover, the relationship between gut microbiota and altered intestinal motility is based on studies using faecal samples, which are easier to obtain but do not accurately reflect the intestinal microbiome. The aim of this study was to examine how delayed GI transit due to opioid receptor agonism in the ENS modifies caecal microbiota composition. Differences in caecal microbial composition of loperamide-treated or control male Sprague Dawley rats were determined by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results revealed that significant differences were observed at both genus and family level between treatment groups. Bacteroides were relatively abundant in the loperamide-induced slowed GI transit group, compared to controls. Richness and diversity of the bacterial communities was significantly lower in the loperamide-treated group compared to the control group. Understanding the link between specific microbial species and varying transit times is crucial to design interventions targeting the microbiome and to treat intestinal motility disorders.

Effects of Electroacupuncture on Gastrointestinal Motility Function, Pain, and Inflammation via Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 in a Rat Model after Colonic Anastomoses.

Background Complications after colon surgery are a major obstacle to postoperative recovery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST36) on gastrointestinal motility in rats after colonic anastomosis and the mechanism of transient receptor potential vanillin 1 (TRPV1) channel in regulating gastrointestinal motility, pain, and inflammation. Methods The rats were randomly divided into six groups, including the control, model, EA, sham-EA, capsaicin, and capsaicin+EA groups, with preoperative capsaicin pretreatment and EA treatment at ST36 acupoint after surgery. Rats were treated using EA at ST36 or sham acupoints after surgery for 5 days. Capsaicin was intraperitoneally injected into rats 3 hours before surgery. Gastrointestinal motility was assessed by measuring the gastric residue, small intestinal propulsion in vivo, contractile tension, and frequency of isolated muscle strips in vitro. The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of abdominal incision skin and spontaneous nociceptive scores were observed and recorded in rats after colon anastomosis. The expressions of TRPV1, substance P (SP), neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), interleukin- (IL-) 6, L-1β, and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α were determined. Results Compared with the model group, electroacupuncture at ST36 point could significantly reduce the residual rate of stomach in rats after operation and increase the propulsive force of the small intestine and the contraction tension of the isolated smooth muscle. Electroacupuncture also increased postoperative day 3 MWT values and decreased postoperative spontaneous nociception scores. In addition, electroacupuncture treatment downregulated the expressions of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, TRPV1, NF-κB, SP, and NK1 receptors in the colon tissue of rats after colonic anastomosis. Conclusions Our study showed that electroacupuncture at ST36 acupoint could improve gastrointestinal motility in rats after colonic anastomosis and relieve intestinal inflammation and pain. The mechanism may be to inhibit the activation of NF-κB and SP/NK1 receptor signaling pathways by inhibiting TRPV1.

Effect of electroacupuncture on gastrointestinal motility in rats with slow transit constipation based on GDNF methylation modification

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Tianshu"(ST25) and "Dachangshu"(BL25) on the intestinal transit function， expression level of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and methylation level of GDNF gene promoter region in colon tissue of rats with slow transit constipation (STC)， so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of STC. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into control， saline， model and EA groups (n=16 in each group). The STC model was replicated by gavage of compound diphenoxylate suspension (10 mL· kg-1· d-1) for 28 days. Rats of the saline group received the same dose of normal saline via gavage. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz， 0.1-1 mA) was applied to bila-teral ST25 and BL25 for 15 min， once daily for 14 days. The intestinal transmission function (the intestinal propulsion rate) was assessed by recording the first black grain stool discharge time and the number and weight of the discharged stool grains in 30 min after gavage of the activated carbon suspension (1 mL/100 g， 150 g/L). The score of fecal trait and the weight of stool within 24 h were recorded. The ultrastructural changes of Cajal interstitial cells in the colon tissue were observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of GDNF protein and mRNA in the colon tissue were detected by using Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR， separately， and changes of methylation level in the promoter region of GDNF gene detected by using Bisulfite sequencing method. Compared with the control group， the time of the 1st black stool grain discharging was obviously prolonged， and the number and weight of the discharged black stool grains were significantly decreased in the mo-del group (P<0.05)， suggesting a success of STC. The weight and trait score of stool in 24 h， intestinal propulsive rate， and the expression levels of GDNF protein and mRNA were significantly lower in the model group than in the control group (P<0.01， P<0.05). After EA， the weight and trait score of stool within 24 h， intestinal propulsive rate，and the expression levels of GDNF protein and mRNA were significantly increased in the EA group in contrast to the model group (P<0.01，P<0.05). The total CpGs methylation level of GDNF gene in colon tissue was considerably higher in the model group than in the control group (P<0.05)， and markedly lower in the EA group than in the model group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the control and saline groups in all the above-mentioned indexes (P>0.05). EA of back-shu and front-mu acupoints can effectively improve symptoms of constipation and intestinal transport function in STC rats， which may be related to its function in up-regulating the expression of GDNF and down-regulating the methylation level in the promoter region of GDNF gene in colon tissue.

Impacts of electroacupuncture at auricular concha on gastrointestinal motility in the rats with type 2 diabetes

ObjectiveTo observe the impacts of electroacupuncture (EA) at auricular concha on gastrointestinal motility in the rats with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MethodsA total of 30 SD male rats were collected. 8 rats of them were in a control group and the rest 22 rats were prepared as the model of T2D by intraperitoneal injection with streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat forage. Blood glucose ≥ 16.7 mmol/L for 3 times was considered as modeling success in rats, thus the rats were collected in a T2D group (n = 16). These 16 T2D rats were divided into a model group (n = 8) and an intradermal auricular electroacupuncture stimulation (iaES) group (n = 8) according to random number table. In the iaES group, intervention with EA was applied at auricular concha unilaterally each time, once daily, on both sides alternatively, 5-day treatment as 1 course, at the interval of 2 days between courses, totally for 4 weeks. No any intervention was given in the model group and the control group. At the end of 4 weeks of intervention, the gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion were determined, ELISA method was adopted to determine gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL), and random blood glucose value and food intake were recorded in the iaES group, the model group and the control group successively. ResultsAfter modeling, as compared with the control group, the food intake and random blood glucose were increased significantly (both P < 0.001) and body weight was reduced obviously (P < 0.01) in the T2D group. After intervention for 4 weeks, compared with the model group, the food intake and gastric content weight were obviously reduced (both P < 0.05), the serum GAS content, gastric emptying and intestinal transit rate, as well as random blood glucose reduction were all higher (all P < 0.05) in the rats of the iaES group, but the difference was not significant in MTL between the iaES groups and the model group (P > 0.05). ConclusionElectroacupuncture at auricular concha improves gastrointestinal motility in T2D model rats.

The effect of microbial composition and proteomic on improvement of functional constipation by Chrysanthemum morifolium polysaccharide

In this paper, SD rat constipation model was established with loperamide hydrochloride to study the effect of Chrysanthemum morifolium polysaccharide on the improvement of functional constipation, and the mechanism of improving constipation was investigated with the proteomics and intestinal flora. The results showed that the HD group of C. morifolium polysaccharide could significantly increase the levels of water content of stool pellets, small intestine propulsion rate, gastrin (MTL), gastrin (GAS) and substance P (SP), decrease the level of growth inhibitor (SS) and improved gastrointestinal motility in rats. Gut microbial studies showed that C. morifolium polysaccharide could significantly increase species abundance and flora diversity and improve flora structure. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Romboutsia increased, while the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Roseburia decreased compared with the MC group. Proteomics studies suggested that C. morifolium polysaccharides could reduce intestinal lesions, enhance intestinal homeostasis, increase amino acid uptake, promote intestinal motility and relieve constipation by regulating the expression of RAS, FABP1 and SLC1A5 proteins.

Tachykinin antagonists ameliorate surgically induced impairment of gastrointestinal motility in rats.

The protective effects of tachykinin receptor antagonists: SR140333 (NK1 receptor), SR48968 (NK2 receptor), and SB222200 (NK3 receptor) were tested in rats against a surgically induced postoperative inhibition of gut motility, a common complication of abdominal surgery. The small intestinal transit of Evans blue was measured 24-h post-surgery in untreated rats and animals subjected to skin incision, laparotomy, or laparotomy followed by gut evisceration and manipulation. Surgical procedures were conducted under diethyl ether anesthesia. In comparison to untreated and ether-anesthetized rats, animals undergoing skin incision, laparotomy, or laparotomy with gut evisceration and manipulation showed a significant decrease in the intestinal transit of Evans blue. The pretreatment with NK1 (3-100µg/kg), NK2 (3-30µg/kg), and NK3 (10-300µg/kg) blockers before surgery ameliorated the inhibitory effects of gut manipulation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the submaximal and maximal doses of NK3 antagonists showed a trend toward reversing not only the inhibition caused by gut manipulation but also laparotomy. An additive effect of combining submaximal doses of NK1-3 blockers was observed in animals pretreated with NK1 +NK2 compared to single-agent NK1 and NK2 . Additionally, doublets: NK1 +NK3 or NK2 +NK3 and a triplet: NK1 +NK2 +NK3 proved to be more effective than NK2 antagonist alone. In contrast, NK1-3 blockers have not markedly affected the intestinal propulsion in untreated rats or animals subjected to skin incision or laparotomy. NK1-3 blockers ameliorated the suppressed small-bowel gut motility 24 post-surgery. Combined pretreatment with NK1-3 antagonists provided selective, additive benefits compared to single agents.

Exogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Within the Nucleus Ambiguus Inhibits Gastrointestinal Motility in Rats.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a neuromodulator in the central nervous system. However, the physiological role of H2S in the nucleus ambiguus (NA) has rarely been reported. This research aimed to elucidate the role of H2S in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility in rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS; 4 and 8 nmol) groups, physiological saline (PS) group, capsazepine (10 pmol) + NaHS (4 nmol) group, L703606 (4 nmol) + NaHS (4 nmol) group, and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC, 4 nmol) + NaHS (4 nmol) group. Gastrointestinal motility curves before and after the injection were recorded using a latex balloon attached with a pressure transducer, which was introduced into the pylorus through gastric fundus. The results demonstrated that NaHS (4 and 8 nmol), an exogenous H2S donor, remarkably suppressed gastrointestinal motility in the NA of rats (P < 0.01). The suppressive effect of NaHS on gastrointestinal motility could be prevented by capsazepine, a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist, and PDTC, a NF-κB inhibitor. However, the same amount of PS did not induce significant changes in gastrointestinal motility (P > 0.05). Our findings indicate that NaHS within the NA can remarkably suppress gastrointestinal motility in rats, possibly through TRPV1 channels and NF-κB-dependent mechanism.

Win 55,212-2, atenolol and subdiaphragmatic vagotomy prevent acceleration of gastric emptying induced by cachexia via Yoshida-AH-130 cells in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cachexia induced by AH-130 cells on gastrointestinal motility in rats. We evaluated food intake, body weight variation, cachexia index, gastric emptying and in vitro gastric responsiveness of control or cachexia rats. In addition, we evaluated the effect of pretreatment with atenolol (20 mg/kg, p.o.), win 55,212-2 (2 mg/kg, s.c.) or subdiaphragmatic vagotomy on the effects found. Atenolol prevented (P < 0.05) the acceleration of gastric emptying (area under the curve, AUC, 20360.17 ± 1970.9 vs. 12579.2 ± 785.4 μg/min/ml), and increased gastric responsiveness to carbachol (CCh) stimulation in cachectic rats compared to control groups (CCh-6M: 63.2 ± 5.5% vs. 46.5 ± 5.7%). Vagotomy prevented (P < 0.05) increase in gastric emptying acceleration (AUC 20360.17 ± 1970.9 vs. 13414.0 ± 1112.9 μg/min/ml) and caused greater in vitro gastric responsiveness of cachectic compared to control rats (CCh-6M: 63.2 ± 5.5% vs. 31.2 ± 4.7%). Win 55,212-2 attenuated the cachexia index (38.5 ± 2.1% vs. 25.8 ± 2.7%), as well as significantly (P < 0.05) preventing increase in gastric emptying (AUC 20360.17 ± 1970.9 vs. 10965.4 ± 1392.3 μg/min/ml) and gastric responsiveness compared to control groups (CCh-6M: 63.2 ± 5.5% vs. 38.2 ± 3.9%). Cachexia accelerated gastric emptying and increased gastric responsiveness in vitro. These phenomena were prevented by subdiaphragmatic vagotomy and by atenolol and win 55,212-2 treatments, showing vagal involvement of β1-adrenergic and cannabinoid CB1/CB2 receptors.

In vivo and in vitro effects of Salsola collina on gastrointestinal motility in rats.

Objective(s): Salsola collina is widely distributed along the Bohai coast and consumed as an edible plant by native residents. We have found surprisingly that S. collina extracts promoted gastrointestinal motility in mice previously. In the present study, effects of S. collina on gastrointestinal motility in rats and its underlying mechanism were explored.Materials and Methods: In vivo, different fraction extracts from S. collina were prepared and the effects on gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion in normal rats were measured. Plasma ghrelin (GRL), motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and expressions of GRL receptor (GHSR), MTL receptor (MTLR), VIP receptor 2 (VIPR2) in the duodenum were also detected. In vitro, gastric antrum strips were prepared and activities of different extracts on gastric smooth muscle contractions were evaluated.Results:Results showed that the ethyl acetate extract (EAE) was the most effective fraction to promote gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion, showing a dose-dependent manner. EAE increased plasma GRL and GAS, elevated GHSR expression and restrained VIPR2 expression in the duodenum. In vitro, EAE promoted contraction of normal gastric antrum strips as well as relaxed strips induced by atropine.Conclusion:These data indicate that EAE has a significant prokinetic activity via a mechanism that mainly involves in modulating plasma GRL and GAS, expressions of GSHR and VIPR2 in the duodenum and activating M-cholinergic receptor. Our study provides a pharmacological basis for the use of S. collina extract in treating gastrointestinal motility disorders.

The protective effect of endothelin receptor antagonists against surgically induced impairment of gastrointestinal motility in rats.

Endothelin (ET) receptor antagonists: BQ-123 (ETA), BQ-788 (ETB), tezosentan (dual ET receptor antagonist) protect against the development of postoperative ileus (POI) evoked by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). The current experiments explored whether ET antagonists prevent the occurrence of POI evoked by surgical gut manipulation. Intestinal transit was assessed by measuring the rate of dye migration subsequent to skin incision (SI), laparotomy (L), or laparotomy and surgical gut handling (L+M) in diethyl ether anaesthesized rats (E). Experimental animals were randomly sub-divided into two groups depending on the time of recovery following surgery: viz. either 2 or 24 h (early or late phase POI). E and SI did not affect the gastrointestinal (GI) transit. In contrast, L and L+M significantly reduced GI motility in comparison to untreated group (UN). Tezosentan (10 mg/kg), BQ-123 and BQ-788 (1 mg/kg) protected against development of L+M evoked inhibition of intestinal motility in the course of late phase, but not early phase POI. Furthermore, tezosentan alleviated the decrease in the contractile response of the longitudinal jejunal smooth muscle strips to carbachol in vitro induced by L+M. The serum ET(1–21) concentration was not increased in either the early or the late phase POI groups after surgery compared to control animals. This study indicates that delay in the intestinal transit in late phase of surgically induced POI involves an ET-dependent mechanism.

Effect of miRNA-19a on gastrointestinal motility in rats with functional dyspepsia.

The effect of microRNA (miRNA)-19a on gastrointestinal motility in rats with functional dyspepsia was investigated. Fifty adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, 10 rats in each group, one group as the normal group, one group as the model group, and the other three groups were divided into negative control group, miRNA-19a mimic group and miRNA-19a inhibitor group. All rats were intraperitoneally injected with miRNA-19a scramble, miRNA-19a mimic and miRNA-19a inhibitor. Except the normal group, the functional dyspepsia model rat was established by proper clipping tail stimulation. The gastric emptying rate, intestinal propulsive ratio, serum motilin and vasoactive intestinal peptide of rats in each group were measured. The level of miRNA-19a expression in each group was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The gastric emptying rate, intestinal propulsive ratio and serum motilin in model group were significantly lower than those in normal group, and vasoactive intestinal peptide was higher in model group than that in normal group (P<0.05). The expression of miRNA-19a in model group was significantly higher than that in normal group (P<0.05). After intraperitoneal injection of miRNA-19a mimic, the expression of miRNA-19a was increased; gastric emptying rate, intestinal propulsive ratio and serum motilin were significantly reduced in model group, and vasoactive intestinal peptide was increased (P<0.05). After intraperitoneal injection of miRNA-19a inhibitor, the expression of miRNA-19a was remarkably decreased; gastric emptying rate, intestinal propulsive ratio and serum motilin were further increased in model group, and vasoactive intestinal peptide was decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, the expression of miRNA-19a in rats with functional dyspepsia is higher than that in normal rats, and the reduced miRNA-19a expression can ameliorate the gastrointestinal motility in rats with functional dyspepsia.

Pingwei capsules improve gastrointestinal motility in rats with functional dyspepsia

OBJECTIVETo investigate the mechanism of Pingwei capsules (PWC) in improving gastrointestinal motility in rats with functional dyspepsia (FD). METHODSWe established an FD model by stimulating semi-starvation rats via tail damping, provocation, and forced exercise fatigue. The FD model group was further divided into five groups according to the treatment received: normal saline, domperidone, low-dose PWC, mid-dose PWC, or high-dose PWC. The effect of PWC on FD rat was evaluated by measuring gastrointestinal motility. Changes of leptin and cholecystokinin (CCK) were detected through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTSPWC significantly increased gastrointestinal motility in FD rats. Furthermore, PWC significantly increased CCK mRNA and protein concentrations in the duodenum and antrum, decreased leptin protein concentrations in the duodenum, antrum, and hypothalamus, and decreased CCK protein concentration in the hypothalamus. CONCLUSIONPWC improve gastrointestinal motor function in FD rats by decreasing the leptin concentration in serum and the brain-gut axis, and by increasing the CCK concentration in gastrointestinal tissue. Our findings help to elucidate the mechanism of FD and provide further insight into the pharmacokinetics of PWC.

Study on the mechanisms of electroacupuncture for promoting gastrointestinal motility in rats with diabetic gastroparesis

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST 36) on the gastrointestinal motility and the ultrastructures of pacemaker cells [the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC)] in diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) rats and explore the mechanism of EA for DGP. A total of 50 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into group A, group B, group C, group D and group E, with 10 rats in each group. Group A was the blank control; a single intraperitoneal injection of 2% streptozotocin (STZ) was performed in rats of group B, group C, group D and group E, with high glucose and high fat diet for 8 weeks to establish the DGP rat models. Group B was the model group and the rats did not receive any treatment; group C was EA at acupoint group and the rats received EA at Zusanli (ST 36), Liangmen (ST 21) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); group D was EA at non-acupoint group and the rats received EA at the control points of Zusanli (ST 36), Liangmen (ST 21) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); group E was metoclopramide group and the rats were treated by intragastric administration of metoclopramide. Blood glucose was detected using ONE TOUCH blood glucose meter; gastric emptying rate and small intestine migration rate were measured using intragastric phenol red; ultrastructures of gastric antrum ICC were detected by transmission electron microscopy. The differences of blood glucose between group B, group C, group D, group E versus that of group A were statistically significant after modeling (P<0.01); after treatment, the differences of blood glucose between group D, group E versus that of group C were statistically significant (P<0.05, P<0.01); the gastric emptying rate of rats in group B was statistically significant different from that in group A (P<0.01); the gastric emptying rate of rats in group C was statistically significant different from that in group B (P<0.01). The migration rates of rats’ small intestines in group B, group C, group D and group E were all statistically significant different from that in group A (P<0.01); the migration rate of rats’ small intestines in group C was statistically significant different from that in group B (P<0.01). The ultrastructure of rat’s ICC in group B showed apoptosis compared with that in group A; rat‘s ICC in group C had complete basement membrane, more cytoplasm mitochondria, Golgi and rough endoplasmic reticulum, showing clear structure, occasional mitochondria swelling and gap junctions with adjacent smooth muscle cells; there were no significant differences between group D, group E versus group B. EA at Zusanli (ST 36) plus other acupoints can regulate the blood glucose and promote gastrointestinal motility in DGP rats, and the mechanism may be related to repairing the damaged ICC structure.

New telemetry device for the measurement of gastrointestinal motility in rats and comparison with standard equipment.

To perform stress-free recording of gastrointestinal motility in rats with strain gauge transducers, telemetry equipment had to be developed. We developed, programmed, and tested a new telemetry device that records gastrointestinal motility in freely moving rats using strain gauge transducers. The device can collect and transmit data in freely moving rats. Data are received and stored for later analysis with a regular PC. Linear calibration curves were obtained for the strain gauge transducers used. We compared data obtained with the new telemetry device with data gathered with standard equipment and could not find any statistically significant difference. Wired gastric and colonic contraction frequencies were 4.6 ± 0.3 per minute and 1.5 ± 0.3 per minute, whereas telemetric contraction frequencies were 4.4 ± 0.1 per minute and 1.25 ± 0.1 per minute. The new telemetry device is a very useful tool for the measurement of gastrointestinal motility in rats.

Effect of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz and Rehmannia dride rhizome on gastrointestinal motility in rats with cathartic colon

Effect of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz and Rehmannia dride rhizome on gastrointestinal motility in rats with cathartic colon

X-ray analysis of the effect of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist granisetron on gastrointestinal motility in rats repeatedly treated with the antitumoral drug cisplatin.

Cancer chemotherapy is associated with the development of numerous adverse effects, including nausea, emesis and other alterations in gastrointestinal (GI) motility. The administration of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists has provided a clinical advance in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced vomiting but these drugs lose efficacy throughout chronic treatment. The effects of these drugs in experimental animals under chronic administration are not well known. Our aim was to study, using radiographic methods, the effect of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist granisetron on GI dysmotility induced in the rat by repeated cisplatin administration. First, invasive methods were used to select a dose of granisetron capable of reducing increased stomach weight due to acute cisplatin administration (6mg/kg, ip). Second, rats received two intraperitoneal (ip) injections once a week for 4weeks: granisetron (1mg/kg, ip) or saline and, thirty min later, saline or cisplatin (2mg/kg, ip). Body weight gain was measured throughout treatment. Radiological techniques were used to determine the acute (after first dose) and chronic (after last dose) effects of cisplatin and/or granisetron on GI motility. Repeated cisplatin-induced weight loss which granisetron did not prevent. Gastric emptying was delayed after the first cisplatin administration. Granisetron completely prevented this effect. After weekly administration, cisplatin-induced gastric dysmotility was enhanced and granisetron was not capable of completely preventing this effect. Granisetron prevents gastric emptying alterations, but its efficacy decreases throughout antineoplastic treatment. This might be due to the enhanced effect of cisplatin.

Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Acute Lung Injury through Promoting Gastrointestinal Motility in Rats with Acute Pancreatitis.

Objective. Gastrointestinal disfunction and acute lung injury (ALI) were common in acute pancreatitis (AP). The effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on gastrointestinal motility and ALI in rats with AP was investigated to verify the theory of “lung and large intestine are interior exteriorly related” in traditional Chinese medicine. Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, and EA group. AP model was established by three injections of 20% L-arginine at 1 h intervals. EA were applied to bilateral ST-25 and ST-36 for 30 minutes twice a day after modeling for 3 days. Arterial blood, pancreas, lung, and intestinal tissues were collected for detecting the inflammatory factors and histopathology. Intestinal propulsion rate (IPR) was also measured at 72 h. Results. EA treatment improved IPR and increased CCK-8 level compared with model group (P < 0.05). It lowered the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and increased the level of IL-4 with no effect on IL-10. EA treatment reduced serum vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) level in the lung and the pathologic scores of pancreas, lung and intestine were decreased (P < 0.05). Conclusion. EA treatment could promote gastrointestinal motility through inhibiting VIP, and promoting CCK expression and regulate pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators to ameliorate ALI in AP.

Influence of herbal-cake-separated-moxibustion on gastrointestinal hormones and gastrointestinal motility in rats with functional gastrointestinal disorders and syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency

Influence of herbal-cake-separated-moxibustion on gastrointestinal hormones and gastrointestinal motility in rats with functional gastrointestinal disorders and syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency

Low molecular weight fucoidan ameliorating the chronic cisplatin-induced delayed gastrointestinal motility in rats

Delayed gastrointestinal (GI) motility is frequent adverse effect associated with chemotherapy due to oxidative stress, activation of 5-HT3 receptors or serotonin releases from enterochromaffin cells. Fucoidan, extracts from brown seaweeds, has been showed antioxidant related favorable pharmacological activities including digestive tract protective effects. Low molecular weight fucoidan (LMF) obtained by acid hydrolysis of high molecular weight fucoidan has been showed more favorable bioactivities. This study was conducted to determine whether or not LMF can prevent delayed GI motility induced by the antineoplastic drug cisplatin chronically administered, once per week for five consecutive weeks. LMF ameliorating the chronic cisplatin treatment related body weight decreases, delayed GI motility, and enhanced the antioxidant defense systems. In addition, LMF also inhibited the cisplatin treatment related GI gastrin and serotonin changes, including enzyme activities involved in serotonin metabolism and enterochromaffin cells. The overall effects of LMF 10mg/kg were similar to that of ondansetron 1mg/kg, a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. The present results supported that LMF have favorable ameliorating effect on the delayed GI motility induced by chemotherapy, modulated the GI enterochromaffin cells, serotonin and gastrin-producing cells with antioxidant effects. This effect of LMF may help improve accompanying digestive disorders by chemotherapy.

A novel facet to consider for the effects of butyrate on its target cells. Focus on “The short-chain fatty acid butyrate is a substrate of breast cancer resistance protein”

short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), acetate, propionate, and butyrate are produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber in the colonic lumen. In the normal human large intestine, SCFA concentrations range from 70 to 100 mM; these SCFAs account for ∼80% of the anions present in the lumen ([5][1