Relationship between the gastric myoelectric and mechanical activity in the genesis of ulcers in indomethacin-insulin-treated rats

A Botanical-Based Equine Nutraceutical Reduces Gastric Smooth Muscle Contractile Force In Vitro

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a botanical-based equine nutraceutical on contractility of gastric smooth muscle in vitro. Gastric ulcers are prevalent in performance horses and negatively impact horse welfare. Gastric hypermotility has been positively associated with the development of gastric ulceration in nonequine species, and reduction of hypermotility may be protective against their development. Stomachs from 12 pigs processed for food at a provincially inspected abattoir were collected within 1 hour of slaughter. Explants of nonglandular gastric tissue were prepared and suspended in a tissue bath, attached to a force transducer, in the presence or absence of a simulated digest extract of the nutraceutical. Tissue was stimulated to contract using increasing doses of acetylcholine. Peak and mean contractile force over 1 and 2 minutes after exposure to acetylcholine were measured. Exposure of gastric smooth muscle to the nutraceutical significantly reduced contractility of the tissue. These data provide support for the use of this nutraceutical to reduce contractility of nonglandular gastric smooth muscle and may indicate a protective effect of this nutraceutical in horses with mechanically induced gastric ulcers. Future studies are needed to clarify the role of gastric hypermotility on development of equine gastric ulcers and to determine the effect of this nutraceutical on equine gastric contractility and ulcerogenesis in vivo.

Roles of prostaglandin E2-EP1 receptor signaling in regulation of gastric motor activity and emptying

It is widely accepted that the inhibition of gastric motor activity as well as the maintenance of gastric mucosal blood flow and mucous secretion are important for the homeostasis of the gastric mucosa. The present study was performed to ascertain whether or not endogenous PGs, which can protect the stomach from noxious stimuli, affect gastric motor activity and emptying. The myoelectrical activity of rat gastric smooth muscle was increased at intragastric pressures of over 2 cmH(2)O. Replacement of intragastric physiological saline with 1 M NaCl solution significantly increased PGI(2) and PGE(2) in stomach and suppressed the myoelectrical activity under a pressure of 2 cmH(2)O by 70%. Indomethacin inhibited the suppression of myoelectrical activity by 1 M NaCl. The myoelectrical activity under a pressure of 2 cmH(2)O was suppressed by continuous infusion of a selective EP1 agonist (ONO-DI-004, 3-100 nmol·kg(-1)·min(-1)) into the gastric artery in a dose-dependent manner, but not by that of the PGI receptor agonist beraprost sodium (100 nmol·kg(-1)·min(-1)). Suppression of myoelectrical activity with 1 M NaCl was inhibited by continuous infusion of a selective EP1 antagonist (ONO-8711, 100 nmol·kg(-1)·min(-1)) into the gastric artery. Furthermore, gastric emptying was tested in EP1 knockout mice and their wild-type counterparts. Gastric emptying was strongly suppressed with intragastric 1 M NaCl in wild-type mice, but this 1 M NaCl-induced suppression was not seen in EP1 knockout mice. These results suggest that PGE(2)-EP1 signaling has crucial roles in suppression of myoelectrical activity of gastric smooth muscles and inhibition of gastric emptying and that EP1 is an obvious target for drugs that control gastric emptying.

On the role of ischemia in the pathogenesis of IBD: a review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal disorder comprising 2 distinct but often overlapping diseases: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Although much research to identify the etiology of IBD has focused on genetic constitution, infectious causes, and immune dysregulation, its exact cause and pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. Mesenteric blood flow, the intestinal microcirculation, and intestinal ischemia also have been proposed as etiologic, although they remain less-explored themes despite evidence suggesting a contributory role in IBD pathogenesis. The anatomy, architecture, and function of the splanchnic microcirculation will be reviewed here with regard to the development of intestinal microvascular ischemia, a pathologic process that appears to precede the classic changes that characterize IBD.

Role of vasoactive intestinal peptide and nitric oxide in the modulation of electroacupucture on gastric motility in stressed rats

AIM: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide (NO) in the modulation of electroacupucture (EA) on gastric motility in restrained-cold stressed rats.

METHODS: An animal model of gastric motility disorder was established by restrained-cold stress. Gastric myoelectric activities were recorded by electrogastroenterography (EGG). VIP and NO concentrations in plasma and gastric mucosal and bulb tissues were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA). VIP expression in the gastric walls was assayed using avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) and image analysis.

RESULTS: In cold restrained stressed rats, EGG was disordered and irregular. The frequency and amplitude of gastric motility were higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). VIP and NO contents of plasma, gastric mucosal and bulb tissues were obviously decreased (P < 0.01). Following EA at “Zusanli” (ST36), the frequency and amplitude of gastric motility were obviously lowered (P < 0.01), while the levels of VIP and NO in plasma, gastric mucosal and bulb tissues increased strikingly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and expression of VIP in antral smooth muscle was elevated significantly (P < 0.01) in comparison with those of model group.

CONCLUSION: VIP and NO participate in the modulatory effect of EA on gastric motility. EA at “Zusanli” acupoint (ST36) can improve gastric motility of the stressed rats by increasing the levels of VIP and NO.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide released by capsaicin suppresses myoelectrical activity of gastric smooth muscle

BACKGROUND

It is widely accepted that the inhibition of gastric motor activity as well as the maintenance of gastric mucosal blood flow and mucous secretion are important for the homeostasis of the gastric mucosa. The present study was performed to ascertain whether or not capsaicin, which can protect the stomach from noxious stimuli, affects gastric motor activity.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with urethane, and the stomach was cannulated by two catheters from esophageal and duodenal sides. A biopolar electrode was fixed to the serosal surface of the antrum and myoelectrical activity was recorded during the instillation of a small volume of solutions.

RESULTS

The myoelectrical activity of rat gastric smooth muscle was increased at intragastric pressures of >2 cmH(2)O. Replacement of intragastric physiological saline with 1.6 mmol/L capsaicin solution significantly suppressed this myoelectrical activity by 50%. Intragastric capsaicin administration caused a significant release of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The maximum released levels of CGRP in the gastric perfusates were 100-fold those of SP. The myoelectrical activity observed at an intragastric pressure of 2 cmH(2)O was avoided by continuous infusion of CGRP (0.1-3.0 nmol/kg per min) into the gastric artery in a dose-dependent manner, but not by that of SP (1.0 nmol/kg per min). Continuous CGRP-(8-37) infusion into the gastric artery completely blocked the reduction by intragastric capsaicin of myoelectrical activity.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the suppression of the myoelectrical activity of gastric smooth muscle by capsaicin is attributable to the endogenous CGRP released.

Effects of hexarelin against acid-independent and acid-dependent ulcerogens in the rat

The effects of intracerebroventricular (icv) or subcutaneous (sc) hexarelin (Hexa) administration, against gastric ulcers induced by ethanol (50%, 1 ml/rat/os) or Indomethacin (20 mg/kg/os) were examined in conscious rats. Hexa at 1 nmol/rat, icv or 10 nmol/kg, sc reduced ethanol-induced ulcers by 47% and 32% respectively. Hexa, but not ghrelin significantly worsened (+40%) Indomethacin-induced ulcers when injected sc. Hexa-gastroprotection against ethanol-induced ulcers was removed by the GHS-R antagonist (D-Lys3)-GRPR-6 and by the inhibitor of NO-synthase (NOS) Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. Semiquantitative RT-PCR assay of gastric NOS mRNA isoforms revealed that the reduction in iNOS-derived NO and the increase of constitutive-derived NO are relevant for the gastroprotection of Hexa against ethanol-induced gastric damage.

Gastroprotective effect of beta3 adrenoreceptor agonists ZD 7114 and CGP 12177A in rats

The effects of beta(3) adrenergic receptor agonists, (S)-4-[2-hydroxy-3-phenoxy-propylamino-ethoxy]-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-phenoxyacetamide (ZD 7114) and (+/-)-4-(3-t-butylamino-2-hydroxypropoxy)benzimidazol-2-one (CGP 12177A), were studied on aspirin plus pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcers, gastric mucosal blood flow and gastric motility in rats. Pretreatment with ZD 7114 (3 mg kg(-1), p.o.) and CGP 12177A (3.5 mg kg(-1), p.o.) resulted in significant reduction in the incidences of gastric ulceration in aspirin plus pylorus ligated rats and results were comparable with the cimetidine treated group. Ulcer index was significantly reduced by ZD 7114 (0.71+/-0.05, P<0.05) and CGP 12177A (1.15+/-0.27, P<0.05) when compared with the control group (4.47+/-0.38). Further, significant increase in total carbohydrates to protein content ratio (mucin activity) was also observed. However, they did not alter the acid secretory parameters such as total acidity, total acid output and pepsin activity. Effects of ZD 7114 and CGP 12177A on gastric mucosal blood flow were studied using neutral red clearance method. Both the treatments showed significant increase in gastric mucosal blood flow (GV/Bt) as compared to control group. Effect on gastric motility was evaluated by estimation of phenol red concentration in rat stomach. Significantly higher concentrations of phenol red in the stomach were observed in ZD 7114 and CGP 12177A treated rats. Both ZD 7114 and CGP 12177A showed significant gastroprotective effect in the present study. The mechanism of this effect may be attributed to enhancement of gastric mucosal blood flow, reduction in gastric motility and strengthening of gastric mucosal barrier.

The role of sensory neurons in the antiulcer effect of centrally injected amylin in rat

Central administration of amylin (2.2 microg/rat, i.c.v.) reduces (from a minimum of 67% to 83%) indomethacin (Indo, 20 mg Kg(-1), orally) induced ulcers in rats. The anti-ulcer effect of the peptide is not removed by the administration of prokinetic drugs like domperidone or neostigmine but it is reduced by 35% in rats treated with capsaicin or with the CGRP antagonist, CGRP(8-37). These data indicate that amylin gastroprotection involves capsaicin-sensitive nerve fiber leading to CGRP-dependent gastric vasodilatory effect. Additional mechanisms could involve noradrenergic alpha(2) receptors as the peptide gastroprotective activity is reduced from 67% to 20% by the alpha(2) antagonist yohimbine.

Double-blind, placebo-controlled study on effects of diclofenac sodium and indomethacin on postprandial gastric motility in man

Data from animal studies suggest that NSAIDs-induced gastric damage may be due to increased gastric motility. Such a mechanism, however, has never been tested or demonstrated in man. We evaluated the effects of two frequently prescribed NSAIDs, indomethacin and diclofenac sodium, on postprandial gastric motor activity (a physiologically reproducible stimulus) in healthy volunteers to see whether these compounds increase gastric motility. Twenty-four healthy volunteers of both sexes, 21-35 years of age, underwent a basal gastric motility recording. Thereafter, they were randomized in three groups to receive either placebo, indomethacin (50 mg three times a day) or diclofenac sodium (50 mg three times a day) for a week. At the end of the week, they underwent an identical manometric study. Analysis of the motility tracings showed no difference in gastric antral motility index and in amplitude of gastric antral contractions after NSAIDs with respect to the basal study and to the placebo group. About 50% of subjects (two in the placebo group) complained of side effects. These were transient and mild, except in two subjects taking indomethacin, in whom endoscopy was necessary; one of these had a small prepyloric ulcer. It is concluded that in man NSAID-related gastric damage is unlikely to be due to increased gastric motility.

Cytoprotective effect of bismuth subsalicylate in indomethacin-treated rats is associated with enhanced mucus bismuth concentration

BACKGROUND

Bismuth compounds prevent gastric injury from the short-term administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We studied the mechanisms underlying the gastroprotective actions of bismuth subsalicylate against indomethacin-induced injury in rats.

METHODS

An in vivo microscopic technique was used in which acid output, surface cell intracellular pH (pHi), gastric mucus gell thickness and mucosal blood flow were measured simultaneously. Concentrations of bismuth in mucus were measured by atomic absorption.

RESULTS

Indomethacin (60 mg/kg) significantly thinned the mucus gel layer and augmented the decrease of pHi during luminal acid superfusion, consistent with a weakened gastric mucosal barrier to acid. Bismuth subsalicylate partially reversed this effect of indomethacin on pHi, consistent with gastroprotection. Neither a prostaglandin-inhibiting but non-injurious dose of indomethacin (5 mg/kg), bismuth subsalicylate, or their combination affected mucus gel thickness or pHi homeostasis. In separate experiments, indomethacin (60 mg/kg) significantly increased gastric mucus bismuth concentration in rats given bismuth subsalicylate.

CONCLUSION

Bismuth accumulation in the gastric mucus during the evolution of mucosal injury may play an important role in the gastroprotective effect of bismuth subsalicylate against indomethacin injury.

Use of animal models in peptic ulcer disease

Considerable progress has been made in the understanding of the formation of gastric erosions by the use of animals. The role of gastric acid secretion in their pathogenesis has been clarified. Gastric erosions are associated with the presence of acid in the stomach and slow gastric contractions. With several different experimental procedures, the animal's body temperature falls; preventing the fall averts erosions. A fall in body temperature or exposure to cold are associated with the secretion of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and both increased and decreased concentration of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRH) in discrete regions of rat brains. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone when injected into specific sites in the brain produces gastric erosions and increases acid secretion and slow contractions, whereas CRH has the opposite effects. One of the major sites of interaction of the two peptides is in the dorsal motor complex of the vagus nerve. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone increases serotonin (5-HT) secretion into the stomach. Serotonin counter-regulates acid secretion and slow contractions. Many other peptides injected into discrete brain sites stimulate or inhibit gastric acid secretion.

Gastroprotective effect of ranitidine bismuth citrate is associated with increased mucus bismuth concentration in rats

BACKGROUND

Antisecretory and bismuth compounds protect the gastric mucosa from injury resulting from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

AIM

To study the mechanism underlying the gastroprotective effects of ranitidine bismuth citrate (GG311) in rats.

METHODS

Indomethacin rat injury model and in vivo microscopy in which acid output, surface cell intracellular pH (pHi), gastric mucus gel thickness, and mucosal blood flow were measured simultaneously.

RESULTS

In injury studies, GG311 dose dependently protected against severe injury induced by indomethacin (60 mg/kg subcutaneously). In in vivo microscopic studies, indomethacin significantly decreased mucus gel thickness and increased the initial rate of acidification of gastric surface cells when the superfusate pH was lowered from 7.4 to 1.0, and impaired pHi during acid exposure. Indomethacin had no effect on mucosal blood flow or acid output. GG311 alone had no effect on gel thickness, blood flow, or pHi homeostasis during acid exposure, but improved the initial acidification rate and pHi during superfusion with pH 1.0 solutions in the presence of indomethacin. In separate experiments, indomethacin pretreatment considerably increased gastric mucus bismuth concentrations in rats given GG311.

CONCLUSIONS

The gastroprotective effect of GG311 against indomethacin induced gastric injury is associated with high and prolonged gastric mucus bismuth concentrations, which may impair proton permeation across the mucus gel.

Comparison of the profiles of agonists as stimulants of the beta 3-adrenoceptor in vitro with their gastroprotective effects in the conscious rat

1. This paper compares the activity of a range of agonists as stimulants of the beta 3-adrenoceptor in rat isolated oesophagus with their ability to afford protection against indomethacin-induced gastric damage in the conscious rat. 2. The beta 3-adrenoceptor agonists, CL 316243 and BRL 37344, the non-selective beta-adrenoceptor agonist, isoprenaline and the selective beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, salmeterol, all evoked concentration-dependent relaxation of precontracted muscularis mucosa from rat oesophagus. The rank order of agonist potency was BRL 37344 > CL 316243 > isoprenaline >> salmeterol. The selective beta 1-adrenoceptor agonist, denopamine, did not relax the preparation. 3. The relaxant responses to all agonists were resistant to blockade by atenolol (10 microM), and ICI 118551 (1 microM) thus suggesting that they were not mediated by either beta 1- or beta 2-adrenoceptor stimulation. In contrast, cyanopindolol and propranolol did inhibit responses to BRL 37344, CL 316243 and isoprenaline, giving pA2 values or pKB estimates which were consistent with an interaction at beta 3-adrenoceptors (i.e. approximately 8.0 and 6.5 respectively). However, responses to salmeterol were resistant to blockade by all the antagonists tested, which suggests that the high (> 1 microM) concentrations of salmeterol used exerted non-specific relaxant effects. 4. The agonist effects of CL 316243 and BRL 37344 on beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors were assessed on guinea-pig right atrium and precontracted trachea respectively. Both agonists had minimal activity as stimulants of heart rate, but did relax trachea, being 380 (CL 316243) and 21 (BRL 37344) fold less potent than isoprenaline. 5. CL 316243 and BRL 37344 were potent inhibitors of indomethacin-induced gastric antral ulceration in the conscious rat (ED50 values = 0.24 and 0.09 mumol kg-1, p.o.) Salmeterol was approximately 100 times less potent than BRL 37344 as a gastroprotective agent and denopamine was without effect. 6. The gastroprotective effects of CL 316243 and BRL 37344 were resistant to blockade by ICI 118551 (10 mg kg-1, p.o.) and propranolol (10 mg kg-1, p.o.). In contrast, both antagonists caused dose-related inhibition of the protective action of salmeterol (10 mg kg-1, p.o.). Cyanopindolol was not assessed as an antagonist in vivo because preliminary experiments revealed that it exacerbated indomethacin-induced gastric damage in its own right. 7. In conclusion, the beta 3-adrenoceptor agonists CL 316243 and BRL 37344 were potent inhibitors of indomethacin-induced gastric antral ulceration in the rat. These data suggest that an agonist which is potent and selective for the human beta 3-adrenoceptor may confer mucosal protection in man.

Heterogeneous distribution of microcirculatory disturbance in the gastric mucosa during gastric hypercontraction in rats

Gastric mucosal lesions induced by gastric hypermotility are characteristically observed along the gastric mucosal folds. To determine the role of microcirculatory disturbance in this particular condition, we measured the gastric mucosal haemodynamics after vagal stimulation and also examined histologically the transparent specimens of the transverse section of the contracted stomach in rats. Gastric mucosal haemodynamics measured with a reflectance spectrophotometer showed the repetition of ischaemia-reperfusion during gastric hypermotility. The rapidly frozen and transparent specimen of the corpus showed that gastric mucosa was stretched at the crest and compressed at the base of the mucosal folds. Characteristic distribution of red blood cells was observed; it was dense at the crest of the mucosal folds and sparse at the base. These results suggest that gastric hypermotility may induce the distinctive heterogeneous microcirculatory disturbance in the folds and may contribute to the characteristic localization of mucosal lesions.

Protection against necrotizing agents-induced gastric lesions in rats. Unrelated to inhibition of gastric motility

Effects of necrotizing agents, blockers of gastric motility, and mild irritants on gastric mucosa and gastric motility were investigated in conscious rats. Gastric motor activity was recorded using a miniature balloon placed in the glandular part of the stomach, which was connected to a pressure transducer and polygraph. Necrotizing agents, such as 96% ethanol, 0.6 N hydrochloric acid, 0.2 N sodium hydroxide, or 4 M sodium chloride, were given intragastrically through a fistula on the forestomach. One milliliter of these agents produced hemorrhagic bandlike lesions in the corpus mucosa along the long axis of the stomach with the occurrence of a complete inhibition of gastric motility (smooth muscle relaxation). Blockers of gastric motility alone, such as subcutaneous papaverine HCl (50 mg/kg), and intraperitoneal verapamil (20 mg/kg), or mild irritants (1 ml/rat, orally) such as 20% ethanol or 1 M NaCl, which by themselves suppressed gastric motility, have no effect on gastric mucosa and on the inhibited gastric motility induced by necrotizing agents. Bandlike lesions were significantly prevented by pretreatment with 20% ethanol or 1 M NaCl but not with papaverine HCl or verapamil administered 30 min before necrotizing agents. The gastroprotection offered by 20% ethanol or 1 M NaCl was significantly diminished by pretreatment with subcutaneous indomethacin (30 mg/kg), but the inhibited gastric motility was not reversed by indomethacin. These results indicate that it seems unlikely that gastric contractile activity would play a major role in the development and prevention of gastric lesions after the administration of necrotizing agents.

Induction of gastric lesions and hypoglycemic response by food deprivation in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Overnight fasting causes hemorrhagic lesions in the stomach of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, but the pathogenetic mechanism remains unknown. The present study was performed to investigate the pathogenesis of such lesions developed in STZ-diabetic rats after starvation, mainly in relation to blood glucose changes. A single injection of STZ (70 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) induced hyperglycemic conditions one week after the administration, and high blood glucose levels (BGL: > 350 mg%) remained up to three weeks later. The STZ-diabetic rats developed gastric lesions with the marked reduction of BGL after 18 hr of fasting, depending upon the duration of diabetes; the lesion score and delta BGL reduction in the 3-week-old STZ rats were 32.0 +/- 7.8 mm and > 250 mg/100 ml, respectively. Acid secretion in the pylorus-ligated rats was not significantly changed in the STZ-induced diabetic conditions for the initial two weeks but slightly decreased at three weeks when compared with normal rats. Fasting of normal rats for 18 hr did not cause either BGL reduction or any lesion in the stomach. In the 3-week-old STZ animals, the severity of gastric lesions increased with the duration of fasting (4-18 hr) and was again closely associated with the degree of delta BGL reduction. These lesions induced by 18 hr of starvation in 3-week-old STZ rats were significantly inhibited by pretreatment with insulin (4 units/rat/day) for the last one week to maintain BGL within normal ranges or by intravenous infusion of 25% glucose during fasting period. Both of these treatments significantly prevented BGL reduction in response to fasting.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prostaglandins and sulfhydryls may mediate gastric protection induced by verapamil in rats

Verapamil, a type-1 calcium-channel blocker, given intraperitoneally, macroscopically protected the gastric mucosa of rats from 96% ethanol-induced lesions in a dose-dependent fashion. This effect was significant when verapamil at 10 or 20 mg/kg was given 1 hr before ethanol. Histopathologically, verapamil prevented the development of deep necrotic lesions, but did not preserve the surface epithelium. Gastric acid secretion in both pylorus-ligated rats and gastric-diversion rats was inhibited by 20 mg/kg of verapamil. Gastric motility measured by a balloon method was dose-dependently inhibited by verapamil. Verapamil protection was significantly diminished by pretreatment with subcutaneous indomethacin (30 mg/kg) and iodoacetamide (100 mg/kg). The gastric motility inhibited by verapamil was not reversed by indomethacin and iodoacetamide. These results indicate the participation of both endogenous prostaglandins and sulfhydryls of the gastric mucosa in verapamil protection against ethanol damage, but do not relate to a suppression of gastric motility.

Effects of intragastric and intravenous glucose on restraint model of stress ulceration

Intragastric glucose prevents acute stress-induced gastric mucosal injury in the restrained rat. Because increased gastric contractions contribute to mucosal injury in this model and because parenteral glucose infusions have been shown to suppress gastric contractility, we hypothesized that centrally mediated responses to hyperglycemia might contribute to the cytoprotective effect of intragastric glucose. We compared intragastric and intravenous 25% glucose with saline infusions during cold restraint and measured their impact on gastric lesions, serum glucose levels, gastric residual volume (an indirect indicator of net gastric contractility), acidity, and mucin concentration. We found that both intravenous and intragastric glucose infusions increased serum glucose to over 500 mg/dl after 4 hr of stress. Intragastric glucose increased residual volume and gastric pH, as well as decreased gastric mucosal injury, but intravenous glucose had no effects on gastric function. We found that none of the potentially protective effects of intragastric glucose are mediated by central responses to hyperglycemia, and likewise that intravenous glucose has no effect on gastric mucosal injury.

Cholecystokinin does not mediate glucose's cytoprotective effects

Cold restraint stress produces acute gastric mucosal injury in association with altered gastric motility. Enteral nutrients prevent this injury in conjunction with inhibition of gastric emptying. Because cholecystokinin (CCK) is released by nutrients known to be cytoprotective and is thought to inhibit gastric emptying, we performed three experiments to see if CCK contributes to the gastric mucosal protection afforded by enteral nutrients. Our data show that enteral glucose protects the gastric mucosa and increases gastric volume, gastric luminal pH, and gastric mucin. Neither physiologic nor pharmacologic doses of CCK protected the mucosa. None of the other significant effects of glucose on gastric function during cold restraint were affected by exogenous CCK. Furthermore, antagonism of CCK receptors with L-364,718 did not have any independent effects, nor did it diminish the protection associated with enteral glucose. We conclude that enteral glucose protects the gastric mucosa from cold restraint injury in association with a number of potentially beneficial effects on gastric physiology, but none of the effects of glucose in this model appear to be mediated by CCK.

Suppression of myoelectrical activity of gastric smooth muscle by endogenous gastric prostaglandin E2

The myoelectrical activity of the gastric smooth muscle, recorded by a bipolar electrode placed at the gastric antrum in rats, could be recorded when the stomach was distended with 5 ml of physiological saline. This activity may be induced by a mucosal reflex and was inhibited both by atropine and by pirenzepine. Replacement of physiological saline with solutions of NaCl suppressed this myoelectrical activity. This suppression was dependent on the concentrations of NaCl in the solutions, from 0.3 to 1.0 M. Pretreatment with indomethacin (10 mg/kg, intravenous) completely prevented this suppression induced by different concentrations of NaCl solutions. Intragastric administration of 1.0 M NaCl in solution caused an increase in the levels of PGE2 in the gastric lumen. Intragastric administration of OU-1308, a synthetic derivative of PGE1, also suppressed the myoelectrical activity in a dose-dependent manner. It is concluded that the suppression of gastric myoelectrical activity by hyperosmolar NaCl may be attributable to the generation of endogenous PGE2 in the stomach.

Effects of parenteral diclofenac sodium on upper gastrointestinal motility after food in man

In experimental animal models nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may influence gastrointestinal motility, but as evidence is lacking in man. The effect of diclofenac sodium 75 mg i.m. on the motor response of the upper gastrointestinal tract to food has been studied by manometry in 9 healthy volunteers. Diclofenac had no effect on the motor activity of the stomach, duodenum, or jejunum after a 605 kcal meal.

Ulcers produced by ligation of individual gastric mucosal arteries in the guinea pig

It is not known whether or not individual gastric mucosal arteries are end-arteries. We therefore occluded single mucosal guinea pig arteries, resulting in necrosis of the whole thickness of mucosa in the area supplied by the artery in 25 of 33 cases (76%). However, there were no cases of necrosis in 33 control sham ligations performed in the same animals (p less than 0.001). In another group, ligation of two or three adjacent mucosal arteries resulted in necrosis in 10 of 11 cases (p less than 0.0001), against 0 necrosis in 11 sham ligations. Killing the animals at varying intervals showed that after 1 day the mucosa was necrotic, after 2 days it was shed, and later it might perforate. We conclude that many mucosal arteries in the guinea pig may behave as functional end-arteries. How these findings may pertain to ulceration is discussed in relation to (a) the existence of atypical mucosal arteries found in the ulcer-bearing areas in humans and (b) the role of the muscularis mucosae on arterioles perforating it in both humans and other species.

Spinovagal reflex modulation of gastric motility in response to mucosal nociceptive stimulation in the anaesthetized rat

In anesthetized rats treated with guanethidine, the pylorus was ligated. A catheter was inserted into the stomach via the mouth and anchored by a ligature around the cervical oesophagus. The catheter was used for instillation into the stomach of a fixed volume (9 ml) of either isotonic or 1 M NaCl and for the recording of intragastric pressure. Neurogenic modulation of gastric motility caused by either solution was analysed by studying the effect of the systemic administration of the ganglionic blocker hexamethonium on gastric tone and on phasic motor activity. Gastric motility was not significantly changed by hexamethonium in the animals that had been subjected to isotonic NaCl. After intragastric treatment with 1 M NaCl, however, hexamethonium caused increased gastric tone and decreased phasic motor activity. An analysis of these results suggests that 1 M NaCl activated vagal non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic relaxatory and cholinergic excitatory motor neurons, respectively. These chemically induced modulations of gastric motility were dependent on the spinal cord and, most probably, were due to activation of the mucosal sensory endings of the splanchnic nerves, leading to reflex spinovagal motor adjustments.

Relative roles of acid and mucosal compression in ulcerogenesis in indomethacin-insulin-treated rat

We have proposed that gastric peristaltic activity is primarily responsible for ulcerogenesis in the phenylbutazone-treated rat and that acid plays only a synergistic role. This study examines the effect of graded doses of the H2 blocker cimetidine on acid secretion and ulcerogenesis occurring during insulin-induced peristalsis in the indomethacin (Indo) -pretreated rat. The second part of the study utilizes graded gastric distension with exogenous acid to examine the role of the forceful apposition of the mucosal folds during peristalsis in lesion genesis. It is demonstrated that the inhibition of acid secretion by cimetidine reduces but does not prevent ulceration. Gastric inflation with acid obliterates mucosal folding, prevents mucosal apposition during peristalsis, and abolishes ulcerogenesis. It is concluded that mucosal compression is the primary cause of the linear lesions along the base of the mucosal folds but that acid is necessary to extend the lesions once initiated.