Effect of sodium fluoride on gastric emptying and intestinal transit in mice

Brain regulation of gastric dysfunction induced by stress

Psychological and physical stressors have been implicated in gastric disorders in humans. The mechanism coupling the brain to the stomach underlying stress-induced gastric dysfunction has remained elusive. Here, we show that the stomach directly receives acetylcholinergic inputs from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (AChDMV), which are innervated by serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (5-HTDRN). Microendoscopic calcium imaging and multi-tetrode electrophysiological recordings reveal that the 5-HTDRN → AChDMV → stomach circuit is inhibited with chronic stress accompanied by hypoactivate gastric function. Artificial activation of this circuit reverses the gastric dysfunction induced by chronic stress in both male and female mice. Our study demonstrates that this 5-HTDRN → AChDMV → stomach axis drives gastric dysfunction associated with stress, thus providing insights into the circuit basis for brain regulation of the stomach.

Sex specific effects of buprenorphine on behavior, astrocytic opioid receptor expression and neuroinflammation after pediatric traumatic brain injury in mice

Children who suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) often experience acute and chronic pain, which is linked to a poor quality of life. Buprenorphine (BPN) is commonly used to treat moderate to severe persistent pain in children, however, the efficacy and safety profile of BPN in the pediatric population is still inconclusive. This study investigated the sex-specific effects of BPN on body weight, motor coordination and strength, expression of opioid receptors in the white matter astrocytes, and neuroinflammation in a mouse impact acceleration model of pediatric TBI. Male and female littermates were randomized on postnatal day 20-21(P20-21) into Sham, TBI + saline and TBI + BPN groups. Mice in the TBI + saline and TBI + BPN groups underwent TBI, while the Sham group underwent anesthesia without injury. BPN (0.075 mg/kg) was administered to the TBI + BPN mice at 30 min after injury, and then every 6-12 h for 2 days. Mice in the TBI + saline group received the same amount of saline injections. The impact of BPN on body weight, motor function, opioid receptor expression, and neuroinflammation was evaluated at 1-day (d), 3-d and 7-d post-injury. We found that 1) TBI induced significant weight loss in both males and females. BPN treatment improved weight loss at 3-d post-injury in females. 2) TBI significantly impaired motor coordination and strength. BPN improved motor coordination and strength in both males and females at 1-d and 3-d post-injury. 3) TBI significantly decreased exploration activity at 1-d post-injury in males, and at 7-d post-injury in females, while BPN improved the exploration activity in females. 4) TBI significantly increased mRNA expression of mu-opioid receptors (MOR) at 7-d post-injury in males, but decreased mRNA expression of MOR at 1-d post-injury in females. BPN normalized MOR mRNA expression at 1-d post-injury in females. 5) MOR expression in astrocytes at corpus callosum significantly increased at 7-d post-injury in male TBI group, but significantly decreased at 1-d post-injury in female TBI group. BPN normalized MOR expression in both males and females. 6) TBI significantly increased the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and iNOS. BPN decreased mRNA expression of iNOS, and increased mRNA expression of TGF-β1. In conclusion, this study elucidates the sex specific effects of BPN during the acute phase after pediatric TBI, which provides the rationale to assess potential effects of BPN on chronic pathological progressions after pediatric TBI in both males and females.

Reduced Body Fat and Epididymal Adipose Apelin Expression Associated With Raspberry Ketone [4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-Butanone] Weight Gain Prevention in High-Fat-Diet Fed Mice

Raspberry ketone [4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone] is a natural aromatic compound found in raspberries and other fruits. Raspberry ketone (RK) is synthetically produced for use as a commercial flavoring agent. In the United States and other markets, it is sold as a dietary supplement for weight control. The potential of RK to reduce or prevent excessive weight gain is unclear and could be a convergence of several different actions. This study sought to determine whether acute RK can immediately delay carbohydrate hyperglycemia and reduce gastrointestinal emptying. In addition, we explored the metabolic signature of chronic RK to prevent or remedy the metabolic effects of diet-induced weight gain. In high-fat diet (HFD; 45% fat)-fed male mice, acute oral gavage of RK (200 mg/kg) reduced hyperglycemia from oral sucrose load (4 g/kg) at 15 min. In HFD-fed female mice, acute oral RK resulted in an increase in blood glucose at 30 min. Chronic daily oral gavage of RK (200 mg/kg) commencing with HFD access (HFD_RK) for 11 weeks resulted in less body weight gain and reduced fat mass compared with vehicle treated (HFD_Veh) and chronic RK starting 4 weeks after HFD access (HFD_RKw4) groups. Compared with a control group fed a low-fat diet (LFD; 10% fat) and dosed with vehicle (LFD_Veh), glucose AUC of an oral glucose tolerance test was increased with HFD_Veh, but not in HFD_RK or HFD_RKw4. Apelin (Apln) gene expression in epididymal white adipose tissue was increased in HFD_Veh, but reduced to LFD_Veh levels in the HFD_RK group. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (Ppara) gene expression was increased in the hepatic tissue of HFD_RK and HFD_RKw4 groups. Overall, our findings suggest that long term daily use of RK prevents diet-induced weight gain, normalizes high-fat diet-induced adipose Apln, and increases hepatic Ppara expression.

Environmental fluoride exposure disrupts the intestinal structure and gut microbial composition in ducks

Fluorine (F) and its compounds produced from industrial production and coal combustion can cause air, water and soil contamination, which can accumulate in animals, plants and humans via food chain threatening public health. Fluoride exposure affects liver, kidney, gastrointestinal and reproductive system in humans and animals. Literature regarding fluoride influence on intestinal structure and microbiota composition in ducks is scarce. This study was designed to investigate these effects by using simple and electron microscopy and 16S rRNA sequencing techniques. Results indicated an impaired structure with reduced relative distribution of goblet cells in the fluoride exposed group. Moreover, the gut microbiota showed a significant decrease in alpha diversity. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant phyla in both control and fluoride-exposed groups. Specifically, fluoride exposure resulted in a significant decrease in the relative abundance of 9 bacterial phyla and 15 bacterial genera. Among them, 4 phyla (Latescibacteria, Dependentiae, Zixibacteria and Fibrobacteres) and 4 genera (Thauera, Hydrogenophaga, Reyranella and Arenimonas) weren't even detectable in the gut microbiota of the ducks. In summary, higher fluoride exposure can significantly damage the intestinal structure and gut microbial composition in ducks.

Intestinal fungal dysbiosis in mice induced by fluoride

To explore the effects of fluoride on intestinal fungi in mice, the internal transcriptional spacer (ITS) region in colon feces of mice exposed to 100 mg sodium fluoride (NaF)/L of distilled water for 60 days were sequenced. Results showed that, there were 305 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) unique to the control group, 154 OTUs to the fluoride group, and 295 OTUs were detected in both groups. There was no significant difference in relative species abundance between the two groups at phylum levels. Compared with control group, Ustilaginomycetes class, showed a significant change in fluoride group. At the genus level, Epicoccum, Penicillium, Microdochium, Plectosphaerella and Pluteus were significantly affected by fluoride exposure. Among them, there was a strong positive correlation between Penicillium and Pluteus (+0.43). Therefore, it showed that fluoride can influence the relative species abundance of intestinal fungi in mice, mainly at the genus levels. It can provide some new ideas about the harmful effects of fluorosis on intestinal fungal homeostasis.

Effects of Motilin Receptor Agonists and Ghrelin in Human motilin receptor Transgenic Mice

Gastrointestinal motility is regulated by neural factors and humoral factors. Both motilin and ghrelin improve gastrointestinal motility, but many issues remain unclear. We prepared human motilin receptor transgenic (Tg) mice and performed experiments evaluating the effects of motilin, erythromycin (EM), and ghrelin. EM and ghrelin promoted gastric emptying (GE) when administered either peripherally or centrally to Tg mice. Atropine (a muscarinic receptor antagonist) counteracted GE induced by centrally administered EM, but not that induced by peripherally administered EM. The administration of EM in this model promoted the effect of mosapride (a selective serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 (5-HT4) receptor agonist), and improved loperamide (a μ-opioid receptor agonist)-induced gastroparesis. The level of acyl-ghrelin was significantly attenuated by EM administration. Thus, we have established an animal model appropriate for the evaluation of motilin receptor agonists. These data and the model are expected to facilitate the identification of novel compounds with clinical potential for relieving symptoms of dyspepsia and gastroparesis.

Spasmolytic activity of Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum extract on gastrointestinal motility involves muscarinic receptors, calcium channels and NO release

CONTEXT

Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum (ALR), the dry rhizome of Aquilaria agallocha R. (Thymelaeaeeae), has been widely used to treat emesis, stomachache and gastrointestinal dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the effects of ALR methanol extract on gastrointestinal motility (GIM) and possible mechanisms of the action involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo, the study evaluated the effects of ALR (200-800 mg/kg) on gastric emptying and small intestinal motility in normal and neostigmine-induced adult KM mice. The in vitro effects of ALR (0.2-1.6 mg/mL) on GIM were performed on isolated jejunum of Wistar rats, pretreated with acetylcholine (ACh), KCl, CaCl₂, and pre-incubation with l-NAME (a selective inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase).

RESULTS

In vivo, ALR (800 mg/kg) decreased gastric emptying (70.82 ± 9.81%, p < 0.01, compared with neostigmine group 91.40 ± 7.81%), small intestinal transit (42.82 ± 3.82%, p < 0.01, compared with neostigmine group 85.53 ± 5.57%). In vitro, ALR concentration dependently decreased the contractions induced by ACh (10^-5 M) and KCl (60 mM) with respective EC₅₀ values of 0.35 and 0.32 mg/mL. The Ca²⁺ concentration-response curves were shifted by ALR to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil (the positive). The spasmolytic activity of ALR was inhibited by pre-incubation with l-NAME.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

ALR played a spasmolytic role in GIM, which is probably mediated through inhibition of muscarinic receptors, blockade of Ca²⁺ influx and NO release. This is the first study presenting a comprehensive description of the effects of ALR on GIM.

Effects of Rhizoma Parisdis total saponins and its main compounds on gastric emptying via regulating muscarinic receptors in vitro and in vivo

The aim of this study was to explore the inhibitory effect of Rhizoma Parisdis total Saponins (RPS) and the main monomer compounds (polyphyllin I, II, VI and H) on gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motilityin vitroandin vivo.

Protective effect and potential mechanisms of Wei-Chang-An pill on high-dose 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Wei-Chang-An pill (WCA pill), a traditional Chinese pharmaceutical preparation, possessed potential anti-inflammatory advantages and noteworthy gastrointestinal regulations in digestive diseases, which might represent a promising candidate for the treatment of intestinal mucositis (IM) induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To analyze the bioactive constituents and investigate the effect of methanol extraction from WCA pill (WCA ext) on 5-FU induced IM with underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The analysis of serum bioactive constituents after WCA ext administration in rats was carried out by UHPLC-Quadrupole-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry. In mice, IM was induced by 5-FU and physical manifestations were measured during the period of drug delivery. Half of mice were assessed with histology, expression of inflammatory cytokines in ileum and plasma via hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining as well as cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, respectively. Besides, gastric emptying (GE) and gastrointestinal transit (GIT) were further tested in the other half of 5-FU induced mice.

RESULTS

Twenty-two compounds were identified or tentatively characterized. IM induced by 5-FU was improved significantly after treatment with WCA ext through reducing the body weight loss, relieving the severe diarrhea, and inhibiting the GE as well as GIT. Further assessments validated that WCA ext promoted the recovery of intestinal mucosa, evaluated the activity of enterocyte proliferation, maintained the integrity of tight junction, and ameliorated the inflammatory disturbances.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that WCA ext promoted the restoration of intestinal function in 5-FU-induced IM via regulating multiple sites of actions in intestinal homeostasis. Accordingly, WCA pill might be a promising therapeutic candidate for the prevention of IM during cancer chemotherapy.

Gastrointestinal effect of methanol extract of Radix Aucklandiae and selected active substances on the transit activity of rat isolated intestinal strips

CONTEXT

Radix Aucklandiae, the dry rhizome of Aucklandia lappa Decne (Asteraceae), enjoyed traditional popularity for its antidiarrheal effects. Although there are many investigations on its chemical constituents and pharmacologic actions, few studies explaining its activity and mechanism in gastrointestinal disorders are available.

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, we focused on the effects of the methanol extract of R. Aucklandiae (RA ext) on gastrointestinal tract, so as to assess some of the possible mechanisms involved in the clinical treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo, in neostigmine-induced mice and normal mice, after intragastric administration, RA ext (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) was studied on gastrointestinal transit including gastric emptying and small intestinal motility. Meanwhile, in vitro, the effect of it (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mg/mL) on the isolated tissue preparations of rat jejunum was also investigated, as well as costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone which were the main constituents.

RESULTS

In vivo, the gastric emptying increased and intestinal transit decreased after the administration of RA ext in normal mice. However, RA ext inhibited the gastric emptying and the intestinal transit throughout the concentrations in neostigmine-induced mice. In vitro, RA ext caused inhibitory effect on the spontaneous contraction of rat-isolated jejunum in a dose-dependent manner ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 mg/mL, and it also relaxed the acetylcholine chloride (Ach, 10(-5) M), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 200 μM)-induced, and K(+) (60 mM)-induced contractions. RA ext shifted the Ca(2+) concentration-response curves to right, similar to that caused by verapamil (0.025 mM). The Ca(2+) concentration-response curves were shifted by costunolide (CO) (5.4, 8.1, and 10.8 μg/mL), dehydrocostuslactone (DE) (4.6, 6.9, and 9.2 μg/mL), costunolide-dehydrocostuslactone (CO-DE) (5.4-4.6, 8.1-6.9, and 10.8-9.2 μg/mL) to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil (0.01 mM).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These results indicate that RA ext played a spasmolytic role in gastrointestinal motility, which is probably mediated through the inhibition of muscarinic receptors, 5-HT receptors, and calcium influx. The presence of cholinergic and calcium antagonist constituents may be the compatibility of CO and DE. All these results provide a pharmacological basis for its clinical use in the gastrointestinal tract.

Bidirectional effects of methanol extract of Wei-Chang-An pill on gastrointestinal transit and the spasmolytic activity on isolated rat jejunum

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Wei-Chang-An pill (WCA pill), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for treating various gastrointestinal diseases for several decades. Despite the popular medicinal use of WCA pill, less data was available to its activity and mechanism in gastrointestinal disorders. To examine the effects of the methanol extract of WCA pill (ME) on gastrointestinal tract so as to assess some of the possible mechanisms involved in the clinical treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ME was studied on gastrointestinal transit in vivo including gastric emptying and small intestinal motility in normal and neostigmine-induced mice, as well as on the isolated tissue preparations of rat jejunum in vitro.

RESULTS

In vivo, the gastric emptying decreased and intestinal transit increased after administration of ME in normal mice. However, administration of ME accelerated the intestinal transit ranging from 0.01 to 0.8 mg/mL and reduced it at the concentration of 1.6 and 3.2 mg/mL, while the gastric emptying was inhibited throughout the concentrations in neostigmine-induced mice. in vitro, ME caused inhibitory effect on the spontaneous contraction of rat-isolated jejunum in dose-dependent manner ranging from 0.01 to 6 mg/mL and also relaxed the acetylcholine chloride (Ach, 10(-6) M)-induced and K+ (60 mM)-induced contractions. ME shifted the Ca2+ concentration-response curves to right, similar to that caused by verapamil (0.025 mM).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that ME might play a bidirectional role in gastrointestinal transit modulation and the effects on isolated tissue are probably mediated through calcium influx and muscarinic receptors, which provides pharmacological basis for the clinical use of WCA pill in gastrointestinal tract disorders.

Anti-diarrhoeal activity of methanol extract of Santalum album L. in mice and gastrointestinal effect on the contraction of isolated jejunum in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Santalum album L., namely Sandalwood, honored as "Green Gold", is a traditional Chinese herb which has the effects of anti-diarrhoeal and antibacterial activity. But there is limit scientific study on its activity and mechanism in gastrointestinal disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

in vivo, after intragastric administration, the methanol extract of Sandalwood (SE) (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) were studied in castor oil-induced diarrhoea mice. By the test of small intestinal hyperfunction induced by neostigmine, SE was studied on gastrointestinal transit including gastric emptying and small intestinal motility. Meanwhile, in vitro, the effects of SE (0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 mg/mL) on the isolated tissue preparations of rat jejunum were also investigated. The rat jejunum strips were pre-contracted with acetylcholine (Ach; 10(-6)M), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 200 μM) or potassium chloride (KCl; 60 mM) and tested in the presence of SE. In addition, the possible myogenic effect was analyzed in the pretreatment of the jejunum preparations with SE or verapamil in Ca(2+)-free high-K(+) (60 mM) solution containing EDTA.

RESULTS

At doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, SE showed significant anti-diarrhoeal activity against castor oil-induced diarrhoea as compared with the control. At the same doses, it also inhibited the gastric emptying and small intestinal motility in the mice of which small intestinal hyperfunction induced by neostigmine. It caused inhibitory effects on the spontaneous contraction of rat-isolated jejunum in dose-dependent manner ranging from 0.02 to 0.4 mg/mL, and it also relaxed the Ach-induced, 5-HT-induced and K(+)-induced contractions. SE shifted the Ca(2+) concentration-response curves to right, similar to that caused by verapamil (0.025 mM).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that SE played a spasmolytic role in gastrointestinal motility which was probably mediated through inhibition of muscarinic receptors, 5-HT receptors and calcium influx. All these results provide pharmacological basis for its clinical use in gastrointestinal tract.

Intestinal IgA⁺ cell numbers as well as IgA, IgG, and IgM contents correlate with mucosal humoral immunity of broilers during supplementation with high fluorine in the diets

Fluoride (F), a well-recognized harmful substance, is easily absorbed by the intestinal mucosa. The intestinal mucosal immune system is equipped with unique innate and adaptive defense mechanisms that provide a first line of protection against infectious agents. Meanwhile, immunoglobulins are the major secretory products of the adaptive immune system and their levels can be a strong indicator of a disease or condition. In this study, therefore, we investigated the effects of high dietary fluorine on the numbers of immunoglobulin A-positive (IgA(+)) cells in the lamina propria of intestines (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) by immunohistochemistry as well as on the contents of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the mucosa of intestines (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 280 1-day-old healthy avian broilers were randomly divided into four groups and fed on a corn-soybean basal diet as control diet (fluorine 22.6 mg/kg) or the same basal diet supplemented with 400, 800, and 1,200 mg/kg fluorine (high fluorine groups I, II, and III) in the form of sodium fluoride (NaF) for 42 days. The experimental data showed that the numbers of IgA(+) cells as well as the IgA, IgG, and IgM contents were significantly decreased (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) in the high fluorine groups II and III when compared with those of the control group. It was concluded that dietary fluorine in the range of 800-1,200 mg/kg significantly reduced the numbers of the IgA(+) cells and the contents of aforementioned immunoglobulins in the intestines (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) of broilers, which could finally impact the mucosal humoral immune function in the intestines by a way that reduces the lymphocyte population and/or lymphocyte activation.

Gastric motility in ghrelin receptor knockout mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) deficiency on gastric motility in GHS-R deficient (Ghsr-/-) mice. Ghsr-/- and control (Ghsr+/+) mice were genotyped by PCR. The percentage of gastric emptying (GE%) was calculated following the intraperitoneal adminis-tration of ghrelin. In vitro, the contractile response of smooth muscle strips to ghrelin and electrical field stimulation (EFS) and the intraluminal pressure change of isolated stomach to carbachol were observed in an organ bath. The staining of nerve cells in the gastric muscle layer was performed by immunofluorescence. Delayed gastric emptying was observed in the Ghsr-/- mice; ghrelin enhanced the GE% in the Ghsr+/+ mice but had no effect on the GE% in the Ghsr-/- mice. In vitro, the response of the strips to ghrelin and EFS and the intraluminal pressure change to cabarchol was reduced in the Ghsr-/- mice. GHS-Rs were predominantly expressed on nerve cells in gastric muscle layers. The number of nerve cells was observed to be decreased in the Ghsr-/- mice. The delayed gastric emptying may relate to the loss of GHS-Rs and the reduction in the number of nerve cells in the gastric muscle layers of the GHS-R-deficient mice.

Refinement of the Charcoal Meal Study by Reduction of the Fasting Period

The aim of this investigation was to determine whether a shorter fasting period than the one historically employed for the charcoal meal test, could be used when measuring gastric emptying and intestinal transit within the same animal, and to ascertain whether the scientific outcome would be affected by this benefit to animal welfare. Rats and mice were fasted for 0, 3, 6 or 18 hours before the oral administration of vehicle or atropine. One hour later, the animals were orally administered a charcoal meal, then 20 minutes later, they were killed and the stomach and small intestine were removed. Intestinal transit time (the position of the charcoal front as a percentage of the total length of the small intestine) and relative gastric emptying (weight of stomach contents) were measured. Rats and mice fasted for six hours showed results for gastric emptying and intestinal transit which were similar to those obtained in animals fasted for 18 hours. Reducing the fasting period reduced the body weight loss in both species, and mice on shorter fasts could be group-housed, as hunger-induced fighting was lessened. Therefore, a fasting period of six hours was subsequently adopted for charcoal meal studies at our institution.

Slower gastric emptying in high-fat diet induced obese rats is associated with attenuated plasma ghrelin and elevated plasma leptin and cholecystokinin concentrations

Gastrointestinal (GI) motility and gut hormones have been considered to be involved in the development and maintenance of obesity. Our aim was to assess the relationships between gastric emptying (GE), GI transit and gut hormones and leptin concentrations in diet-induced obese rat model. Male 6-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with a high-fat (HF) diet for 8weeks to generate diet-induced obesity (DIO) and diet resistant (DR) rats. GE, GI transit and plasma ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), PYY and leptin concentrations were determined in DIO, DR and control (CON) rats. The DIO rats had slower GE, higher plasma leptin and CCK concentrations, and lower plasma ghrelin concentration compared with CON and DR rats. GE was correlated with plasma ghrelin (r=0.402, P=0.028), CCK (r=-0.518, P=0.003) and leptin concentration (r=-0.514, P=0.004). The slower GE, which can be considered as an adaptive response aimed at HF diet induced obesity, may be mediated by changes of plasma ghrelin, CCK and leptin concentrations.

Gastric emptying, small intestinal transit and fecal output in dystrophic (mdx) mice

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which results from deficiency in dystrophin, a sarcolemma protein of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle, is characterized by progressive striated muscle degeneration, but various gastrointestinal clinical manifestations have been observed. The aim was to evaluate the possible impact of the dystrophin loss on the gastrointestinal propulsion in mdx mice (animal model for DMD). The gastric emptying of a carboxymethyl cellulose/phenol red dye non-nutrient meal was not significantly different at 20 min from gavaging between wild-type and mdx mice. The intestinal transit and the fecal output were significantly decreased in mdx versus normal animals, although the length of the intestine was similar in both animals. The present results provide evidence for motor intestinal alterations in mdx mice in in vivo conditions.