Absorption of electrolytes and volatile fatty acids in the hind-gut of the rabbit. Circadian rhythm of hind-gut electrolytes and plasma aldosterone

Circadian rhythms in colonic function

A rhythmic expression of clock genes occurs within the cells of multiple organs and tissues throughout the body, termed "peripheral clocks." Peripheral clocks are subject to entrainment by a multitude of factors, many of which are directly or indirectly controlled by the light-entrainable clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. Peripheral clocks occur in the gastrointestinal tract, notably the epithelia whose functions include regulation of absorption, permeability, and secretion of hormones; and in the myenteric plexus, which is the intrinsic neural network principally responsible for the coordination of muscular activity in the gut. This review focuses on the physiological circadian variation of major colonic functions and their entraining mechanisms, including colonic motility, absorption, hormone secretion, permeability, and pain signalling. Pathophysiological states such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis and their interactions with circadian rhythmicity are also described. Finally, the classic circadian hormone melatonin is discussed, which is expressed in the gut in greater quantities than the pineal gland, and whose exogenous use has been of therapeutic interest in treating colonic pathophysiological states, including those exacerbated by chronic circadian disruption.

Circadian regulation of electrolyte absorption in the rat colon

The intestinal transport of nutrients exhibits distinct diurnal rhythmicity, and the enterocytes harbor a circadian clock. However, temporal regulation of the genes involved in colonic ion transport, i.e., ion transporters and channels operating in absorption and secretion, remains poorly understood. To address this issue, we assessed the 24-h profiles of expression of genes encoding the sodium pump (subunits Atp1a1 and Atp1b1), channels (α-, β-, and γ-subunits of Enac and Cftr), transporters (Dra, Ae1, Nkcc1, Kcc1, and Nhe3), and the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) regulatory factor (Nherf1) in rat colonic mucosa. Furthermore, we investigated temporal changes in the spatial localization of the clock genes Per1, Per2, and Bmal1 and the genes encoding ion transporters and channels along the crypt axis. In rats fed ad libitum, the expression of Atp1a1, γEnac, Dra, Ae1, Nhe3, and Nherf1 showed circadian variation with maximal expression at circadian time 12, i.e., at the beginning of the subjective night. The peak γEnac expression coincided with the rise in plasma aldosterone. Restricted feeding phase advanced the expression of Dra, Ae1, Nherf, and γEnac and decreased expression of Atp1a1. The genes Atp1b1, Cftr, αEnac, βEnac, Nkcc1, and Kcc1 did not show any diurnal variations in mRNA levels. A low-salt diet upregulated the expression of βEnac and γEnac during the subjective night but did not affect expression of αEnac. Similarly, colonic electrogenic Na(+) transport was much higher during the subjective night than the subjective day. These findings indicate that the transporters and channels operating in NaCl absorption undergo diurnal regulation and suggest a role of an intestinal clock in the coordination of colonic NaCl absorption.

Sampling of digestive contents by ileal cannulation in the rabbit

A technique is described for the collection of digestive contents with a glass T-shaped ileal cannula, in rabbits fed ad libitum. Repeated samples of ileal contents were easily obtained by gravity from conscious animals lying in a hammock for 1 h, twice a week, over a period of 2 months. Analysis of the ileal contents showed no diurnal variations in concentrations of crude protein, neutral-detergent fibre, ammonia, and total short-chain volatile fatty acids. The fresh weight output was maximal at 09.00 h and minimal at 03.00 h. The transit time of phenol sulphone phthalein between mouth and ileum was 75 (s.d. 14) min and did not vary according to the time of day when measured (08.00 to 12.00 h, 14.00 to 18.00 h, 20.00 to 24.00 h).

Symbiotic fermentation, digesta passage, and gastrointestinal morphology in bullfrog tadpoles (Rana catesbeiana)

Relative to other herbivorous vertebrates, the nutritional ecology and digestive physiology of anuran larvae remain poorly understood. Our objective was to compare gut structure and inhabitants, digesta passage, and microbial fermentation in bullfrog tadpoles (Rana catesbeiana) to those in other herbivores. Bullfrog tadpole gastrointestinal tracts were long and voluminous, with an enlarged colon that harbored a diverse symbiotic community. The transit time for particulate markers passing through bullfrog tadpoles was 6 h, the median retention time was 8-10 h, and gut clearance was 10-14 h postingestion. Relatively high levels of short-chain fatty acids in the hindgut of tadpoles indicated active microbial fermentation in this gut region. This report represents the first account of gastrointestinal fermentation in the class Amphibia. On the basis of in vitro fermentation assays, we estimated that microbial fermentation in the hindgut provides 20% of the total daily energy requirement of bullfrog tadpoles. These tadpoles also exhibited coprophagy, a practice that provides important nutritive gains in other herbivores. The physiological and behavioral characteristics of these tadpoles are remarkably similar to those of other small-bodied, hindgut-fermenting vertebrates, suggesting convergent digestive strategies among a broad range of herbivorous taxa.

Effects of acute intravenous aldosterone administration on Na(+), K(+), and water excretion in the horse

The effect of a temporary increase in plasma aldosterone concentration on Na(+), K(+), and water balance was investigated in four horses. Aldosterone was injected intravenously for 6 h at 20-min intervals (total 5.4 microg/kg body wt). Samples were taken for 24 h before, during, and for 48 h after the treatment. Aldosterone treatment reduced the Na(+) loss via urine and feces by 99 and 72%, respectively, later followed by a marked increase in Na(+) excretion by both pathways. During the first 6 h after the treatment, fecal K(+) excretion was elevated, and the plasma K(+) concentration was lowered. Fluid was retained throughout the treatment period and for 12-15 h thereafter. In a second experiment, exercise was performed once after aldosterone treatment and once without prior treatment. Sweat samples were collected, and the composition was not altered after treatment. It was concluded that acute aldosterone injections reduce Na(+) losses in both feces and urine but not in sweat. In addition, the feces was shown to be the main excretion pathway of aldosterone.

Sodium butyrate induces alkaline phosphatase gene expression in human hepatoma cells

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Butyrate, a natural product of colonic bacterial flora, has been reported to increase the activities of a number of enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase, (ALP) in several cancer cell lines. However, butyrate-induced ALP gene expression in human hepatoma cells has not been previously demonstrated. In the present study, the effects of sodium butyrate on cell growth and proliferation, cellular activity and expression of ALP gene in human hepatoblastoma-derived HepG2 cells were investigated.

METHODS

The HepG2 cells were treated with sodium butyrate (0-1 mmol/L) and the number of viable cells were counted at 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment. A [3H]-thymidine incorporation study was performed at different concentrations of sodium butyrate for 48 h. The cellular activity of ALP in HepG2 cells by sodium butyrate was measured by a substrate-specific enzymatic assay. To elucidate the effects of sodium butyrate on ALP gene expression, a northern blotting experiment employing hybridization with mouse placental ALP cDNA was performed.

RESULTS

Cell growth and proliferation were dose-dependently inhibited by sodium butyrate. Cellular ALP activity was significantly increased in HepG2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent fashion by treatment with sodium butyrate and a maximum activity was observed at 48 h. These effects were reversible when sodium butyrate was removed from the culture medium. By northern blot analysis, the level of ALP messenger RNA was dose-dependently elevated by sodium butyrate.

CONCLUSION

Butyrate, at a concentration relevant to the normal physiology of the liver, causes augmented expression of ALP mRNA in HepG2 cells. We assume that increased ALP synthesis in HepG2 cells by sodium butyrate results from an enhanced rate of transcription rather than translation of mRNA.

[The effect of very low and moderate fiber levels on metabolism in the cecum of growing rabbits]

Investigations with 15N'-labelled urea were carried out to find out the influence of the amount of fibre on the reflux of 15N' into the caecum to take part in the caecal metabolism. Two pelleted diets, containing 9.7% (group 1 with 23% oat hulls) and 2.2% (Group 2 without oat hulls) crude fibre, with urea with 60 atom% 15N-excess (15N) used as marker were given to three White New Zealand rabbits each group. Group 1 and 2 consumed 109 and 72 g fresh matter per rabbit and day, respectively. Daily 15N'-intake per rabbit was 307 mg in group 1 and 279 mg in group 2. Most of 15N' was eliminated directly via the urine. The daily faecal excretion in group 1 and 2 was 5.3 and 2.3 mg 15N', respectively. Only about 20 to 30% of 15N' and volatile fatty acids in the caecum and higher amounts of 15N' in muscles were found. The animals of this group consumed nearly the total amount of faeces by caecotrophy. Therefore 24 g of group 2 was still satisfying compared to 33 g live weight gain/rabbit and day of group 1. It is concluded that the animals of group 2 could compensate the low fibre level within a period of about 20 days by a more efficient utilization, the consumption of crude protein and starch being 18 and 12% lower than in group 1, respectively. Feed intake and health status were not evidently affected. The results are in contradiction to the common knowledge.

Inhibition of short-chain fatty acid absorption and Na+ absorption during acute colitis in the rabbit

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) provide energy for colonocytes and stimulate colonic fluid and electrolyte absorption. The impact of acute colitis on SCFA-stimulated Na+ absorption and SCFA absorption was examined.

METHODS

Proximal colon from rabbits infected with Yersinia entercolitica, a pair-fed group, and controls was mounted in Ussing chambers, and Na+ transport, short-circuit current, and tissue conductance were examined during a basal period and after stimulation with the SCFAs, butyrate, or propionate. Propionate transport and luminal SCFA concentration were evaluated.

RESULTS

Butyrate and propionate stimulated electroneutral Na+ absorption above basal levels in the control and pair-fed groups, as evidenced by significant increases in mucosal-to-serosal and net Na+ fluxes with no change in serosal-to-mucosal flux, short-circuit current, or conductance. Butyrate-stimulated Na+ absorption and propionate absorption were blocked by amiloride, an inhibitor of Na(+)-H+ exchange. In the infected group, both butyrate and propionate failed to stimulate colonic Na+ absorption above basal levels. Propionate absorption was inhibited, and epinephrine failed to stimulate Na+ or propionate absorption. Luminal SCFA concentrations were increased in acute colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibition of SCFA-stimulated Na(+)-H+ exchange and SCFA absorption contribute to the diarrheal fluid loses observed in acute colitis and may reduce colonocyte energy supply.

Short chain fatty acids in human large intestine, portal, hepatic and venous blood

Evidence for the occurrence of microbial breakdown of carbohydrate in the human colon has been sought by measuring short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations in the contents of all regions of the large intestine and in portal, hepatic and peripheral venous blood obtained at autopsy of sudden death victims within four hours of death. Total SCFA concentration (mmol/kg) was low in the terminal ileum at 13 +/- 6 but high in all regions of the colon ranging from 131 +/- 9 in the caecum to 80 +/- 11 in the descending colon. The presence of branched chain fatty acids was also noted. A significant trend from high to low concentrations was found on passing distally from caecum to descending colon. pH also changed with region from 5.6 +/- 0.2 in the caecum to 6.6 +/- 0.1 in the descending colon. pH and SCFA concentrations were inversely related. Total SCFA (mumol/l) in blood was, portal 375 +/- 70, hepatic 148 +/- 42 and peripheral 79 +/- 22. In all samples acetate was the principal anion but molar ratios of the three principal SCFA changed on going from colonic contents to portal blood to hepatic vein indicating greater uptake of butyrate by the colonic epithelium and propionate by the liver. These data indicate that substantial carbohydrate, and possibly protein, fermentation is occurring in the human large intestine, principally in the caecum and ascending colon and that the large bowel may have a greater role to play in digestion than has previously been ascribed to it.

Fermentation of polysaccharides and absorption of short chain fatty acids in the mammalian hindgut

1. Hindgut volume varies considerably between carnivores, omnivores and herbivores. But a common feature in all mammals is an extensive microbial fermentation of polysaccharides in the hindgut. Large amounts of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are produced. Total concentrations of SCFA are generally ca 100 mmol/l. SCFA metabolism contributes considerably to the energy metabolism of the animal. 2. In hindgut fermenting herbivores ileal outflow provides fluid and the buffering capacity essential for microbial metabolism. 3. SCFA are rapidly absorbed. Absorption is passive and, unexpectedly, nearly independent from luminal pH. This is attributed to the presence of a constant pH-microclimate at the epithelial surface. 4. The permeability of the proximal compared to the distal colon of guinea pig is higher for acetate, equal for propionate and lower for butyrate. This difference is due to partial absorption of SCFA in the dissociated form in the proximal segment. 5. Protons required for SCFA transport in the undissociated form may be partially explained by HCO3 accumulation or by Na-H exchange. Findings are controversial.

Concentration- and pH-dependence of short-chain fatty acid absorption in the proximal and distal colon of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

1. Absorption of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), acetate, propionate, and butyrate was studied in simultaneously perfused proximal and distal segments of the colon in anaesthetized guinea pigs. 2. Acetate absorption rates increased linearly with concentration in both segments, indicating passive transport. 3. SCFA-clearance was independent of bulk luminal pH between pH 6.2 and 8.1 in the proximal and distal colon. SCFA-clearance was slightly higher in both segments at pH values less than 6. 4. The unexpected pH-independence of SCFA-absorption is attributed to the existence of a constant pH-microclimate at the surface of the colonic epithelium. 5. Relative permeabilities to acetate:propionate:butyrate were estimated as 1:1.19 +/- 0.03:1.27 +/- 0.05 in the proximal colon and 1:2.31 +/- 0.39:3.50 +/- 0.61 in the distal colon. The significance of these findings with respect to the pH-partition hypothesis are discussed.

Short chain fatty acids in human large intestine, portal, hepatic and venous blood

Evidence for the occurrence of microbial breakdown of carbohydrate in the human colon has been sought by measuring short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations in the contents of all regions of the large intestine and in portal, hepatic and peripheral venous blood obtained at autopsy of sudden death victims within four hours of death. Total SCFA concentration (mmol/kg) was low in the terminal ileum at 13 +/- 6 but high in all regions of the colon ranging from 131 +/- 9 in the caecum to 80 +/- 11 in the descending colon. The presence of branched chain fatty acids was also noted. A significant trend from high to low concentrations was found on passing distally from caecum to descending colon. pH also changed with region from 5.6 +/- 0.2 in the caecum to 6.6 +/- 0.1 in the descending colon. pH and SCFA concentrations were inversely related. Total SCFA (mumol/l) in blood was, portal 375 +/- 70, hepatic 148 +/- 42 and peripheral 79 +/- 22. In all samples acetate was the principal anion but molar ratios of the three principal SCFA changed on going from colonic contents to portal blood to hepatic vein indicating greater uptake of butyrate by the colonic epithelium and propionate by the liver. These data indicate that substantial carbohydrate, and possibly protein, fermentation is occurring in the human large intestine, principally in the caecum and ascending colon and that the large bowel may have a greater role to play in digestion than has previously been ascribed to it.

Propionate absorption and metabolism in the rabbit hindgut

Propionate disappearance from the loops of the hindgut in the rabbit was evaluated by measuring variations in the concentration of propionate in caecocolonic loops and differences in the arterial and venous plasma. In vivo metabolism in gut and liver tissues was studied after introduction of (1-14C) propionate into the caecocolonic loops. The rate of disappearance from the loops was always quantitatively significant but was greater in the proximal colon. Hindgut tissue metabolised propionate and the intensity of the metabolism varied with the segment studied; the proximal colon showed by far the highest propionate consumption. Radioactivity was found in a certain number of free amino acids, organic acids, sugars, lipid soluble substances and proteins. Propionate is an efficient respiratory fuel for the colonocyte and a good precursor for gluconeogenesis.

Origin and utilization of volatile fatty acids and lactate in the rabbit: influence of the faecal excretion pattern

Interrelations between bacterial metabolites (volatile fatty acids, lactate) in the gut contents and the blood in relation to the faecal excretory cycle (soft or hard faeces) were studied in anaesthetized rabbits. It appeared that the level of organic acids in the alimentary tract varied cyclicly with the faecal excretion pattern. The lactate entering the portal circulation originates from the stomach, while the volatile fatty acids (VFA) originate from the hind-gut. Net absorption from the digestive tract and hepatic utilization of fermentation acids were greater when the rabbits produced hard faeces (hard-phase) compared with soft faeces (soft-phase). Propionate and butyrate reaching the liver were almost quantitatively removed; acetate and lactate were available for extra-hepatic tissue metabolism. Whatever the excretion pattern the levels of VFA in the arterial circulation remained remarkably constant; blood lactate, however, was lower during the soft-phase. Absorption of bacterial metabolites, like their metabolism in the liver, showed a circadian rhythm parallel to the changes in the activity of the adrenal glands, i.e. the activity was enhanced during the hard-phase.

Effects of plasma aldosterone on butyrate absorption and metabolism in the rabbit proximal colon

Butyrate absorption in the proximal colon of the anaesthetized rabbit was evaluated by measuring the variations in the concentration of butyrate in colonic loops and in arterial and venous plasmas; metabolic conversions were studied using (3,4-14C) butyrate. Interrelations between butyrate absorption and metabolism and the excretory cycle of the rabbit were examined, as well as the effects of exogenous aldosterone, the hormone generally implicated in the diurnal rhythm of the fecal excretion. The colonic tissue metabolized butyrate via 2 main pathways. They were of differing intensity according to the 2 phases of the excretory cycle. When the plasma level of aldosterone was high (during hard faeces production), the butyrate was mainly oxidized to CO2, yielding energy for metabolic processes. When the plasma level of aldosterone was lower (during soft production), butyrate was also oxidized to CO2 but it was a better source of free amino acids. Exogenous aldosterone (30 micrograms/kg) enhanced absorption and oxidative metabolism of the butyrate, which occurred normally when hard faeces were elaborated.

Colonic absorption of inorganic ions and volatile fatty acids in the rabbit

Net fluxes of water, Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO3- and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were investigated in three different segments of rabbit colon. Two opposite phenomena occurred: secretion of water and inorganic ions in the oral part of the colon and absorption in the remaining colon; VFA were always absorbed. The movement of cations was closely correlated with those of VFA and Cl-. Results are consistent with the presence of exchange: Na+/H+, K+/H+, in the colon brush border membrane. In fact net absorption of cations and VFA seems linked to the availability of protons. In the absence of net cation transport an additional source of protons may be provided by hydration of luminal CO2. So VFA could enter mucosa by passive diffusion as the undissociated acids.