Lack of Restoration in Vivo by K-Channel Modulators of Jejunal Fluid Absorption after Heat Stable Escherichia coli Enterotoxin (STa) Challenge

Bis-Pyrano Prenyl Isoflavone Improves Glucose Homeostasis by Inhibiting Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 in Hyperglycemic Rats

Isoflavones widely distributed in plants prevent diabetes. This study investigated the in vivo and in vitro effect of 3',4'-dihydroxy-6″,6″,6″',6″'-tetramethylbis(pyrano[2″,3″:5,6::2″',3″':7,8]isoflavone (bis-pyrano prenyl isoflavone) on glucose homeostasis in hyperglycemic rats. The ethyl acetate fraction from aerial parts of Polygala molluginifolia that contain isoflavones was assayed on glucose tolerance, on in vitro maltase activity and on protein glycation. The isoflavone bis-pyrano prenyl isolated from this fraction was investigated on glucose homeostasis. The in vivo action of the isoflavone exhibits an anti-hyperglycemic effect by improving glucose tolerance, augmenting the liver glycogen, inhibiting maltase activity, and stimulating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and insulin secretion. The in vitro isoflavone inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) activity since the glucose tolerance was improved in the presence of the isoflavone as much as sitagliptin, an inhibitor of DPP-4. However, the co-incubation with isoflavone and sitagliptin exhibited an additive anti-hyperglycemic action. The isoflavone increased the GLP-1 faster than the positive hyperglycemic group, which shows that the intestine is a potential target. Thus, to clarify the main site of action in which isoflavone improves glucose balance, the in vitro mechanism of action of this compound was tested in intestine using calcium influx as a trigger for the signal pathways for GLP-1 secretion. The isoflavone stimulates calcium influx in intestine and its mechanism involves voltage-dependent calcium channels, phospholipase C, protein kinase C, and stored calcium contributing for GLP-1 secretion. In conclusion, the isoflavone regulates glycaemia by acting mainly in a serum target, the DPP-4 inhibitor. Furthermore, the long-term effect of isoflavone prevents protein glycation. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 92-103, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

An investigation into the relationship between small intestinal fluid secretion and systemic arterial blood pressure in the anesthetized rat

The effects of changes in the steady level of diastolic blood pressure on fluid flux across the jejunum has been investigated in the anesthetized rat during perfusion with a nutrient-free and Na⁺-free solution. Diastolic blood pressure was manipulated by intravenous infusions, during the jejunal perfusions, of vasodilators (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, acetyl-β-methylcholine, and phentolamine) and a vasoconstrictor (arginine vasopressin), each of which acts through a different cellular mechanism. The outcome was that fluid flux was related by a parabolic relationship with diastolic blood pressure in which net secretion occurred over the range 40–100 mmHg, whereas net absorption was recorded at diastolic pressures exceeding 100 mmHg and below 40 mmHg. Against a background of normal absorption promoted by perfusion with 145 mmol L⁻¹ Na⁺/5 mmol L⁻¹ glucose solution, reductions in diastolic blood pressure markedly reduced the mean rate of fluid absorption by 58% overall, whereas the rate of glucose absorption remained unchanged. Our results were explained on the basis that vasodilatation led to increased capillary pressure and then to net filtration of fluid from the mesenteric capillary bed. Experiments in which Escherichia coli heat-stable toxin was added to the jejunal perfusate confirmed the absence of a secretory response, which was consistent with the absence of effect of the toxin on diastolic blood pressure.