Stimulation of intestinal mucosal adenyl cyclase by cholera enterotoxin and prostaglandins

The effects of several prostaglandins (PG) and a highly purified preparation of cholera enterotoxin (CT) on intestinal mucosal adenyl cyclase activity and the effect of CT on intestinal mucosal cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate concentration were determined in guinea pig and rabbit small intestine and were correlated with the effects of the same agents on ion transport. Adenyl cyclase activity, measured in a crude membrane fraction of the mucosa, was found at all levels of the small intestine with the highest activity per milligram protein in the duodenum. The prostaglandins, when added directly to the assay, increased adenyl cyclase activity; the greatest effect (2-fold increase) was obtained with PGE(1) (maximal effect at 0.03 mM) and PGE(2). The prostaglandins also increased short-circuit current (SCC) in isolated guinea pig ileal mucosa, with PGE(1) and PGE(2) again giving the greatest effects. The prior addition of theophylline (10 mM) reduced the subsequent SCC response to PGE(1) and vice versa. It was concluded, therefore, that the SCC response to PGE(1), like the response to theophylline, represented active Cl secretion. CT increased adenyl cyclase activity in guinea pig and rabbit ileal mucosa when preincubated with the mucosa from 1 to 2.5 hr in vitro or for 2.5 hr in vivo but not when added directly to the assay. The increments in activity caused by PGE(1) and NaF were the same in CT-treated and control mucosa. Cyclic 3',5'-AMP concentration in rabbit ileal mucosa was increased 3.5-fold after a 2 hr preincubation with CT in vitro. Phosphodiesterase activity in the crude membrane fraction of the mucosa was unaffected by either CT or PGE(1). A variety of other agents including insulin, glucagon, parathormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, L-thyroxine, thyrocalcitonin, vasopressin, and epinephrine all failed to change adenyl cyclase activity. It is concluded that CT and certain prostaglandins produce small intestinal fluid secretion by increasing mucosal adenyl cyclase activity, thereby stimulating an active secretory process.

Preparation and characterization of freeze-dried chitosan-poly(ethylene oxide) hydrogels for site-specific antibiotic delivery in the stomach

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to develop novel drug delivery systems with pH-sensitive swelling and drug release properties for localized antibiotic delivery in the stomach.

METHODS

The drug delivery systems were synthesized by crosslinking chitosan and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in a blend to form semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN). Scanning electron microscopy was used to compare the surface and bulk morphology of the freeze-dried and air-dried chitosan-PEO semi-IPN. The hydrogels were allowed to swell and release the antibiotics--amoxicillin and metronidazole--in enzyme-free simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.2) at 37 degrees C.

RESULTS

Freeze-dried chitosan-PEO semi-IPN with a porous matrix had swollen extensively as compared to the air-dried hydrogel. The swelling ratio of freeze-dried and air-dried chitosan-PEO semi-IPN after 1 h in SGF was 16.1 and 2.30, respectively. More than 65% of the entrapped amoxicillin and 59% of metronidazole were released from the freeze-dried chitosan-PEO semi-IPN after 2 h in SGF.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that freeze-dried chitosan-PEO semi-IPN could be useful for localized delivery of antibiotics in the acidic environment of the gastric fluid.

Further characterisation of the 'ileal brake' reflex in man--effect of ileal infusion of partial digests of fat, protein, and starch on jejunal motility and release of neurotensin, enteroglucagon, and peptide YY

Previous studies have shown that ileal infusion of partially digested triglyceride inhibits jejunal motility. The partial digest used in those studies contained a mixture of glycerol, free fatty acid, mono-, di-, and triglycerides. In Part I of the present study we have separately infused emulsions containing either glycerol 3.1 g (n = 6), oleic acid 9.6 g (n = 6), triolein 10 g (n = 12), or medium chain triglycerides 10 g (n = 6) into the ileum and have recorded the effect this has on jejunal motility. Five further subjects received infusions of partial hydrolysates of corn starch 10 g and lactalbumin 7 g. Marked inhibition of jejunal pressure wave activity was seen after all three lipid infusions, per cent activity falling from a control of 37.7 (7.7) to 6.2 (2.1) and 22.4 (8.2)% 30 min after completing the oleic acid and triolein infusions respectively, and from a control value of 39.5 (4.1) to 17.7 (4.7) after MCTs (all p less than 0.05). No significant fall occurred after infusion of glycerol, protein or carbohydrate. All three lipid infusions raised plasma concentrations of neurotensin, enteroglucagon and peptide YY equally effectively, although only the rise in peptide YY correlated significantly with the inhibition of jejunal pressure wave activity (r = 0.80, n = 6, p less than 0.05). In Part II of this study six subjects received a 3 ml/min jejunal infusion of an isotonic carbohydrate saline solution followed after three hours by a similar infusion of a partial digest of lipid. During each infusion flow and transit time was measured by marker and dye dilution. Jejunal infusion of the carbohydrate-saline solution was associated with low jejunal flow, 4.7 (1.0) ml/min and a mean transit time through the 50 cm study segment of 36.5 (7.1) min. By contrast jejunal infusion of partially digested triglyceride was associated with a markedly increased flow, 9.0 (1.2) ml/min, a fall in mean transit time to 20.3 (2.6) min and significant rises in pancreaticobiliary secretions. Jejunal triglyceride also increased the incidence of prolonged high amplitude jejunal pressure waves in four of six subjects. These studies suggest that there are important differences in the jejunal response to ileal versus jejunal lipid. While long and median chain free fatty acids infused into the ileum exert an inhibitory effect on jejunal motility, when infused directly into the jejunum partially digested triglyceride accelerates transit, increases jejunal flow and subtly alters the pattern of jejunal contractions.

Gastrointestinal dysfunction induced by early weaning is attenuated by delayed weaning and mast cell blockade in pigs

Our previous work has demonstrated that weaning at 19 days of age has deleterious effects on mucosal barrier function in piglet intestine that are mediated through peripheral CRF receptor signaling pathways. The objectives of the present study were to assess the impact of piglet age on weaning-associated intestinal dysfunction and to determine the role that mast cells play in weaning-induced breakdown of mucosal barrier function. Nursing Yorkshire-cross piglets were either weaned at 19 days of age (early-weaned, n = 8) or 28 days of age (late-weaned, n = 8) and housed in nursery pens. Twenty-four hours postweaning, segments of midjejunum and ascending colon from piglets within each weaning age group were harvested and mounted on Ussing chambers for measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance and serosal-to-mucosal [(3)H]mannitol fluxes. Early weaning resulted in reductions in transepithelial electrical resistance and increases in mucosal permeability to [(3)H]mannitol in the jejunum and colon (P < 0.01). In contrast, postweaning reductions in intestinal barrier function were not observed in piglets weaned at 28 days of age. Early-weaned piglet intestinal mucosa had increased expression of CRF receptor 1 protein, increased mucosal mast cell tryptase levels, and evidence of enhanced mast cell degranulation compared with late-weaned intestinal mucosa. Pretreatment of piglets with the mast cell stabilizer drug cromolyn, injected intraperitoneally 30 min prior to weaning, abolished the early-weaning-induced intestinal barrier disturbances. Our results indicate that early-weaning stress induces mucosal dysfunction mediated by intestinal mast cell activation and can be prevented by delaying weaning.

Human Enteroids as a Model of Upper Small Intestinal Ion Transport Physiology and Pathophysiology

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Human intestinal crypt-derived enteroids are a model of intestinal ion transport that require validation by comparison with cell culture and animal models. We used human small intestinal enteroids to study neutral Na(+) absorption and stimulated fluid and anion secretion under basal and regulated conditions in undifferentiated and differentiated cultures to show their functional relevance to ion transport physiology and pathophysiology.

METHODS

Human intestinal tissue specimens were obtained from an endoscopic biopsy or surgical resections performed at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Crypts were isolated, enteroids were propagated in culture, induced to undergo differentiation, and transduced with lentiviral vectors. Crypt markers, surface cell enzymes, and membrane ion transporters were characterized using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunoblot, or immunofluorescence analyses. We used multiphoton and time-lapse confocal microscopy to monitor intracellular pH and luminal dilatation in enteroids under basal and regulated conditions.

RESULTS

Enteroids differentiated upon withdrawal of WNT3A, yielding decreased crypt markers and increased villus-like characteristics. Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 activity was similar in undifferentiated and differentiated enteroids, and was affected by known inhibitors, second messengers, and bacterial enterotoxins. Forskolin-induced swelling was completely dependent on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and partially dependent on Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 and Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) cotransporter 1 inhibition in undifferentiated and differentiated enteroids. Increases in cyclic adenosine monophosphate with forskolin caused enteroid intracellular acidification in HCO3(-)-free buffer. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate-induced enteroid intracellular pH acidification as part of duodenal HCO3(-) secretion appears to require cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and electrogenic Na(+)/HCO3(-) cotransporter 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Undifferentiated or crypt-like, and differentiated or villus-like, human enteroids represent distinct points along the crypt-villus axis; they can be used to characterize electrolyte transport processes along the vertical axis of the small intestine. The duodenal enteroid model showed that electrogenic Na(+)/HCO3(-) cotransporter 1 might be a target in the intestinal mucosa for treatment of secretory diarrheas.

Antimutagenic, antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate extracts from white, yellow and red onions

The beneficial effects of red, yellow and white onion extracts have been assessed by antioxidant activity and antimutagenic activity. And the effects compared to BHT and ascorbic acid. Total phenolic compounds and flavonoids in onion extracts were determined. Yellow onion extract had more organic acid and free sugar than those detected in the white and red onion extract. The scavenging activity of DPPH radical and H(2)O(2) were increased depending on the concentration. The antioxidant activities using beta-carotene-linoleate system and reducing power were increased but the effect was small to that of BHT and ascorbic acid. After digested, extracts showed antimutagenic activities, and it seems that they inhibit the mutagenicity for digesting. This study demonstrated that the antimutagenicities and antioxidant properties of ethyl acetate extract against mutagens were related to their phenols and flavonoids, which are heat stable and losses digestive juices are relatively low.

A lipid-based liquid crystalline matrix that provides sustained release and enhanced oral bioavailability for a model poorly water soluble drug in rats

Liquid crystalline phases that are stable in excess water, formed using lipids such as glyceryl monooleate (GMO) and oleyl glycerate (OG), are known to provide a sustained release matrix for poorly water soluble drugs in vitro, yet there has been no report of the use of these materials to impart oral sustained release behaviour in vivo. In the first part of this study, in vitro lipolysis experiments were used to compare the digestibility of GMO with a second structurally related lipid, oleyl glycerate, which was found to be less susceptible to hydrolysis by pancreatic lipase than GMO. Subsequent oral bioavailability studies were conducted in rats, in which a model poorly water soluble drug, cinnarizine (CIN), was administered orally as an aqueous suspension, or as a solution in GMO or OG. In the first bioavailability study, plasma samples were taken over a 30 h period and CIN concentrations determined by HPLC. Plasma CIN concentrations after administration in the GMO formulation were only sustained for a few hours after administration while for the OG formulation, the plasma concentration of cinnarizine was at its highest level 30 h after dosing, and appeared to be increasing. A second study in which CIN was again administered in OG, and plasma samples taken for 120 h, revealed a Tmax for CIN in rats of 36 h and a relative oral bioavailability of 344% when compared to the GMO formulation (117%) and the aqueous suspension formulation (assigned a nominal bioavailability of 100%). The results indicate that lipids that form liquid crystalline structures in excess water, may have application as an oral sustained release delivery system, providing they are not digested rapidly on administration.

Studies on gastric digestion of protein and carbohydrate, gastric secretion and exocrine pancreatic secretion in the growing pig

Six pigs, initially of 35 kg mean live weight, were each fitted with a re-entrant cannula. This was formed on either side of a short pouch of duodenum into which the pancreatic duct opened and which contained a simple cannula linked to the centre of the re-entrant cannula. Each pig received two diets: diet A was based on wheat starch, sucrose and casein, while diet B was based on barley and soya-bean meal. The diets were given in equal amounts at 12 h intervals. Digesta and pancreatic juice were collected continuously during three 12 h periods for each pig on each diet. Mean duodenal output: dietary intake values for diets A and B respectively were: digesta 1.80, 2.86; dry matter 1.05, 1.03; nitrogen 1.05, 1.06; trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble N 7.69, 9.10; glucose 0.97, 0.89. For diet A the proportion of TCA-soluble N in total N rose from 13 to 50% during 12 h, while it was approximately 50% throughout 12 h for diet B. Mean total pepsin (EC 3.4.23.1) activities (units/24 h) were 760449 (diet A) and 1 466 571 (diet B). Salivary and gastric secretions were calculated to be approximately 4 and 8 kg/24 h for diets A and B respectively. Mean flows in pancreatic juice (g/24 h) for diets A and B respectively were: juice 1204, 2182; protein 10.94, 12.10; N 1.98, 2.14; ash 9.46, 17.31; sodium 3.88, 6.91; potassium 0.23, 0.54; calcium 0.031, 0.046; phosphorus 0.024, 0.026. Mean total enzyme activities (units x 10(-3)/24 h) for diets A and B respectively were: trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4) 138, 114; chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1) 84, 84; carboxypeptidase A (EC 3.4.2.1) 5, 4; carboxypeptidase B (EC 3.4.2.2) 15, 17; amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) 1061, 981. It was calculated that the minimum amount of endogenous N from saliva and gastric secretion was 0.3-0.6 g in 24 h. This assumes no absorption of N occurred anterior to the duodenal cannula.

Effect of simulated intestinal fluid on drug permeability estimation across Caco-2 monolayers

Presently, the Caco-2 cell culture model is widely used during drug discovery and development as a predictive tool for the oral absorption of drug candidates. For transport experiments in the Caco-2 system, HBSS-like buffered salt solutions are commonly used, although different shortcomings have been associated with the use of these buffers. In this paper, we investigated the effect of using fasted state simulated intestinal fluid (FaSSIF) as potential biorelevant medium for the drug permeability estimation across Caco-2 monolayers. The transport characteristics of 19 model compounds were determined in the Caco-2 cell culture model in the presence of FaSSIF as compared to classic transport medium. A sigmoidal relation was obtained when the estimated P(app), s of the apical to basolateral transport were plotted versus the reported values of the fraction absorbed in man. Although no effect of FaSSIF as compared to classic transport medium (TM) was observed on the total predictability of the model, an impact was demonstrated (1) on the bi-directional transport of actively transported drugs (including talinolol, digoxin and doxorubicin), (2) on recovery and (3) on the solubility and permeability estimation of poorly water-soluble drugs. The observed differences may be attributed to a P-gp inhibitory effect of sodium taurocholate (NaTC), micellar encapsulation by the NaTC/lecithin mixed micelles and/or an increase of the solubility of lipophilic drugs. As the experimental conditions should mimic the physiological in vivo conditions, the use of FaSSIF as medium during Caco-2 experiments may improve the biorelevance of the model.

On the role of intramural nerves in the pathogenesis of cholera toxin-induced intestinal secretion

Intestinal secretion was produced in anesthetized cats and rats by exposing isolated intestinal segments to cholera enterotoxin. Giving, for example, tetrodotoxin, a nerve-conduction-blocking agent, or adding lidocaine, a local anesthetic agent, to the solution in the intestinal segments markedly inhibited the rate of choleraic secretion, and in most experiments a net absorption of fluid was observed. The results suggest that intramural nervous mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of choleraic secretion.

Distribution and release of epidermal growth factor in man

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is localised in man to salivary and Brunner's glands. It is present in large concentrations in saliva and duodenal contents but the mechanisms of its release have been little studied. This study carried out on four groups of healthy subjects was designed to determine the distribution and the release of immunoreactive EGF (IR-EGF) in salivary, gastric, duodenal, and pancreatic secretions. Under basal conditions, the concentrations of IR-EGF in salivary, gastric, duodenal and pancreatic secretions were; 2.7 (0.4), 0.42 (0.12), 21 (5) and 8.5 (1.2) ng/ml, respectively. Chewing of Parafilm* significantly increased salivary but not gastric or duodenal EGF output while atropinisation led to the reduction in basal salivary and duodenal EGF output without affecting the increment in EGF release induced by chewing. Cigarette smoking caused a marked reduction in basal salivary and duodenal EGF output. Infusion of pentagastrin increased salivary and duodenal EGF output and this was blocked by the addition of somatostatin. Injection of secretin lead to an increase in pancreatic output of EGF. We conclude that in man the major sources of EGF are salivary glands, duodenum, and pancreas and that the release of EGF remains under neurohormonal control.

Gastrointestinal Physiology and Function

The gastrointestinal (GI) system is responsible for the digestion and absorption of ingested food and liquids. Due to the complexity of the GI tract and the substantial volume of material that could be covered under the scope of GI physiology, this chapter briefly reviews the overall function of the GI tract, and discusses the major factors affecting GI physiology and function, including the intestinal microbiota, chronic stress, inflammation, and aging with a focus on the neural regulation of the GI tract and an emphasis on basic brain-gut interactions that serve to modulate the GI tract. GI diseases refer to diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum. The major symptoms of common GI disorders include recurrent abdominal pain and bloating, heartburn, indigestion/dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. GI disorders rank among the most prevalent disorders, with the most common including esophageal and swallowing disorders, gastric and peptic ulcer disease, gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Many GI disorders are difficult to diagnose and their symptoms are not effectively managed. Thus, basic research is required to drive the development of novel therapeutics which are urgently needed. One approach is to enhance our understanding of gut physiology and pathophysiology especially as it relates to gut-brain communications since they have clinical relevance to a number of GI complaints and represent a therapeutic target for the treatment of conditions including inflammatory diseases of the GI tract such as IBD and functional gut disorders such as IBS.

Calcium-sensing receptor abrogates secretagogue- induced increases in intestinal net fluid secretion by enhancing cyclic nucleotide destruction

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) provides a fundamental mechanism for diverse cells to detect and respond to modulations in the ionic and nutrient compositions of their extracellular milieu. The roles for this receptor are largely unknown in the intestinal tract, where epithelial cells are normally exposed to large variations in extracellular solutes. Here, we show that colonic CaSR signaling stimulates the degradation of cyclic nucleotides by phosphodiesterases and describe the ability of receptor activation to reverse the fluid and electrolyte secretory actions of cAMP- and cGMP-generating secretagogues, including cholera toxin and heat stable Escherichia coli enterotoxin STa. Our results suggest a paradigm for regulation of intestinal fluid transport where fine tuning is accomplished by the counterbalancing effects of solute activation of the CaSR on neuronal and hormonal secretagogue actions. The reversal of cholera toxin- and STa endotoxin-induced fluid secretion by a small-molecule CaSR agonist suggests that these compounds may provide a unique therapy for secretory diarrheas.

Mechanisms of formation and disintegration of alginate beads obtained by prilling

In this paper, compendial sodium alginate beads have been manufactured by laminar jet break-up technology. The effect of polymer concentration, viscosity and polymeric solution flow rate on the characteristics of beads was studied. Size distribution of alginate beads in the hydrated state was strongly dependent on the flow rate and viscosity of polymer solutions, since a transition from laminar jet break-up conditions to vibration-assisted dripping was observed. The re-hydration kinetics of dried beads in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) showed that the maximum swelling of beads was reached after 1-2 h, with an increase in volume of two to three times and a time lag dependent on the polymer concentration. The re-hydration swelling profiles in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) showed no time lag and higher swelling volume; moreover, in this medium after the maximum swelling was reached, the bead structure was quickly disaggregated because of the presence in the medium of phosphate able to capture calcium ions present in the alginate gel structure.

In vitro behavior of human intestinal mucosa. The influence of acetyl choline on ion transport

The possibility that the autonomic nervous system may influence the function of intestinal mucosa was investigated by assessing the effect of acetyl choline on ion transport in human intestine. Isolated pieces of stripped ileal mucosa were mounted in Perspex flux-chambers and bathed in isotonic glucose Ringer's solution. Acetyl choline caused a rise in mean potential difference (8.8-12.3 mV, P less than 0.002) and short circuit current (287.7-417.2 muA-cm-2, P less than 0.01) (n = 12), observable at a concentration of 0.01 mM and maximal at 0.1 mM. This effect was enhanced by neostigmine and blocked by atropine. Isotopic flux determinations revealed a change from a small mean net Cl absorption (58) to a net Cl secretion (-4.3mueq-cm-2-h-1P less than 0.001) due predominantly to an increase in the serosal to mucosal unidirectional flux of Cl (10.63-14.35 mueq-cm-2-h-1P less than 0.05) and a smaller reduction in the mucosal to serosal flux (11.22 to 10.02 mueq-cm-2-h-1P less than 0.05). Unidirectional and net Na transport was unaffected. A similar electrical and ion transport response was observed in a single study of two pieces of jejunal mucosa. In the absence of glucose net chloride secretion was produced and again an insignificant effect on net sodium transport was noted. Acetyl choline did not provoke a sustained effect on mucosal cyclic adenine nucleotide levels although a short-lived cyclic adenine nucleotide response was seen in some tissues 20-30 s after drug addition. These studies demonstrate that acetyl choline does influence human intestinal ion transport by stimulating chloride secretion and suggest a possible mechanism by which the parasympathetic nervous system could be concerned in the control of ion transport.

Effect of glycine-conjugated bile acids with and without lecithin on water and glucose absorption in perfused human jejunum

Perfusion studies were performed in healthy volunteers to test whether the secretory effect of conjugated bile acids, previously shown for the colon, was also present in the jejunum. A perfusion system with a proximal occlusive balloon (and continuous aspiration of duodenal secretions) was used; isotonic test solutions contained glycine-conjugated bile acids with or without lecithin. Fluid movement was measured by changes in the concentration of polyethylene glycol (PEG, mol wt 4,000). Conjugated dihydroxy bile acids inhibited electrolyte and fluid absorption and, at higher concentrations, evoked secretion of an isotonic fluid. Glucose absorption continued, despite fluid secretion, but its rate decreased. The secretory effects of bile acids were abolished by the addition of lecithin to the bile acid solutions. A trihydroxy bile acid (cholylglycine) had no effect on jejunal absorption. Small amounts (6-9%) of conjugated bile acids were absorbed in the jejunum; lecithin was well absorbed (72-90%). The results indicate that dihydroxy bile acids influence salt and water transport in the human jejunum but that this effect may be abolished when a polar lipid such as lecithin is present. We speculate that this effect of bile acids may modify fluid movement in the small intestine postprandially after fat absorption has occurred.

Preparation of insulin loaded PLGA-Hp55 nanoparticles for oral delivery

The aim of the present work was to investigate the preparation of PLGA nanoparticles (PNP) and PLGA-Hp55 nanoparticles (PHNP) as potential drug carriers for oral insulin delivery. The nanoparticles were prepared by a modified emulsion solvent diffusion method in water, and their physicochemical characteristics, drug release in vitro and hypoglycemic effects in diabetic rats were evaluated. The particle sizes of the PNP and PHNP were 150+/-17 and 169+/-16 nm, respectively, and the drug recoveries of the nanoparticles were 50.30+/-3.1 and 65.41+/-2.3%, respectively. The initial release of insulin from the nanoparticles in simulated gastric fluid over 1 h was 50.46+/-6.31 and 19.77+/-3.15%, respectively. The relative bioavailability of PNP and PHNP compared with subcutaneous (s.c.) injection (1 IU/kg) in diabetic rats was 3.68+/-0.29 and 6.27+/-0.42%, respectively. The results show that the use of insulin-loaded PHNP is an effective method of reducing serum glucose levels.

Diarrhoea in vipoma patients associated with cosecretion of a second active peptide (peptide histidine isoleucine) explained by single coding gene

Peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), first isolated from pig intestine, is distributed identically to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in all mammals. 42 patients with high plasma VIP secondary to VIPoma also had very high plasma PHI-like immunoreactivity, in a constant ratio to VIP. None of 125 patients with other endocrine tumours had high levels of either peptide. VIPoma tissue from 20 patients also contained PHI shown by immunocytochemistry to be produced by the same cell as VIP. Messenger RNA(mRNA) from one of these tumours contained the codes for VIP and a separate PHI-like sequence. Human PHI-like sequence differed from porcine PHI in only two aminoacid residues. A single cell thus produces two separate regulatory peptides with apparently similar potencies but different spectra of activity. In normal tissue the constant coproduction of two active neuropeptides by a single neuron provides further evidence against the doctrine of one neuron producing only one neurotransmitter.

Rate of digestion of foods and postprandial glycaemia in normal and diabetic subjects

Carbohydrate portions (2 g) of lentils, soya beans, and wholemeal bread were incubated for three hours with human digestive juices and the effect of digestibility on blood glucose examined. Lentils and soya beans released only 39% and 8% respectively of the sugars and oligosaccharides liberated from bread. In healthy volunteers 50 g carbohydrate portions of cooked lentils and soya beans raised blood glucose concentrations by only 42% (p < 0.001) and 14% (p < 0.001) of the bread value. There was a similar response in diabetics. These results suggest that rate of digestion might be a important factor determining the rise in blood glucose concentration after a meal and that supplementing chemical analysis with in-vitro and in-vivo food testing might permit identification of especially useful foods for diabetics.

5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptor subtypes mediate cholera toxin-induced intestinal fluid secretion in the rat

The mechanisms of diarrhea in Asiatic cholera have been studied extensively. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), prostaglandins, and the function of neuronal structures have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cholera. To elucidate the action of 5-HT in mediating cholera secretion, in vivo experiments were performed in the rat jejunum. The inhibitory effects of the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin and the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ICS 205-930 were studied in cholera toxin- and 5-HT-induced fluid secretion. Both ketanserin and ICS 205-930 dose-dependently but only partially reduced the secretory effect of cholera toxin. The combination of the two blockers totally abolished cholera toxin-induced secretion without any influence on cholera toxin-induced increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Prostaglandin E2- and bisacodyl-induced secretion was not affected by the combined administration of 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 antagonists. The present results provide evidence for an important role of 5-HT in cholera toxin-induced secretion. The data suggest a model in which cholera toxin may initiate the release of 5-HT from enterochromaffin cells. 5-Hydroxytryptamine may then cause prostaglandin E2 formation via 5-HT2 receptors and activation of neuronal structures via 5-HT3 receptors. These two effects may finally lead to the profuse fluid secretion which can be totally blocked by the combination of a 5-HT2 blocker and a 5-HT3 blocker.

Role of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons in alkaline secretory response to luminal acid in the rat duodenum

The role of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons in acid-induced HCO3- secretion was investigated in the duodenum of anesthetized rats. The proximal duodenum was perfused with saline (pH 4.5), the pH of perfusate and the transmucosal potential differences were continuously monitored, and HCO3- output was determined by pH change. Under these conditions, duodenal pH, potential difference, and HCO3- output were significantly increased in response to IV injection of prostaglandin E2 (300 micrograms/kg) and luminal acidification (10 mmol/L HCl, 10 minutes). These responses induced by luminal acid were significantly attenuated by SC pretreatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg), preexposure of the mucosa to lidocaine (4%, 15 minutes), functional ablation of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons, or even prior application of capsaicin (6 mg/mL, 30 minutes) to the duodenum. Although capsaicin application by itself (0.3-6 mg/mL) produced a concentration-dependent increase of HCO3- output, this effect was significantly reduced by lidocaine, indomethacin, or chemical deafferentation and exhibited a tachyphylaxis after repeated application at a high concentration (6 mg/mL). Neither of these treatments significantly affected the HCO3- response induced by prostaglandin E2. It was concluded that stimulation of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons increased duodenal HCO3- secretion and that these neurons may be involved in the mechanism of HCO3- response induced by luminal acid in the duodenum.

Entrapment efficiency and release characteristics of polyethyleneimine-treated or -untreated calcium alginate beads loaded with propranolol–resin complex

Propranolol-HCl-loaded calcium alginate (ALG) beads, propranolol-resin complex (resinate)-loaded calcium alginate (RALG) beads and polyethyleneimine (PEI)-treated RALG (RALG-PEI) beads were prepared by ionotropic gelation/polyelectrolyte complexation method. The beads were evaluated and compared in respect of drug entrapment efficiency (DEE) and release characteristics in simulated gastric fluid (SGF, 0.1(N) HCl, pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, phosphate buffer, pH 6.8). DEE of RALG beads was considerably higher than that of ALG beads containing unresinated drug. However, DEE of RALG beads decreased with increase in both gelation time and concentration of the gel forming Ca2+ ions due to drug displacement from resinate. PEI treatment of RALG beads further decreased DEE as the polycation also displaced the drug from the resinate. The release of drug from all the beads was slow and incomplete in SGF owing to considerably less swelling of the beads and the decrease in drug release from the beads followed the order: RALG-PEI<RALG<ALG. In contrast to rapid discharge of the drug by ALG beads in SIF, RALG beads provided marginal prolongation in drug release as both ALG and RALG beads swelled and eroded rapidly although at different rates. On the other hand, drug release from RALG-PEI beads in SIF was considerably prolonged for different periods of time depending upon the conditions of PEI treatment. Interaction of the polycation with alginate resulted in the formation of polyelectrolyte complex membrane as evident from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies. The membrane having reduced swelling and erosion properties behaved as a physical barrier to drug release. Kinetics of the drug release also confirmed the formation of physical barrier as anomalous transport type of release associated with. RALG beads tended to shift towards Fickian transport in case of RALG-PEI beads.

The nature of diene conjugation in human serum, bile and duodenal juice

Diene-conjugated lipids have been located by HPLC in serum, bile and duodenal juice. Whether esterified or not the same predominant fatty acid is responsible for most of the diene conjugation in all of these biological fluids. Initial attempts to generate this fatty acid in pure lipid by classical lipid peroxidation in vitro were unsuccessful. Ultraviolet irradiation of free fatty acids in the presence of protein produced diene-conjugated lipids similar to those found in vivo. The predominant diene-conjugated fatty acid in vivo is an isomerised C18:2 compound.

Duodenal pH in health and duodenal ulcer disease: effect of a meal, Coca-Cola, smoking, and cimetidine

Intraluminal duodenal pH was recorded using a combined miniature electrode and logged digitally every 10 or 20 seconds for five hours (basal/meal/drink) in eight control subjects and 11 patients with duodenal ulcer (five on and off treatment with cimetidine). Over the whole test there were no significant differences in duodenal mean pH or log mean hydrogen ion activity (LMHa) between control subjects and patients with duodenal ulcer, but there were significantly longer periods of duodenal acidification (pH less than 4) and paradoxically more periods of duodenal alkalinisation (pH greater than 6) in the duodenal ulcer group compared with controls. After a meal duodenal mean pH and LMHa fell significantly in both controls and patients with duodenal ulcer, with more periods of duodenal acidification and alkalinisation in the duodenal ulcer group. An exogenous acid load (Coca-Cola) significantly increased the periods of duodenal acidification, and reduced alkalinisation, in both groups. Cimetidine significantly increased mean pH and LMHa and abolished the brief spikes of acidification in four of five patients with duodenal ulcer. Peak acid output (but not basal acid output) was significantly correlated with duodenal mean pH and LMHa but not with the periods of duodenal acidification. Smoking did not affect duodenal pH in either group.