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PubMed2004

Endoscopic biopsies from normal-appearing terminal ileum and cecum in patients with suspected colonic tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Colonic tuberculosis is generally diagnosed by colonoscopy and targeted biopsy of lesions. However, the diagnostic yield of colonic biopsies is not very good. So far as we are aware, there have been no studies investigating the role of biopsies from endoscopically normal-appearing cecum and terminal ileum in diagnosing colonic or ileal tuberculosis, or both. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with a clinical suspicion of colonic tuberculosis, in whom no endoscopic abnormalities were found on colonoscopy or ileoscopy, were included in the study. Multiple biopsies were obtained from the cecum and ileum. RESULTS: Fifty patients were studied. Intubation of the terminal ileum was possible in 43 patients (86 %). Histological examination of biopsies obtained from the cecum and terminal ileum showed noncaseating granuloma in two patients. Both of these biopsies were from the terminal ileum. In two other patients, collections of loosely arranged epithelioid cells were observed. This established the diagnosis in these four patients (8 %). In the remaining 46 patients, histology showed nonspecific inflammation in 18 patients (in the cecum in 15 and in the terminal ileum in seven). The other biopsies did not show any abnormalities (33 from the cecum, 34 from the terminal ileum). CONCLUSIONS: Histological examination of biopsies from the normal-appearing cecum and terminal ileum is useful in a small but significant number of patients with colonic tuberculosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1968

Alterations in the mouse cecum and its flora produced by antibacterial drugs.

Addition of penicillin, Terramycin, or kanamycin to the drinking water of adult mice rapidly induced in them an enlargement of the cecum. In all animals, this occurred within 12 hr after the beginning of drug administration-the effect being most pronounced with penicillin. The cecums remained enlarged and generally continued to increase in size as long as the antibacterial drugs were administered. The increase in wet weight of the cecums was due primarily to an accumulation of water in the lumens during the first 24-48 hr of drug administration. At that time, there were no detectable histological changes in any case, but the bacteriological picture differed from drug to drug. The cecums were free of bacteria in animals receiving penicillin, fusiform-shaped bacteria and bacteroides were present in those receiving Terramycin, and lactobacilli and bacteroides in those receiving kanamycin. After the initial 48 hr, an abundant and complex secondary microflora developed in all treated animals, its composition being characteristic for each type of antibacterial drug. When penicillin was administered for 2 wk, the cecal weights and microbial populations did not return to normal levels for over 14 days after discontinuance of the drug. This recovery period could be shortened to 10 days by giving the mice food contaminated with cecal homogenates prepared from normal animals. A period of 7 or 8 days was required for the cecal weights and microflora to reach normal levels when the administration of penicillin lasted only 24 hr; this period could not be shortened by giving the animals contaminated food. The effects of drugs on the size and bacterial contents of the cecum have been discussed in the light of earlier findings concerning the characteristics of the huge cecums uniformly found in germfree mice. Taken together, these observations support the hypothesis that certain elements of the intestinal microflora-not yet completely identified-play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of the water-transport mechanism in the intestinal epithelium.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Myoelectric activity of the cecum and proximal loop of the ascending colon in cows.

Six Jersey cows were implanted with 8 pairs of bipolar electrodes: 1 in the jejunum, 1 in the ileum, 3 in the cecum, and 3 in the proximal loop of the ascending colon (PLAC). Myoelectric activity was recorded at 2- to 3-day intervals, 3 times for 8 hours or 4 times for 6 hours, using a computer-based oscillograph and data-acquisition program. Mean (+/- SD) duration of the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) in the ileum was 84.52 +/- 4.87 minutes. Phases I and II of the MMC lasted significantly (P < 0.05) longer than phase III. Two types (A and B) of cyclic activity were found in the cecum and PLAC. Cyclic activity type A was observed predominantly in the cecum, and type B was observed exclusively in the PLAC. Phase III of the MMC in the ileum was accompanied by hyperactivity type A at the level of the ileocecocolic junction in 60.90 +/- 12.65% of the MMC. Twenty-seven types of orally and aborally propagated spike sequences, involving the cecum and PLAC, were found. They were most frequent when an MMC phase III was observed in the ileum, and least frequent when an MMC phase I was observed in the ileum (P < 0.05). All electrode sites of the cecum and PLAC served as pacemaker areas. Propagated and nonpropagated spikes were found at all electrode sites of the cecum and PLAC. Although propagated spikes lasted significantly (P < 0.05) longer than nonpropagated spikes, a clear distinction on the basis of duration could not be defined between the 2 spike types because broad overlapping of duration existed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[The topography of the cecum and proximal loop of the colon in cattle with cecal dilatation].

The topography of the cecum and the proximal loop of the colon was studied in 32 cattle of different german breeds, female gender and different age (5.2 +/- 2.0 years), which were surgically treated for cecal dilatation in the Medical and Forensic Veterinary Clinic II of the Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen. In 13 cases (41%) dilatation and dislocation--without or with torsion (along a longitudinal axis, round to the left)--of the cecum, with dilatation of the proximal loop of the colon was diagnosed. In 3 cases (9%) dilatation, dislocation and torsion (along a longitudinal axis, round to the left) of the cecum without dilatation of the proximal loop was found. In 6 cases (19%) dilatation and dislocation of the cecum with dilatation, dislocation and torsion of the proximal loop of the colon (along a longitudinal axis) to the left, and in 10 cases (31%) dilatation and dislocation of the cecum with dilatation, dislocation and torsion of the proximal loop of the colon (along a longitudinal axis) to the right, was observed. By lining up single findings, models are presented how torsion of the cecum to the left, and torsion of the proximal loop of the colon to the left or to the right may develop.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Cecum of guinea pig is a reservoir and sigmoid is a high-resistance conduit.

We compared the filling responses of the cecum and the sigmoid of the guinea pig using volumes up to 60 ml and 2.5 ml, respectively. In the isolated cecum, each 1-cm increment of hydrostatic pressure above zero led to accommodation of 10 ml volume; in the sigmoid, the yield pressure (at which accommodation first occurred) was 6 cm H2O, and pressure increments up to 20 cm H2O produced volume increments of less than 0.5 ml. Resting pressure at half-maximal filling was 5.0 +/- 0.7 cm H2O for the sigmoid and 1.7 +/- 0.6 cm H2O for the cecum. K+ depolarization led to a significant upward shift in the pressure curves of both segments. Ca2+ withdrawal decreased sigmoid and cecal pressures at some volumes. Distension of the cecum triggered intermittent contractions, which began with the shortening of the teniae and were associated with low-amplitude pressures and expulsion of a 5- to 10-ml volume. Distension of the sigmoid produced propagating contractions that were associated with high-amplitude pressures and lengthening; compartmentalization in the sigmoid prevented efflux from it, and volume inflow was not affected by pressure waves. Our observations indicate that its large capacity and great distensibility make the cecum suitable for reservoir functions, whereas its narrowness and lack of distensibility make the sigmoid a high-resistance conduit.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Mobile cecum syndrome.

Five cases of mobile cecum syndrome are presented. These patients all presented with chronic right lower quadrant abdominal pain with associated abdominal distention and symptomatic relief after passing flatus or having a bowel movement. Three patients had preoperative barium enemas demonstrating abnormal mobility of the cecum. On exploration, all patients were found to have the cecum and ascending colon unattached to the lateral peritoneum for 15 to 18 cm. All patients were treated by cecopexy, using a lateral peritoneal flap for fixation, and all have had relief of their pain. This technique is described and illustrated. Cecopexy is an effective method of fixing the cecum and prevents subsequent cecal volvulus. The diagnosis of mobile cecum syndrome should be considered in patients with chronic right lower quadrant pain.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Effect of prolonged, continuous rectal distention on mouth-to-cecum and colonic transit time in pigs.

The effect of prolonged (6 h), continuous rectal distention on mouth-to-cecum and colonic transit time was studied in four unrestrained pigs. Mouth-to-cecum transit time was determined from samples of cecal efflux using the phenol red dye technique. Colonic transit time was assessed with radiopaque markers that were injected into the cecum before each trial. Rectal distention was applied 2-1/2 h before feeding, during feeding, and 3-1/2 h after feeding. No distention was applied during control conditions. Stools were collected for 48 h after marker application. Rectal distention increased mouth-to-cecum transit time (p < 0.05). Colonic transit time was also prolonged by rectal distention as shown by a significant decrease in the number of markers excreted within 36 h (p < 0.05). Rectal distention for 6 h increased colonic transit time up to 30 h following distention and prolonged mouth-to-cecum transit of a high fat liquid meal.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Regulation of electrolyte transport by nitric oxide in the mouse cecum.

The effect and role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of ion transport in the mouse cecum were investigated. L-arginine, used to increase NO production, increased short-circuit current (Isc), a measure of ion transport, in a concentration-dependent manner with a maximal increase of 193.8+/-65.5 microA/cm2. This increase was not changed in Cl-- or HCO3--free buffers, but was significantly decreased in Na+-free buffer. Using immunohistochemistry, the constitutive form of nitric oxide synthase was found not to be different in the inflamed cecum. The inducible form of the enzyme, however, which was absent in the cecum of normal mice, was present in high levels in the cecum of the colitic mouse. These results suggest that NO causes an increase in Na+ absorption. The increased levels of inducible NO synthase in the inflamed cecum suggest a role for NO in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Arrangement of the tunica muscularis of the ileum, cecum and colon at the transition between the small and the large intestines of swine.

The arrangement of the bundles of muscular fibers in the transition between the small and the large intestines was studied in 12 male adult crossbred swine by dissection, after immersion in 50% nitric acid solution. The connection between the small and the large intestines was formed by the association of the muscular tissue, the connective tissue and the fat tissue. The tunica muscularis of these organs was organized in thin thread-like bundles and wide ribbon-like bundles of variable width and thickness. The superficial bundles of the longitudinal stratum of the tunica muscularis of the ileum established the continuity with the large intestine; the deep bundles penetrated into the ileal papilla. The limit between the cecum and the ascending colon was externally marked by the sulcus cecocolicus dorsalis and ventralis. The connection between the cecum and the ascending colon was formed by bundles of muscular fibers coming from the ileum, and the taeniae ventralis, lateralis and medialis of the cecum. Some bundles of muscular fibers from the ascending colon and the cecum headed toward the sulcus cecocolicus. The median bundles of muscular fibers of the taenia ventralis of the cecum, near the termination of the ileum, were arranged to form a loop around the termination of the ileum, mixing with the musculature of the ascending colon at the level of this junction.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Gluten-free diet normalizes mouth-to-cecum transit of a caloric meal in adult patients with celiac disease.

The mechanisms responsible for bowel disturbances in celiac disease are still relatively unknown. Recent reports suggested that small bowel motor abnormalities may be involved in this pathological condition; however, there are no studies addressing small bowel transit in celiac disease before and after a gluten-free diet. We studied the mouth-to-cecum transit time of a caloric liquid meal in a homogeneous group of celiac patients presenting with clinical and biochemical evidence of malabsorption and complaining of diarrhea. Sixteen patients were recruited and investigated by means of hydrogen breath test through ingestion of 20 g lactulose together with an enteral gluten-free diet formula. A urinary D-xylose test was also done in each patient. Both breath tests and D-xylose tests were carried out basally and after a period of gluten-free diet. Twenty healthy volunteers were recruited as a control group and underwent the same breath testing. At the time of the diagnosis, mouth-to-cecum transit time was significantly prolonged in celiacs with respect to controls (243 +/- 10 vs 117 +/- 6 min, P = 0.0001). The D-xylose test was also abnormal (average urinary concentration 2.8 +/- 0.25 g, normal values >4.5). No correlation was found in patients between mouth-to-cecum transit time and urinary D-xylose output (r = 0.22). After the gluten-free diet period, mouth-to-cecum transit time in celiacs was significantly reduced compared to prediet transit (134 +/- 8 vs 243 +/- 10 min, P = 0.0001) and did not show statistical difference when compared to that found in controls (P = 0.1). The D-xylose test reverted to normal in all but two subjects, who were found to be noncompliant with the diet. Mouth-to-cecum transit time is significantly prolonged in patients affected by untreated celiac disease when compared to healthy controls. This alteration might not be correlated to intestinal malabsorption, and the prolonged orocecal transit could be due to impaired small bowel function (deranged motility?). Since intestinal transit returned to normal values after an adequate gluten-free period, a link with severe active mucosal lesions is suggestive.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Specific effects of fermentable carbohydrates on blood urea flux and ammonia absorption in the rat cecum.

These studies were conducted to determine to what extent dietary fibers, or related compounds such as lactulose or amylomaize starch, alter the flux of blood urea to the cecum and cecal absorption of ammonia in the rat. Cecal weight and pH values were not different among rats fed diets containing 10% lactulose, pectin or guar gum, or 25% amylomaize starch. However, the cecal wall weight was markedly higher with lactulose feeding than with the other polysaccharides, whereas volatile fatty acid concentrations were lower with lactulose. The fiber diets depressed cecal ammonia, particularly in the case of the amylomaize starch diet, whereas the lactulose diet enhanced the concentration of ammonia. Owing to cecal enlargement and enhanced blood flow, the diets containing fermentable carbohydrates promoted a higher flux of urea to the cecum and also higher ammonia absorption in spite of low concentrations of ammonia in the cecum. Lactulose led to particularly high transfer of urea and absorption of ammonia. High blood urea in rats fed a 50% casein diet led to a very high flux of urea to the cecum and, hence, to high ammonia absorption. The presence of polysaccharides amplified the flux of urea and ammonia in the cecum. This study suggests that oligosaccharides such as lactulose, although very effective for the acidification of the contents of the large intestine, may enhance cecal ammonia and its absorption. Polysaccharides such as amylomaize starch might show greater efficiency for lowering ammonia concentrations in the large intestine.

Ammonia↗
PubMed1996

Feeding human milk to rats increases Bifidobacterium in the cecum and colon which correlates with enhanced folate status.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if feeding diets containing human milk resulted in increased numbers of microorganisms implicated in increased folate production and the effect on folate availability. Following a folate-depletion period (5 wk), 30 rats were fed folate-repletion diets (4 wk) with or without 20% milk solids (human, cow or goat) and containing either 906 or 4530 nmol folic acid/kg. At the end of the test period, the cecum and colon were removed in an anaerobic chamber, homogenized, diluted (10(-2) -10(-8)), and the contents of each plated on selective and nonselective media. In addition to enumeration of the total anaerobic load, five genera of bacteria were counted (Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Escherichia and Streptococcus). Rats fed human milk solids had at least a seven- and onefold mean increase in the Bifidobacterium concentration in the cecum (P < 0.006) and colon (P < 0.04), respectively, compared with rats fed other diets. The total anaerobic bacterial concentration in the cecum and the colon of rats fed human milk solids was also greater than that of rats fed the other diets (P < 0.05). The single exception was the total anaerobic count in the cecum of rats consuming goat milk solids, which did not differ from that of rats consuming human milk solids. Further, rats fed human milk solids had at least a 42 and 48% higher mean plasma folate concentration and total cecal material folate content, respectively, than rats in other dietary treatments containing 906 nmol/kg folic acid. Therefore, the improved folate status of rats fed human milk-containing diets appears to be due, at least in part, to increased folate synthesis by Bifidobacteria and other folate-synthesizing microbes in the cecum and colon.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Distance of cecum ligated influences mortality, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 expression following cecal ligation and puncture in the rat.

BACKGROUND/AIM: A mainstay of laboratory research into new therapies for sepsis has been the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model in rodents. Previous data indicate that the number of punctures made in the cecum and needle size utilized are primary determinants of mortality. Despite this, variability exists in mortality from this model, even when needle size is held constant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the length of cecum ligated, independent of needle size, as a determinant of mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated this by ligating various cecal lengths in male Sprague-Dawley rats. A double puncture was then made with a 20-gauge needle, and mortality was analyzed. Plasma TNF-alpha and IL-6 expression was assessed at 6 h. Animals received no antibiotics, were not fasted, and fluid resuscitation was administered. RESULTS: We determined that mortality does not begin to occur until a distance of >5% of cecal length is ligated. Further, our findings indicate that in this model, 90-100% mortality occurs 4 days following CLP when a distance of >30% is ligated. TNF-alpha and IL-6 expression is markedly increased with increasing length of cecum ligated. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that the length of cecum ligated is a major determinant of mortality in the CLP model of sepsis. These findings indicate that investigators must rigorously control the distance of the cecum ligated in order to generate consistent mortality and inflammation data when utilizing the CLP model in rats. Further, the mortality from this model can be adjusted to fit the individual needs of a particular experiment.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Effects of mosapride, a 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor agonist, on electrical activity of the small intestine and cecum in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of various doses of mosapride, a 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor agonist, on motility of the small intestine and cecum in horses by use of electrical activity and to determine the dose that provides the optimal response. ANIMAL: 6 healthy adult Thoroughbreds. PROCEDURE: Electrical activity of the small intestine and cecum was recorded before and after mosapride administration by use of an electrogastrograph. Mosapride (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/kg) was dissolved in 200 mL of water and administered orally to horses through a nasogastric tube. Three hours after drug administration, mean amplitude of electrical activity calculated for a period of 30 minutes was expressed as the percentage of the mean amplitude of electrical activity for a period of 30 minutes before drug administration. RESULTS: Mosapride administered orally increased the percentage of the mean amplitude of electrical activity in the small intestine and cecum in a dose-dependent manner. Mean +/- SD values differed significantly for 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/kg (127.0 +/- 12.5%, 137.7 +/- 22.2%, and 151.1 +/- 24.0%, respectively) in the small intestine and for 1.5 and 2 mg/kg (130.1 +/- 34.5% and 151.6 +/- 45.2%, respectively) in the cecum. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of results of this study clearly documents that mosapride promotes motility in the small intestine and cecum of horses and that the optimal orally administered dosage is 1.5 to 2 mg/kg. Therefore, mosapride may be useful for treatment of horses with gastrointestinal tract dysfunction.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Effects of diet and hindgut defaunation on diet digestibility and microbial concentrations in the cecum and colon of the horse.

The effects of diet and hindgut defaunation (removal of protozoa from the hindgut) on diet digestibility (Trial 1) and on total and cellulolytic bacterial and fungal concentrations in the cecum and colon (Trial 2) were investigated. A high-forage (HF) diet, 90% alfalfa hay-10% concentrate, or a higher-concentrate (HC) diet, 60% alfalfa hay-40% concentrate, was limit-fed. In Trial 1, defaunation resulted in a slight decrease in DM digestibility (P < .1) and had no effect on cellulose digestibility. Dry matter digestibility was higher (P < .001) with the HC diet; however, no differences were observed in cellulose digestion. For the faunated periods, protozoal concentrations were similar in the cecum and greater in the colon for both diets (P < .05). A diet x location interaction was observed for the genera Buetschlia and Blepharocorys. In Trial 2, defaunation had no effect on either total or cellulolytic bacterial concentrations in the cecum or colon. Total bacterial concentrations were higher (P < .06) in the colon when ponies were fed the HC diet. Defaunation did not affect total fungal concentrations in the cecum; however, fungal concentrations in the colon were slightly higher (P < .1) when the ponies were defaunated. Diet had no effect on total or cellulolytic fungal concentrations. Both total and cellulolytic fungal concentrations were approximately 10-fold higher in the colon than in the cecum (P < .01). Protozoa do not seem to play an essential role in the fermentation of feedstuffs in the equine hindgut.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2002

Characterization of microbial populations and volatile fatty acid concentrations in the jejunum, ileum, and cecum of pigs weaned at 17 vs 24 days of age.

In a series of five 17-d replicate trials, a total of 54 cannulated and 12 noncannulated pigs were used to determine the effects of weaning age (17 d or 24 d) on pH, dry matter percentage, aerobic and anaerobic microflora, lactate, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in the jejunum, ileum, and cecum of weanling pigs. At -14 d of age, cannulated pigs were surgically fitted with T-cannulas in the jejunum (n = 20), ileum (n = 18), or cecum (n = 16). Upon weaning, cannulated pigs were individually caged in an environmentally controlled room with ad libitum access to a phase starter diet and water. Noncannulated pigs were killed at weaning and samples were collected from the jejunum, ileum, and cecum. Digesta and fecal swabs from cannulated pigs were collected twice weekly. The pH of cecal contents was lower (P < 0.05) and dry matter percentage was greater (P < 0.05) than those ofjejunal or ileal contents. Pigs weaned at 24 d of age had increased (P < 0.05) E. coli populations 3 d postweaning compared to preweaning populations, regardless of site of collection, whereas this increase was not observed in pigs weaned at 17 d of age. Unweaned pigs maintained higher (P < 0.05) lactobacilli populations compared to weaned pigs; however, populations declined (P < 0.05) in both groups by 3 d postweaning, with pigs weaned at 24 d of age having lactobacilli populations greater than pigs weaned at 17 d of age. Fecal populations of E. coli and lactobacilli declined (P < 0.05), whereas fecal bifidobacteria populations increased (P < 0.05) postweaning, regardless of weaning age. Concentrations of total fecal anaerobes declined (P < 0.05) in pigs weaned at 17 d of age but were maintained in pigs weaned at 24 d of age. Volatile fatty acid concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in the cecum than in the jejunum or ileum, and acetic acid concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) postweaning regardless of weaning age. A tendency for L+ lactate concentrations to be greater (P < 0.07) in the ileum and jejunum vs the cecum was observed. Results indicate that weaning and weaning age have significant effects on microbial populations and VFA concentrations.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2002

A comparison of enzymatic and molecular approaches to characterize the cellulolytic microbial ecosystems of the rumen and the cecum.

We used RNA probes and enzyme activities to compare the cellulolytic microbial ecosystems of the rumen and the cecum. Four rumen- and cecum-cannulated wethers were fed a diet of barley plus hay (60:40). Digesta samples were collected 1 h before feeding and 3, 6, and 9 h after feeding for measurements on microbial populations, and 1 h before feeding and 3 and 6 h after feeding for digestion measurements, pH, and VFA. Polysaccharidase and glycosidase specific activities of solid-adherent microorganisms were measured respectively by the amount of reducing sugars released from xylan or avicel or p-nitrophenol from the p-nitrophenol derivatives of xylose and glucose. The distribution and amounts of the three main cellulolytic bacterial species (Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, and Ruminococcus flavefaciens) were determined by dot-blot hybridization using specific 16SrRNA-targeting probes. Enzyme activities were higher in the rumen than in the cecum and before feeding than at 3 h after feeding. The sum of the three cellulolytic bacterial species represented, on average, 4.5% of the total bacterial RNA in the two compartments and did not vary with sampling time. The cellulolytic bacterial community structure was different in the two compartments, with F. succinogenes as the main species in the rumen and R. flavefaciens in the cecum. The lower cellulolytic activity in the cecum than in the rumen could not be ascribed to any difference in the structure of the cellulolytic bacterial community between these two compartments, and other hypotheses related to digestion are proposed.

Animal Feed↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Experimental dilatation of the cecum and colon in rats. I. Induction by continuous administration of lactose after weaning].

Female weanling Wistar rats, weighing 30-40 g, were allocated into seven groups (I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII), and given laboratory rat chow containing ascending concentrations of lactose (subgroup L) and sucrose (subgroup S); each group was administered respectively 0, 5, 10, 20, 25, 30 and 35 g of disaccharide per 100 g final weight of diet. The animals were maintained in these diets for 28 days, when they were weighed and sacrificed. The volume of the large intestine was measured, and the weight of cecum and colon were recorded separately. The values were expressed in cm3/100 g of body weight (volume) and g/100 g of body weight (weight of cecum and colon). The results showed that rats given lactose, except group II (L) showed enlargement of the cecum and colon, as revealed by increased volume and weight, proportionally to the concentration of sugar. This increase was more pronounced in the cecum, while the participation of the colon occurred significantly only with high concentrations of lactose (groups VI (L) and VII (L)). Groups V (L), VI (L) and VII (L) showed very low body weights at the end of the experiment and high mortality rates of respectively 37.5, 50 and 80%. It is postulated that the enlargement of the cecum and colon of rats given lactose is probably related to augmented work due to increased fecal flow through the ileo-cecal valve and/or changes in bacterial flora and fermentation. Besides, the low body weight and the high mortality rate of lactose-fed rats may be dependent on the chronic diarrhea observed in these animals.

Animals↗