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Somatostatin inhibits pancreatic enzyme secretion at a central vagal site.

The mechanisms and site of action of somatostatin-induced inhibition of pancreatic enzyme secretion were investigated using different stimulants of pancreatic secretion acting on different sites in anesthetized rats. Administration of graded doses of somatostatin-14 resulted in a dose-related inhibition of pancreatic protein secretion evoked by 2-deoxy-D-glucose, a central vagal stimulant that acts by stimulating the dorsal vagal nuclei. The lowest effective dose of somatostatin-14 was 1.0 microgram.kg-1 x h-1; maximal effective dose was 25 micrograms.kg-1 x h-1, which resulted in complete inhibition of protein output. Similarly, somatostatin-14 at a dose of 25 micrograms.kg-1 x h-1 also completely inhibited pancreatic protein secretion in response to a physiological concentration of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8), which acts via a vagal afferent pathway. In contrast, pancreatic protein outputs evoked by bethanechol, which directly stimulates pancreatic muscarinic receptors, or electrical stimulation of the vagal trunk, which activates the vagal efferent pathway, were unaffected by somatostatin-14. In separate studies, we demonstrated that perivagal treatment with the sensory neurotoxin capsaicin impaired pancreatic responses to CCK-8 but had no effect on the inhibitory action of somatostatin-14 on pancreatic secretion evoked by 2-deoxy-D-glucose, ruling out an effect of somatostatin on the vagal afferent pathway. Similarly we also demonstrated that perineural capsaicin treatment of the celiac-superior mesenteric ganglia did not affect the inhibitory action of somatostatin. These findings indicate that somatostatin inhibits 2-deoxy-D-glucose- and CCK-8-evoked pancreatic enzyme secretion via a vagal pathway.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Cerebral potentials evoked by rectal distention in humans.

The afferent pathways from the rectum can be stimulated and studied after mechanical distention of the rectum. We studied the rectum-brain axis in 24 healthy young adults. The rectum was stimulated with a rectal balloon using inflation volumes of 10 ml and 30 ml air at a stimulation frequency of 0.167 Hz. Additional studies were carried out with 20 ml distention volumes, random stimulation frequency, and stimulation rates of 0.08 Hz and 0.017 Hz. We found two different cortical EPs. An early onset EP was present in 21 of the 24 subjects. P1 latency shortened significantly with increasing distention volumes, but peak amplitudes did not change significantly with larger distention volumes. A late onset EP was present in all subjects with NI latency of 210 +/- 15 msec, PI latency of 316 +/- 24 msec, and NII latency of 444 +/- 34 msec. The different EPs could be due to stimulation of two different visceral afferent pathways which are present in the same individual, due to stimulation of two different fiber populations or due to simultaneous stimulation of afferents in surrounding structures. EP recording after rectal stimulation might be useful in future studies of patients with abnormal rectal sensation.

Adult↗

Effects of bradykinin and capsaicin on endings of afferent fibers from abdominal visceral organs.

Stimulation of sensory endings in abdominal visceral organs with capsaicin or bradykinin reflexly increases heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial contractility through afferent pathways in splanchnic nerves. To determine the afferent fiber types stimulated, we recorded impulses in the right splanchnic nerve in 12 anesthetized cats after either injecting capsaicin (50-200 micrograms) or bradykinin (6.5-20 micrograms) into the descending thoracic aorta or applying pledgets soaked with these chemicals to a visceral organ. We studied 26 A- and 23 C-fibers, each with one receptive field in the mesentery, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, or porta hepatis. Endings of C-fibers generally were mechanically insensitive, whereas endings of A-fibers were mechanically sensitive. After a latency of 10.7 +/- 3.3 s, capsaicin increased the activity of 10 of 26 A-fibers from 2.0 +/- 0.9 to 9.9 +/- 2.6 impulses/s and 23 of 23 C-fibers from 0.2 +/- 0.1 to 13.0 +/- 1.6 impulses/s after a latency of 3.3 +/- 0.9 s. Bradykinin increased the activity of 15 of 26 A-fibers from 2.6 +/- 0.9 to 7.4 +/- 1.5 impulses/s after a latency of 17.0 +/- 1.7 s and 16 of 22 C-fibers from 0.4 +/- 0.2 to 4.7 +/- 1.2 impulses/s after a latency of 19.0 +/- 1.9 s. Capsaicin stimulated significantly more C- than A-fibers (P less than 0.001) and a significantly greater fraction of C-fibers than did bradykinin (P less than 0.007). We conclude that stimulation of splanchnic C-fiber afferents by capsaicin and both A- and C-fiber afferents by bradykinin is primarily responsible for the reflex cardiovascular responses caused by these chemicals.

Abdomen↗

Expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons innervating urinary bladder.

Afferent pathways innervating the urinary bladder consist of myelinated Adelta- and unmyelinated C-fibers, the neuronal cell bodies of which correspond to medium and small-sized cell populations of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, respectively. Since hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation (HCN) channel currents have been identified in various peripheral sensory neurons, we examined the expression of isoforms of HCN channels in the L6-S1 spinal cord and bladder afferent neurons from L6-S1 DRG in rats. Among HCN-1, HCN-2 and HCN-4 channel subtypes, positive staining with HCN-2 antibodies was found in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord and small- and medium-sized unidentified DRG neurons. In dye-labeled bladder afferent neurons, HCN-2-positive cells were found in approximately 60% of neurons, and HCN-2 was expressed in both small- and medium-sized neurons with a higher ratio (expression ratio: 61% and 50% of neurons, respectively) compared with unidentified DRG neurons, in which the HCN expression ratio was 47% and 21% of small- and medium-sized cells, respectively. These results suggest that HCN-2 is the predominant subtype of HCN channels, which can control neuronal excitability, in small-sized C-fiber and medium-sized Adelta fiber DRG neurons including bladder afferent neurons, and might modulate activity of bladder afferent pathways controlling the micturition reflex.

Animals↗

Comparison of neurons in rat medulla oblongata with fos immunoreactivity evoked by seizures, chemoreceptor, or baroreceptor stimulation.

Neurons in rat medulla oblongata with Fos immunoreactivity as a marker of synaptic excitation evoked by pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures were compared with cell populations activated by the stimulation of chemoreceptor and baroreceptor afferent pathways. Chemoreceptors were stimulated by placing rats in a hypoxic gas mixture (7% oxygen) for 2 h. Baroreceptors were activated by phenylephrine-induced hypertension. Seizures and hypoxia induced Fos immunoreactivity in neurons with similar anatomical distributions in the nucleus tractus solitarius, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and ventrolateral medulla. Hypertension was associated with Fos immunoreactivity in an overlapping anatomical distribution compared to seizures and hypoxia, but in a more restricted pattern. A similar proportion of catecholaminergic cells of medulla oblongata (cells immunoreactive for catecholamine synthetic enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase or phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase) had Fos immunostaining after seizures and hypoxia (P > 0.05), while significantly fewer were activated by hypertension (P < 0.05). The majority of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells in caudal ventrolateral medulla were activated by both seizures and hypoxia (mean per cents, 79 and 67%, respectively). Since cell populations activated by seizures and hypoxia are indistinguishable, and a majority of tyrosine hydroxylase-reactive cells in caudal ventrolateral medulla are independently activated by each stimulus, it may be inferred that some impulses originating from seizures and chemoreceptor afferent pathways converge to a common set of neurons. These observations identify neurons in rat medulla oblongata which may mediate the impact of seizures on central processing of chemoreceptor afferent activity.

Animals↗

Presynaptic inhibition and histamine in cerebral ganglion of Aplysia.

In the cerebral ganglion of Aplysia californica synaptic transmission between identified neurones undergoes a prolonged decrease of efficacy following activation of a separate afferent pathway. Synaptic efficacy was measured as the amplitude of a monosynaptic and unitary excitatory response (test excitatory postsynaptic potential = test EPSP) generated by intracellular presynaptic stimulation. Test EPSP depression occurs with a delay of about 20 s, and may have a total duration of several minutes. Test EPSP depression is associated with a hyperpolarization of the presynaptic neurone. It is concluded that the test EPSP depression is due to presynaptic inhibition. Histamine mimics the pre- and postsynaptic effects obtained with activation of secondary afferent pathways.

Animals↗

Neural control of the release and action of secretin.

The release and physiological actions of secretin on pancreatic exocrine secretion and gastric secretion of acid and motility are regulated by neuro-hormonal control. The release of secretin by duodenal acidification is mediated by a secretin releasing peptide (SRP). The release and action of SRP are neurally mediated depending on vagal afferent pathway. SRP activity in acid perfusate of the duodenum was substantially decreased when rats were treated with tetradotoxin (TTX), perivagal application of capsaicin, a beta-adrenergic blocker, Met-enkephalin (MEK) or vagotomy. The release of secretin by SRP was abolished in rats treated with TTX, mucosal or perivagal application of capsaicin, MEK or vagotomy. Both release of secretin and pancreatic exocrine secretion (PES) elicited by duodenal acidification were also inhibited dose-dependently by Met-enkepahlin, 5-HT(2) antagonist, ketanserin and 5-HT(3) antagonist, ondansetron. Stimulation of PES and inhibition of gastric acid secretion and motility by secretin in a physiological dose are also dependent on the vagal afferent pathway as these effects of secretin are abolished by perivagal capsaicin treatment or vagotomy. In conscious rats, vagotomy, vagal ligation, or perivagal colchicine but not capsaicin treatment reduced the number of secretin binding sites in the forestomach suggesting another mode of neural regulation that affects gastric motility. Except in the rat, stimulation of PES by secretin in a physiological dose is profoundly inhibited by atropine indicating the importance of a cholinergic input. In isolated and perfused rat pancreas, electrical field stimulation potentiated secretin-stimulated PES that was suppressed by atropine and anti-GRP serum, suggesting the roles of intrapancreatic cholinergic and GRP-containing neurons. In rats, secretin-stimulated PES was inhibited by a NO synthase inhibitor suggesting mediation by NO. However, the neuropeptides and neurotransmitters involved in regulation of the release and action of secretin and their sites of action remain to be elucidated.

Animals↗

The cortical evoked potentials in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

PURPOSE: Evoked potentials were recorded in patients with DCD to evaluate the integrity the afferent pathways and to rule out the presence of any neurological lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two boys: 5 and 16 years old with recognized DCD were examined. Battery of tests: short-latency somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP), pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (VEP), cognitive event-related potentials (CERP) and EEG were recorded. CT and neuropsychological assessment were also performed. RESULTS: N20 and P25 latencies and also central conduction time of SEPs in both patients were longer. N9, N11, N13 latencies were normal. VEP, CERP, EEG and neuroimaging scans were normal. CONCLUSIONS: Relationship among perceptual--motor skills, cognitive impairment and electrophysiologic findings in children with developmental dyspraxia are discussed. The disturbances of the integrity of the afferent pathways could to be one of many causal factors. Further researches are required to determine the specific source of the neurological deficit of clumsy children.

Adolescent↗

Herpes simplex virus mediated nerve growth factor expression in bladder and afferent neurons: potential treatment for diabetic bladder dysfunction.

PURPOSE: Diabetic cystopathy resulting from sensory neuropathy may potentially be treated by direct gene therapy. It has been suggested that nerve growth factor (NGF) has an ameliorative effect in preventing the death in diabetes of afferent dorsal root ganglion neurons, which control bladder function. We investigated NGF gene transfer to the bladder and bladder afferent pathways for treating diabetic cystopathy. We used replication competent and replication defective herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) vectors that express a functionally active form of the beta-subunit of mouse NGF (beta-NGF) to examine the level and duration of therapeutic gene expression after administration of the vectors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NGF expression during acute (3 days) and latent (21 days) infections was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemical testing after the injection of 1 x 106 to 1 x 108 pfu HSV-NGF expression vectors into the bladder wall of adult rats. RESULTS: HSV vectors with the strong human cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter used to drive beta-NGF gene expression exhibited increased NGF 3 days after infection in the bladder and L6 to S1 dorsal root ganglia, where bladder afferent neurons are located. ELISA analysis revealed that NGF in the bladder tissue and dorsal root ganglia was increased 7 to 9 and 2 to 4-fold, respectively, over the control vector. Increased NGF expression in L6 to S1 dorsal root ganglia neurons was also detected by immunohistochemical staining with antiNGF antibodies. Extended NGF expression was detected by ELISA 21 days after injection. Replication defective vectors containing HSV-1 latency promoter (LAP-2) driving NGF expressed NGF in the bladder and dorsal root ganglia 21 days after bladder injection. ELISA analysis confirmed an approximate 2 to 3-fold increase of NGF expression in the bladder and L6 to S1 dorsal root ganglia. CONCLUSIONS: The NGF gene may be transferred and expressed in the bladder and bladder afferent pathways using HSV vectors. To our knowledge our study represents the first demonstration of the effectiveness of gene therapy for altering neurotrophic expression in visceral sensory neurons. This technique of gene transfer may be useful for treating certain types of neurogenic bladder dysfunction, such as diabetic cystopathy, in which decreased NGF transport may be a causative factor.

Animals↗

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist does not prevent endotoxin-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion in rats.

The underlying mechanisms involved in endotoxin-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion were investigated in conscious rats with pylorus ligation for 2 hr. Intraperitoneal injection of endotoxin (0.1, 1, and 5 micrograms/rat) inhibited gastric acid output by 31%, 80%, and 84% respectively. Intraperitoneal endotoxin (1 microgram/rat) -induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion was not altered by pretreatment with the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, IL-1RA, indomethacin, naloxone, or capsaicin. Treatments were injected peripherally at doses previously shown to antagonize the antisecretory effect of exogenous interleukin-1 beta, to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in the stomach and brain, to block opiate receptors, and to alter functioning of unmyelinated afferent nerve fibers. These results indicate that the antisecretory effect of endotoxin can be expressed by factors other than interleukin-1, prostaglandins, or opioid peptides that do not require the integrity of capsaicin-sensitive afferent pathways.

Afferent Pathways↗

Role of peripheral tissue receptors in stimulation of ventilation by 2,4-dinitrophenol.

Previous workers have demonstrated that hindlimb receptors can mediate some portion of the increase in VE elicited by 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). Liang and Hood have recently demonstrated that these hindlimb receptors communicate with the respiratory center via afferent pathways of the lumbar spinal cord. Accordingly, to determine the quantitative contribution of these hindlimb receptors to increases in VE elicited by DNP (4 mg/kg), we compared two groups of animals with respect to ventilatory, metabolic, and thermal responses elicited by this drug. Group I animals underwent complete transection of the spinal cord at the first lumbar level, whereas the spinal cord in Group II animals remained intact. Our results indicate that Group I and Group II animals did not differ with respect to increases in VE, VO2, and rectal temperature elicited by DNP. These results suggest that hindlimb receptors do not play an obligatory role in mediating increases in VE elicited by DNP. Therefore, these observations raise the possibility that multiple afferent pathways may exist for stimulation of VE by DNP.

Animals↗

Mechanism of action of calcitonin gene-related peptide in inhibiting pancreatic enzyme secretion in rats.

BACKGROUND: Recently, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors have been identified in the central nervous system. Therefore whether CGRP inhibits pancreatic enzyme secretion at a central site was investigated. METHODS: In vivo studies were performed on rats to examine the effect of CGRP on pancreatic enzyme secretion evoked by stimulants that act on different sites: (1) 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), a central vagal stimulant; (2) cholecystokinin, which acts via vagal afferent pathways under physiologic conditions; (3) electric vagal nerve stimulation, which stimulates vagal release of acetylcholine in the pancreas; and (4) bethanechol, which directly activates pancreatic muscarinic receptors. RESULTS: CGRP produced a dose related inhibition of pancreatic secretion evoked by 2DG. Complete inhibition was observed at a dose of 25 micrograms.kg-1 x h-1. Similarly, CGRP at a dose of 50 micrograms.kg-1 x h-1 completely inhibited pancreatic protein secretion in response to a physiological concentration of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8). In contrast, pancreatic protein secretion evoked by bethanechol or electrical stimulation of the vagal trunk were unaffected by CGRP. It was also shown that perivagal capsaicin treatment impaired pancreatic responses to CCK-8 but not to 2DG ruling out an effect of CGRP on vagal afferent pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicates that CGRP inhibits pancreatic enzyme secretion evoked by 2DG or CCK-8 via vagal pathways. CGRP exerts its inhibitory action at a central vagal site.

Animals↗

Target-specific expression of presynaptic mossy fiber plasticity.

Mossy fiber synaptic transmission at hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells and interneurons was compared in rat brain slices to determine whether mossy terminals are functionally equivalent. Tetanic stimulation of mossy fibers induced long-term potentiation in pyramidal neurons but was either without effect or it induced depression at synapses onto interneurons. Unlike transmission onto pyramidal neurons, transmission onto interneurons was not potentiated after adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) activation. Furthermore, metabotropic glutamate receptor depression of transmission onto interneurons did not involve cAMP-dependent pathways. Thus, synaptic terminals arising from a common afferent pathway do not function as a single compartment but are specialized, depending on their postsynaptic target.

Afferent Pathways↗

Differential effect of long-term esophageal acid exposure on mechanosensitivity and chemosensitivity in humans.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Chronic tissue injury in the esophagus associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease may result in sensitization of afferent pathways mediating mechanosensitivity and chemosensitivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity to intraluminal acid and to distention of the esophagus in patients with mild-to-moderate gastroesophageal reflux disease. METHODS: Perceptual responses to intraluminal acid perfusion and to esophageal distention and pressure volume relationships were evaluated in 10 healthy volunteers and in 11 patients. Mechanosensitivity was evaluated with a barostat using unbiased distention protocols and verbal descriptor ratings of sensations. Chemosensitivity to acid was determined at baseline and after a 1-month treatment of acid suppression. RESULTS: Patients showed enhanced perception of acid perfusion but not of esophageal distension. Chemosensitivity but not mechanosensitivity was correlated with reflux symptoms and with the degree of endoscopically shown tissue injury at baseline. Tissue injury was not associated with altered compliance. CONCLUSIONS: Mild-to-moderate chronic tissue injury in gastroesophageal reflux disease differentially affects mechanosensitive and chemosensitive afferent pathways. Chronic acid reflux by itself is not likely to play a role in reported esophageal hypersensitivity to distention in patients with noncardiac chest pain.

Adult↗

Effect of the kappa agonist fedotozine on perception of gastric distension in healthy humans.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gastric hypersensitivity to mechanical distension has been observed in functional dyspepsia, but no drug is available that specifically acts on gastric afferent pathways to decrease gastric nociception. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of fedotozine, a synthetic ligand for peripheral kappa receptors, on human gastric sensitivity. METHODS: Twenty-seven healthy volunteers were randomized to receive either fedotozine (30 mg t.d.s.) or a placebo, for 7 days. On day 7, the effects of fedotozine were tested on discomfort threshold and gastric compliance during graded isobaric and isovolumic distensions. In 16 of these subjects, the effect of this drug was tested on somatic sensitivity. In 10 other healthy volunteers the effect of fedotozine on gastric distension-induced inhibition of the RIII reflex, a process closely related to visceral sensitivity, was also studied. RESULTS: During isobaric distensions, the discomfort threshold was significantly higher in subjects on fedotozine than in those on placebo (14.4 +/- 0.92 vs. 12.0 +/- 1.13 mmHg; P = 0.04). Compared to placebo, fedotozine did not modify gastric compliance and somatic sensitivity. Fedotozine also reduced the inhibition of the RIII reflex induced by gastric distension. CONCLUSION: Fedotozine decreases gastric sensitivity to distension by exerting specific action on gastric afferent pathways.

Adult↗

Non-NMDA and NMDA receptors transmit area postrema input to aortic baroreceptor neurons in NTS.

We sought to determine whether glutamate acting at both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors transmits area postrema (AP) excitatory inputs to nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) neurons in the aortic baroreceptor or vagal afferent pathways in vivo. In alpha-chloralose-anesthetized rabbits, we recorded extracellular NTS neuronal responses to low-frequency aortic depressor nerve (ADN), vagus nerve, and AP stimulation and to iontophoresis of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid and NMDA during control, iontophoresis of 2, 3-dihdroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(f)quinoxaline (NBQX), DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP5), or both, and recovery conditions. In neurons receiving AP and ADN inputs, NBQX attenuated AP- and ADN-evoked responses by 46 (P = 0.0206) and 49% (P = 0.0042). AP5 attenuated AP- and ADN-evoked responses by 39 (P = 0.0270) and 40% (P = 0.0157). NBQX + AP5 attenuated AP- and ADN-evoked responses by 74 (P = 0.0040) and 75% (P = 0.0028). In neurons receiving AP and vagal inputs, AP transmission was attenuated by 58, 60, and 98%; vagal transmission was attenuated by 62, 35, and 83% during NBQX, AP5, and both antagonists, respectively. These data suggest that both non-NMDA and NMDA receptors transmit AP input to NTS neurons in aortic baroreceptor or vagal afferent pathways.

Action Potentials↗

Effects of isolectin B4-conjugated saporin, a targeting cytotoxin, on bladder overactivity induced by bladder irritation.

In order to clarify the functional role of the isolectin B4 (IB4)-binding afferent pathway in the micturition reflex, we investigated the effects on bladder activity of intrathecal application of the IB4-saporin conjugate, a targeting cytotoxin that destroys neurons binding IB4. In rats, IB4-saporin (2.5 micro m) or vehicle was administered through an intrathecal catheter implanted at the level of the L6-S1 spinal cord. Three weeks after IB4-saporin administration, cystometry in conscious animals revealed a reduction in bladder overactive responses induced by intravesical capsaicin or ATP infusion without affecting normal voiding function. In histochemical studies, double staining for IB4 and saporin was detected in L6 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons 2 days after the treatment. Three weeks after the treatment, the area in lamina II of the L6 spinal cord stained with IB4 was significantly reduced compared with the area stained in control rats. The staining in the L1 spinal cord was not affected. The percentage of neurons in the L6 DRG intensely labeled with IB4 was also reduced in IB4-saporin-treated rats. These results indicate that intrathecal treatment with the IB4-saporin conjugate at the level of L6-S1 spinal cord, which reduces IB4 afferent nerve terminal staining in lamina II of the L6 spinal cord as well as the number of IB4-binding neurons in L6 DRG, suppressed bladder overactivity induced by bladder irritation without affecting normal micturition. Thus targeting IB4-binding, non-peptidergic afferent pathways sensitive to capsaicin and adenosine 5'-triphosphate may be an effective treatment for overactivity and/or pain responses in the bladder.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Apolipoprotein A-IV is involved in detection of lipid in the rat intestine.

Long chain triglyceride (>C12) in the intestinal lumen potently inhibits gastric emptying and acid secretion via the vagal afferent pathway. While the mechanism of inhibition involves the formation of chylomicrons, the essential role of the apolipoprotein apo A-IV is unclear. Using apo A-IV(-/-) mice, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of gastric emptying and gastric acid secretion in response to dietary lipid is dependent upon apo A-IV. As measured by nuclear scintigraphy in awake mice, gastric emptying of an ingested whole-egg meal was significantly faster in apo A-IV(-/-) knockout versus A-IV(+/+) controls (34 +/- 1 versus 54 +/- 3 min, P < 0.0001). In anaesthetized A-IV(+/+) mice, meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion was 59% inhibited by intestinal lipid infusion; this was abolished in apo A-IV(-/-) mice. Oral gavage of lipid in awake mice activated neurones throughout the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in A-IV(+/+) mice, measured by immunohistochemical localization of Fos protein expression. However, in the mid region of the NTS (bregma -7.32 to -7.76 mm), Fos expression in response to intestinal lipid was significantly decreased by 50% in apo A-IV(-/-) mice compared to A-IV(+/+) controls. We conclude that activation of the vagal afferent pathway and inhibition of gastric function in response to dietary lipid is partly dependent upon apo A-IV.

Animals↗