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Evidence for tryptaminergic and noradrenergic involvement in the antisecretory action of morphine in the rat jejunum.

Experiments have been performed to determine whether the antisecretory (antidiarrhoeal) effect of morphine in the intestine is mediated by a direct action of morphine on enteric nerves. Rats were pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) to deplete intestinal stores of noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Intraperitoneal injection of 6-OHDA (3 doses at 50 mg kg-1) caused a selective reduction in the level of noradrenaline in the jejunum to 7.3% of control. Intraperitoneal injection of PCPA (200 mg kg-1) selectively reduced the jejunal level of 5-HT to 30.5% of control. Groups of rats that had been treated as described above were anaesthetized and then injected intravenously with saline or with blocking doses of either atropine (0.25 mg kg-1), hexamethonium (20 mg kg-1), ketanserin (30 micrograms kg-1), methysergide (30 micrograms kg-1), phentolamine (2 mg kg-1) or propranolol (1 mg kg-1). Following perfusion of the lumen of the jejunum, the rate of glucose absorption was measured to assess the integrity of the mucosa. Glucose absorption was unaltered in animals pretreated with hexamethonium and propranolol but there was a small enhancement in animals pretreated with atropine, PCPA, methysergide, 6-OHDA and phentolamine. The rate of net water absorption from the lumen of the jejunum and the rate of fluid secretion into the lumen following intra-arterial infusion of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, 0.8 microgram min-1) were unaltered by any of the drug treatments. Intravenous injection of morphine (10 mg kg-1) did not alter the levels of noradrenaline or 5-HT in the whole jejunum. However, this dose of morphine did cause a 63.5% decrease in the VIP-induced change in water transport. This antisecretory effect of morphine was unaltered in animals pretreated with atropine, hexamethonium and propranolol. In contrast, methysergide, ketanserin and 6-OHDA abolished the antisecretory effect of morphine. PCPA and phentolamine produced a partial inhibition of morphine's antisecretory effect. It is concluded that morphine produces its antisecretory effect in the jejunum by activation of noradrenergic and tryptaminergic systems.

Animals↗

The absence of stereoselective P-glycoprotein-mediated transport of R/S-verapamil across the rat jejunum.

We have studied the potential stereoselective transport and metabolism of R/S-verapamil in rat jejunum, in-situ. A regional single-pass perfusion of the rat jejunum was performed on 24 rats in six separate groups. The effective permeability (Peff) was assessed for three different concentrations of verapamil, 4, 40 and 400 mg L(-1). The Peff of each enantiomer was also determined at 400 mg L(-1) when chlorpromazine (10 mM) was added to the perfusion solution. Two other groups of rats received R/S-verapamil as an intravenous infusion and the intestinal secretion and metabolism were studied by simultaneously perfusing the jejunum with a control or with chlorpromazine (10 mM) added. The concentrations in the outlet perfusate of each enantiomer of verapamil and norverapamil were assayed with HPLC. R/S-Verapamil is a high permeability drug in the proximal rat small intestine throughout the luminal concentration range studied and complete intestinal absorption was expected. There was an increase of Peff from 0.42 x 10(-4) cm s(-1) to 0.80 x 10(-4) cm s(-1) (P < 0.05) at concentrations from 4 to 400 mg L(-1), respectively. The observed concentration-dependent jejunal Peff and fraction absorbed (P < 0.05) of R/S-verapamil is consistent with the saturation of an efflux mechanism. When chlorpromazine (a P-glycoprotein inhibitor/substrate) was added the jejunal Peff increased to 1.47 x 10(-4) cm s(-1). There was no difference between the Peff of the two enantiomers in any of these experiments. The efflux of R/S-norverapamil into the rat jejunum was high after intravenous administration of R/S-verapamil, suggesting extensive metabolism in the enterocyte. In conclusion, both R/S-verapamil enantiomers are P-glycoprotein substrates, but there is no stereoselective transport of R/S-verapamil in the rat jejunum. The results also suggests that R/S-norverapamil is formed inside the enterocytes.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Relationship between changes in intraluminal pressure and transmural potential difference in the human and canine jejunum in vivo.

Recordings of transmural potential difference (PD) across the jejunum of conscious man in situ are characterised by spontaneous fluctuations of up to 10 mV. In 25 of 31 subjects (comprising seven normal controls and 24 patients under investigation for malabsorption, six of whom had coeliac disease) we observed a clear association between these fluctuations and changes in intraluminal pressure recorded at the same site. The most frequent PD changes were associated with type III pressure waves. These consisted predominantly of large waver (3-1 +/- 0-1 mV; mean +/- SEM, n = 317) which reached maximal amplitude approximately 45 seconds after the pressure peak and had a duration of 120 +/- 3 s, but also included less frequent spikes (0-5 +/- 0-1 mV; n = 110) concurrent with the pressure wave with a duration of 5 +/- 1 s. Although by recording at two sites in the jejunum 10 cm apart we were able to demonstrate that type III pressure waves appeared to be propagated aborally at a median rate of 60 cm per minute, the apparent rates of propagation of the corresponding PD waves were much more variable. The largest PD changes (7-8 +/- 0-4 mV; n = 19), lasting several minutes, were found in association with runs of type I waves (basic rhythm) superimposed on a type III wave. Both pressure and PD activities were suppressed by intramuscular propantheline bromide. Intraluminal pilocarpine caused a transient rise in PD not always accompanied by a change in pressure. Distention of the jejunum by rapid injection of a bolus of isotonic sodium chloride produced a delayed rise in the PD which could be prevented by prior administration of propantheline bromide. Experiments using Thirty-Vella loops of proximal jejunum in conscious dogs confirmed the effect of jejunal distension on the PD and also demonstrated that spontaneous retching is preceded by an increase in the PD. Consideration of these results in conjunction with data from other workers suggests the hypothesis that the larger spontaneous fluctuations in transmural PD in the jejunum of conscious man are caused by changes in electrogenic secretion associated with intestinal motility and mediated by cholinergic mechanisms. The possible association of increased secretory activity with motility may have functions of lubrication as well as diluting and mixing the chyme for easier digestion and absorption.

Animals↗

In vivo transport kinetics and distribution of taurocholate by rat ileum and jejunum.

The transport kinetics and distribution of taurocholate (TC) from the ileum and jejunum were evaluated in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. Uptake and transport kinetics were determined after simultaneous administration of equimolar solutions of [3H]taurocholic acid ([3H]TC) in the ileum and [24-14C]taurocholic acid ([14C]TC) in the jejunum of anesthetized rats. At TC concentrations between 0.3 and 15 mM, total ileal absorption exceeded jejunal absorption 15- to 25-fold. The apparent Km and Vmax for ileal absorption of TC were 5.6 mM and 65.5 nmol.min-1.cm-1, respectively. Tissue distribution studies following uptake from the ileum and jejunum were done with 75Se-labeled homocholic acid taurine (75Se-HCAT). In the ileum, 82% of the 75Se-HCAT removed from the lumen was found in the bile, 10.6% was found in the ileal wall, and 7.3% was found in the liver. In the jejunum, 24.1% was found in bile, 0.6% was found in the liver, and 75.3% remained in the jejunal wall. These data show that the ileum is much more efficient and better equipped than the jejunum to take up and transport TC at concentrations up to 15 mM.

Animals↗

Lactose flux occurs by differing mechanisms in the colon and jejunum of newborn piglets.

The unidirectional flux of 10- and 40-mM lactose was studied in newborn porcine jejunum and colon mounted in Ussing chambers. Polyethylene glycol 400 was used to measure passive paracellular permeability. The mucosal-to-serosal flux and the tissue accumulation of labeled lactose from the colon was similar to that of lactose-derived glucose from the jejunum. However, only jejunum showed a lactose-stimulated increase in short-circuit current. In jejunum, glucose was the sole sugar identified in the serosal bath, whereas in colon, only intact lactose was identified. Despite colonic lactose flux, polyethylene glycol oligomers were not found in the serosal bath, suggesting that they do not share the same route of absorption. Colonic lactose transport was nonsaturable between 1 and 40 mM. Under nongradient conditions, no net colonic lactose transport was observed. Cumulatively, these data suggest that the colon, unlike the jejunum, does not contain a glucose-galactose sodium cotransporter. The colon of the newborn piglet transports intact lactose at a flux equal to that of lactose-derived glucose by the small intestine, but by a different mechanism that is as yet undefined.

Animals↗

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↗

In vitro evaluation of the effect of the opioid antagonist N-methylnaltrexone on motility of the equine jejunum and pelvic flexure.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Although potent analgesics, opioids decrease intestinal activity, leading to ileus in many species. N-methylnaltrexone (MNTX), an opioid antagonist which does not cross the blood-brain barrier and antagonises the morphine effect on the intestine, directly stimulates motility and restores function without affecting analgesic properties. While its use has been reported in human subjects, there is no information with regard to its usage in the horse. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether MNTX has an effect on contractile activity of the equine jejunum and pelvic flexure. METHODS: Using circular smooth muscle strips obtained from 8 mature horses, increasing concentrations of MNTX were added to tissue baths in the range of 1 x 10(-9) to 1 x 10(-5) mol/l, and contractile responses were recorded for 3 mins. Data were analysed using a repeated measures ANOVA to determine whether there was a significant drug effect compared to baseline activity. Data were analysed between the jejunum and pelvic flexure using a Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was established as P < 0.05. RESULTS: The administration of MNTX significantly increased the contractile frequency and amplitude at all concentrations relative to baseline (P < 0.0001) for the jejunum. The response was greatest at 1 x 10(-7) mol/l (P = 0.0005), with a mean difference from baseline of 115.12 g/cm2. The highest concentration evaluated (1 x 10(-5) mol/l) had a mean contractile strength of 69.76 g/cm2, which was significantly greater than baseline activity (P = 0.04). A significant increase in contractile activity for the colon was detected at 3 x 10(-7) mol/l and all subsequent concentrations (P < 0.04). Unlike the jejunum, the contractile activity of the pelvic flexure increased progressively with the addition of each subsequent concentration. CONCLUSIONS: N-methylnaltrexone has a direct effect on circular smooth muscle of the equine jejunum and pelvic flexure resulting in an increase in contractile activity. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: N-methylnaltrexone could potentially be used in conjunction with morphine to provide potent and effective analgesia without compromising intestinal function. Further in vivo investigations are required to determine whether this agent antagonises morphine's effect on motility.

Analysis of Variance↗

Protein synthesis in jejunum and liver of neonatal calves fed vitamin A and lactoferrin.

Rates of protein synthesis (PS) and turnover are more rapid during the neonatal period than during any other stage of postnatal life. Vitamin A and lactoferrin (Lf) can stimulate PS in neonates. However, newborn calves are vitamin A deficient and have a low Lf status, but plasma vitamin A and Lf levels increase rapidly after ingestion of colostrum. Neonatal calves (n = 6 per group) were fed colostrum or a milk-based formula without or with vitamin A, Lf, or vitamin A plus Lf to study PS in the jejunum and liver. l-[(13)C]Valine was intravenously administered to determine isotopic enrichment of free (nonprotein-bound) Val (AP(Free)) in the protein precursor pool, atom percentage excess (APE) of protein-bound Val, fractional protein synthesis rate (FSR) in the jejunum and liver, and isotopic enrichment of Val in plasma (APE(Pla)) and in the CO(2) of exhaled air (APE(Ex)). The APE, AP(Free), and FSR in the jejunum and liver did not differ significantly among groups. The APE(Ex) increased, whereas APE(Pla) decreased over time, but there were no group differences. Correlations were calculated between FSR(Jej) and histomorphometrical and histochemical data of the jejunum, and between FSR(Liv) and blood metabolites. There were negative correlations between FSR(Liv) and plasma albumin concentrations and between FSR(Jej) and the ratio of villus height:crypt depth, and there was a positive correlation between FSR(Jej) and small intestinal cell proliferation in crypts. Hence, there were no effects of vitamin A and Lf and no interactions between vitamin A and Lf on intestinal and hepatic PS. However, FSR(Jej) was correlated with histomorphometrical traits of the jejunum and FSR(Liv) was correlated with plasma albumin concentrations.

Animals↗

Characteristic expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate decarboxylase in rat jejunum and its relation to differentiation of epithelial cells.

AIM: To investigate the expression between gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate decarboxylase and its relation with differentiation and maturation of jejunal epithelial cells in rat jejunum. METHODS: Immunohistochemical expression of GABA and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD, including two isoforms, GAD65 and GAD67) was investigated in rat jejunum. Meanwhile, double staining was performed with GAD65 immunohistochemistry, followed by lectin histochemistry of fluorescent wheat germ agglutinin. Furthermore, evaluation of cell kinetics in jejunum was conducted by (3)H-thymidine autoradiography and immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). RESULTS: The cells showing positive immunoreactivity GABA and GAD65 were mainly distributed in the villi in rat jejunum, while jejunal epithelial cells were negative for GAD67. Positive GABA or GAD65 staining was mainly located in the cytoplasm and along the brush border of epithelial cells in the middle and upper portions. In addition, a few GABA and GAD65 strongly positive cells were scattered in the upper two thirds of jejunal villi. Double staining showed that GAD65 immunoreactivity was not found in goblet cells. (3)H-thymidine-labeled nuclei were found in the lower and middle portions of jejunal crypts, which was consistent with PCNA staining. Therefore, GABA and GAD65 were expressed in a maturation or functional zone. CONCLUSION: The characteristic expression of GABA and GAD suggests that GABA might be involved in regulation of differentiation and maturation of epithelial cells in rat jejunum.

Animals↗

Levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide, cholecystokinin and calcitonin gene-related peptide in plasma and jejunum of rats following traumatic brain injury and underlying significance in gastrointestinal dysfunction.

AIM: To study the alterations of brain-gut peptides following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to explore the underlying significance of these peptides in the complicated gastrointestinal dysfunction. METHODS: Rat models of focal traumatic brain injury were established by impact insult method, and divided into 6 groups (6 rats each group) including control group with sham operation and TBI groups at postinjury 3, 12, 24, 72 h, and d 7. Blood and proximal jejunum samples were taken at time point of each group and gross observations of gastrointestinal pathology were recorded simultaneously. The levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in plasma, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and cholecystokinin (CCK) in both plasma and jejunum were measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to determine the levels of VIP in jejunum. RESULTS: Gastric distension, delayed gastric emptying and intestinal dilatation with a large amount of yellowish effusion and thin edematous wall were found in TBI rats through 12 h and 72 h, which peaked at postinjury 72 h. As compared with that of control group (247.8+/-29.5 ng/L), plasma VIP levels were significantly decreased at postinjury 3, 12 and 24 h (106.7+/-34.1 ng/L, 148.7+/-22.8 ng/L, 132.8+/-21.6 ng/L, respectively), but significantly increased at 72 h (405.0+/-29.8 ng/L) and markedly declined on d 7 (130.7+/-19.3 ng/L). However, Plasma levels CCK and CGRP were significantly increased through 3 h and 7 d following TBI (126-691% increases), with the peak at 72 h. Compared with control (VIP, 13.6+/-1.4 ng /g; CGRP, 70.6+/-17.7 ng/g); VIP and CGRP levels in jejunum were significantly increased at 3 h after TBI (VIP, 35.4+/-5.0 ng/g; CGRP, 103.8+/-22.1 ng/g), and declined gradually at 12 h and 24 h (VIP, 16.5+/-1.8 ng/g, 5.5+/-1.4 ng/g; CGRP, 34.9+/-9.7 ng/g, 18.5+/-7.7 ng/g), but were significantly increased again at 72 h (VIP, 48.7+/-9.5 ng/g; CGRP, 142.1+/-24.3 ng/g), then declined in various degrees on d 7 (VIP, 3.8+/-1.1 ng/g; CGRP, 102.5+/-18.1 ng/g). The CCK levels in jejunum were found to change in a similar trend as that in plasma with the concentrations of CCK significantly increased following TBI (99-517% increases) and peaked at 72 h. CONCLUSION: Traumatic brain injury can lead to significant changes of brain-gut peptides in both plasma and small intestine, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of complicated gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Animals↗

Effect of erythromycin on the absorption of fexofenadine in the jejunum, ileum and colon determined using local intubation in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the in vivo intestinal absorption mechanism(s) and systemic availability of fexofenadine in the jejunum, ileum and colon in humans. METHOD: A single dose of fexofenadine hydrochloride (60 mg as solution) was applied under fasting conditions, either alone or directly after a solution of erythromycin lactobionate (corresponding to a dose of 250 mg erythromycin), to the jejunum, ileum and colon in 6 healthy volunteers (3 male and 3 female) using a regional intubation dosing technology (Bioperm AB, Lund, Sweden). A total of 36 fexofenadine administrations were performed. The administration of fexofenadine to the specified location either alone or in combination with erythromycin was conducted in a randomized manner on 2 consecutive days with a 5-day washout period between doses. RESULTS: The plasma AUC for fexofenadine (mean +/- SEM) was higher (2.7-to 2.3-fold, p < 0.001) after application to the jejunum (1090 +/- 134 h x ng/ml) than to the ileum (404 +/- 102 h x ng/ml) or colon (476 +/- 212 h x ng/ml). No significant differences were found between application to the ileum and colon. The administration of erythromycin affected the absorption rate after jejunal application with a prolonged tmax from a median of 40 min (range 10-90 min) to a median of 3 hours (range 10-180 min) (p = 0.009). A change in tmax was not observed with application to the ileum and colon. The concomitant administration of erythromycin in the jejunum tended to increase the plasma AUC of fexofenadine from 1090 +/- 134 to 1750 +/- 305 h x ng/ml (p = 0.069). CONCLUSIONS: The systemic availability of fexofenadine was significantly higher after jejunal administration in accordance with a low permeability compound. The effects of erythromycin suggest that absorption of fexofenadine involves an uptake transport in addition to passive diffusion in the jejunum and predominantly passive diffusion in the ileum and colon.

Administration, Oral↗

Correlation of gene expression of ten drug efflux proteins of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family in normal human jejunum and in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell monolayers.

This investigation describes the expression and interindividual variability in transcript levels of multiple drug efflux systems in the human jejunum and compares the expression profiles in these cells with that of the commonly used Caco-2 cell drug absorption model. Transcript levels of ten-drug efflux proteins of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family [MDR1, MDR3, ABCB5, MRP1-6, and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP)], lung resistance-related protein (LRP), and CYP3A4 were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in jejunal biopsies from 13 healthy human subjects and in Caco-2 cells. All genes except ABCB5 were expressed, and transcript levels varied between individuals only by a factor of 2 to 3. Surprisingly, BCRP and MRP2 transcripts were more abundant in jejunum than MDR1 transcripts. Jejunal transcript levels of the different ABC transporters spanned a range of three log units with the rank order: BCRP approximately MRP2 > MDR1 approximately MRP3 approximately MRP6 approximately MRP5 approximately MRP1 > MRP4 > MDR3. Furthermore, transcript levels of 9 of 10 ABC transporters correlated well between jejunum and Caco-2 cells (r2 = 0.90). However, BCRP exhibited a 100-fold lower transcript level in Caco-2 cells compared with jejunum. Thus, the expression of a number of efflux protein transcripts in jejunum are equal to, or even higher than, that of MDR1, suggesting that the roles of these proteins (in particular BCRP and MRP2) in intestinal drug efflux have been underestimated. Also, we tentatively conclude that the Caco-2 cell line is a useful model of jejunal drug efflux, if the low expression of BCRP is taken into account.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Arteriovenous malformation of the jejunum detected by arterial-phase enhanced helical CT, a case report.

This is a report on a case of arteriovenous malformation of the jejunum, which is a relatively rare occurrence that can be detected by helical computed tomography (helical CT). The patient was a 63-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital because of a tarry stool. He developed hypotension as a result of losing a large amount of bright-red blood through rectal bleeding and was given fluids and blood transfusions. Subsequently, a helical CT scan was performed at 10-mm slice thickness. A small high-density area in the jejunum was identified on the arterial phase, which was scanned 30 sec after an intravenous infusion of 100 mL of iopamidol at a rate 2.5 mL/sec. An emergency operation, based on the diagnosis of bleeding from the jejunum, was performed because the patient had developed hypotension once again. A small, elevated lesion, which coincided with the high-density area detected by helical CT, was found in the jejunum. A segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis were done. The pathological diagnosis revealed an arteriovenous malformation of the jejunum. In conclusion, helical CT may be an effective noninvasive method for detecting the cause and site of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Opioid agonist/antagonist effect of naloxone in modulating rabbit jejunum contractility in vitro.

Opioid peptides are the most effective drugs in controlling pain; their action is elicited by binding to specific membrane receptors. The gastrointestinal tract represents, after the nervous system, the site in which the opioid receptors are expressed at high levels. The opioid agonist morphine has a significant inhibitory effect on intestinal motility, this action is blocked by naloxone an opioid antagonist mainly active at mu and kappa receptors. In this study the presence of mu opioid receptor on rabbit jejunum was investigated by western blot. The effects of beta-endorphin, the endogenous opioid peptide with the highest affinity to the mu opioid receptor and those of naloxone on spontaneous rabbit jejunum contractions were evaluated. Beta-endorphin (10(-6) M) showed a relaxant effect on jejunum contractility while naloxone showed a dual effect inducing an increase of spontaneous contractility at low concentrations (10(-6) M, 10(-7) M, 10(-8) M) and a decrease when high concentrations (10(-3) M, 10(-4) M, 10(-5) M) were utilized. The obtained results demonstrate that mu opioid receptor is expressed in rabbit jejunum and suggest that this receptor may be involved in mediating the effects of both opioid agonist and antagonist on jejunum contractions.

Analysis of Variance↗

[Effect of bile and bile acids on monoamine oxidase and acetylcholinesterase activity in the jejunum of rabbits, guinea pigs and swine].

The studies were carried out in vitro on the jejunum of 10 pigs, 10 rabbits and 10 guinea pigs. The activity monoaminooxidase (MAO) was determined manometrically in Warburg's apparatus, that of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) spectrophotometrically after Ellman's method modified by urek and Syrowatka. The obtained results were statistically analysed. It was shown that in the animals studied the bile acids exerted a considerable effect on the activity of enzymes metabolising neurohormones. Under the influence of bile the activity of monoaminooxidase was inhibited. Stimulating, but less distinctly, bile effected the activity of acetylocholinesterase. Significant differences in the action of bile on the activity of these enzymes were found in the jejunum of the animal species studied. The highest decrease in the activity of MAO under the influence of bile was found in the jejunum of the rabbit (by about 65%), a weker in the pig (by 37.5%) and guinea-pig (by 18.5%). However, the highest increase in the activity of AChE under the influence of bile occurred in the pigs (by about 21.6%), a weaker in the rabbit (by 16.4%) and guinea-pig (by about 11.5%). Among the bile acids, the strongest action on both the activity of MAO and AChE was exerted by lithocholic acid, desoxycholic, weaker by cholic and chenodesoxycholic acid. MAO activity under the influence of lithocholic acid decreased (in the pig by about 63%, rabbit by 55.7% and guinea pig by 34.8%). After incubation of the jejunum in desoxycholic acid a decrease in MAO activity occurred (in the rabbit by 43.8%, pig by about 39.4% and guinea-pig by 15.7%). AChE activity under the influence of lithocholic acid increased (in the pig on average by 62.2% rabbit by 21.8 and guinea-pig by about 10.2%). After incubation of the jejunum in desoxycholic acid an increase in the activity of acetylcholinesteras occurred (in the pig by about 13.5%, guinea-pig by 7.7% rabbit 7.3%).

Acetylcholinesterase↗

[Passage of endogenous urea into a jejunum of sheep].

The quantitative passage of urea-N and ammonia N into an isolated jejunum of the merino sheep was studied within one hour before, and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours after feeding. The total amount of ammonia-N that passes to the isolated jejunum [to both proximal and distal part] within an hour is small [0.28-0.35 mg h-1], without any significant differences in passage prior to and after feeding. However, urea-N secretion is high, especially secretion to the fore part of the jejunum [ 3.35-3.62 mg h-1]. The passage of urea-N to the rear part of the jejunum is about 1/3 lower than passage to the fore part. Urea solution of higher concentration than in peripheral blood was incubated in the isolated jejunum to study an adverse phenomenon: absorption of urea from intestinal lumen to the blood. The levels of urea in peripheralblood and in incubate reached a balance state within one hour after administration. The data obtained testify to the permeability of the wall of the gut for urea in both directions.

Ammonia↗

Indirect immunofluorescence for of anti-jejunum antibody detection in celiac disease: comparison among different antigenic substrates.

BACKGROUND: Although anti-endomysium antibodies (EmA) are the most reliable serological markers of celiac disease (CD), there is a need for low-cost methods for screening programs, as clinically silent disease is increasingly recognized. AIM: To evaluate the suitability of monkey, rat and rabbit jejunum as a substrate for the determination of anti-jejunun antibodies (JAB) in CD. METHODS: JAB of IgA class were detected by indirect immunofluorescence on frozen sections of jejunum from monkeys, white rats and domestic rabbits. Sera from 61 untreated adults with biopsy-proven CD and EmA positivity in 57 out of 61 entered the study as true positives, while sera from 60 controls were considered as true negatives. RESULTS: The sections of monkey jejunum showed the characteristic pattern of elongated villous fluorescence, a ring-like positivity of the cryptal basement membrane, an endomysium-like fluorescence along the smooth muscle layers in the tunica muscolaris, while pericryptal fluorescence was not so evident on rat and rabbit jejunum. As compared to EmA positivity, the prevalence of JAB on monkey, rat and rabbit tissues was respectively 57/57, 54/57, 52/57. Two sera among 4 Ema negatives proved positive for JAB. No false positivity resulted from EmA and JAB on monkey jejunum, while a lower specificity was found for JAB on rat and rabbit substrates. CONCLUSIONS: Although monkey, rat and rabbit small intestine appeared to be a suitable alternative substrate for determination of IgA-JAB, because of its lower cost and higher availability, it cannot replace monkey oesophagus, and be recommended for wide use.

Adult↗

Fluid secretory responses to enterotoxin STa and 8-bromo-cyclic GMP in fed and nutrionally-deprived gerbils: jejunum, ileum and colon in vivo.

Fluid transport was measured gravimetrically in vivo in the jejunum, ileum and colon of fed, fasting (four days) and undernourished (50 % of control food intake for 21 days) gerbils (Gerbillus cheesmani). The effects of luminal enterotoxin Escherichia coli STa (50 ng/ml) and luminal 8-bromo-cyclic GMP (cGMP 1 mM) on fluid transport across jejunum, ileum and colon were also assessed. Fasting and undernourishment reversed the normal basal fluid absorption measured in fed ileum and colon into secretion. Neither fasting nor undernourishment had any effect on jejunal basal fluid absorption. In jejuna, ilea and colons of fed animals as well as in jejuna from fasting and undernourished gerbils STa (50 ng) reversed the normal absorptive "tone" to secretion but it had no significant effects on fluid secretion in either the ileum or colon from fasted gerbils. STa increased significantly the fluid secretion in ileum from undernourished gerbils. Luminal cGMP had no effect on basal absorptive tone in the jejunum of fed and fasted gerbils, but reversed absorption into secretion in the jejuna from undernourished gerbils. In the ilea taken from fed animals the small basal absorption was reversed to secretion by luminal cGMP. Although cGMP produced no significant changes in fluid secretion in the ilea taken from fasted gerbils, yet it caused a significant increase in those from undernourished gerbils. In the colon taken from fed animals cGMP decreased the basal fluid absorption significantly, but it had no significant effect on fluid secretion in the colon of fasted or undernourished gerbils. We conclude that fasting and undernourishment have no significant effects on fluid transport across the gerbil jejunum but reversed basal absorption in the fed ileum and colon into secretion. cGMP mimic the effects of STa in the jejunum taken from undernourished gerbils, in the ileum obtained under the three nutritional states and in the colon taken from fasting animals.

Animals↗