Alanine influx across serosal border of Testudo graeca intestine.

The influx of alanine across the serosal membrane of Testudo graeca intestinal cells with preserved epithelial orientation was examined. Our results suggest that: 1. The mechanism of alanine influx across the serosal membrane of turtle intesintal cells is a carrier-mediated process that has the characteristics of facilitated diffusion. 2. Alanine influx mechanism is independent of intra- and extra-cellular changes in Na+ and K+ concentrations, and is not altered by reversal of Na+ and K+ gradients across the serosal membrane. 3. In Na+-free media the mechanism of transport of alanine at the mucosal membrane has the same pattern of competitive inhibition by amino acids as the serosal.

Inhibitory effect of neurotensin on proline.

The effect of neurotensin (NT) on proline absorption across rat jejunum was investigated using the single-pass perfusion technique. This study showed that intravenous administration of NT produced a dose-dependent inhibition of proline absorption. Thus, NT at a 0.16 pmol/kg/min concentration gave 10% decrease in proline absorption while 0.32 and 1.6 pmol/kg/min concentration gave 31% and 45% decrease, respectively. In the absence of Na, proline absorption decreased to 77% from control values. No change in proline absorption was noticed when NT at a concentration of 0.32 pmol/kg/min was intravenously injected in the absence of sodium from the perfusion solution. Water absorption did not show significant changes (P > 0.05) in presence or absence of NT. Moreover, NT did not produce a significant change (P > 0.2) in intracellular proline accumulation. NT inhibited proline absorption through an indirect mechanism that is Na-dependent and independent of changes in water absorption.

Role of motilin in the control of intestinal absorption, and gastric and biliary secretions in the rat.

The effects of motilin on proline absorption and gastric and biliary secretions were examined in the rat. Prolonged intravenous administration of motilin (50 pmol/kg/min) significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) proline transport across the jejunum and reduced basal acid secretion to 40% of control value. The same concentration of motilin induced choleresis and increased bile output by 32%. Incubation of intestinal strips with different concentrations of motilin produced a dose-dependent inhibitory pattern of proline accumulation in the intestinal cells.

Effects of intracerebral injections of VIP on jejunal alanine absorption and gastric acid secretion in rats.

The effects of intracerebral injections of VIP on jejunal alanine absorption and gastric acid secretion, and its association with vagal outflow were examined in Sprague-Dawley rats. Intracerebroventricular injection of VIP (2 ng) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) alanine absorption across the jejunum, whereas similar injections in vagotomized rats did not show further decrease in absorption beyond that noticed by vagotomy only. Moreover, VIP injected in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius-Dorsal Motor Nucleus (NTS-DMN) complex (1 ng) produced also a significant inhibition of Ala absorption which was reduced but remained significant (P < 0.05) after vagotomy. Water movement was not affected by VIP injection in the lateral ventricle, while VIP injections in the NTS-DMN inhibited significantly (P < 0.05) jejunal water absorption by 10-12%. Vagotomy increased water absorption by 15-20% above control (P < 0.05) which was not altered by injecting VIP in the NTS-DMN complex. On the other hand, VIP injection in the NTS-DMN produced a 25.7% increase in gastric acid output in the first hour of the experiment followed by a non-significant decrease (P > 0.05) in the second hour. Same injections done in vagotomized animals produced similar effects to those elicited by vagotomy only. It can be suggested that NTS-DMN complex could be a site of action of VIP since injection of VIP in it produced a more pronounced inhibitory effect on water and Ala absorption than that produced by VIP injection in the LV. These effects were reduced or abolished by vagotomy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of intravenous vasoactive intestinal peptide injection on jejunal alanine absorption and gastric acid secretion in rats.

The effect of intravenous vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) injection on jejunal L-alanine absorption and gastric acid secretion in the rat was investigated. Continuous intravenous VIP infusion (11.2 ng/kg per min) throughout the experimental period (160 min) produced 60% decrease in alanine absorption and 40% decrease in gastric acid secretion during the second hour of the experiment. Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy reduced alanine absorption to 91% (P > 0.05) and 71.3% (P < 0.05) of control value during the first and second hours of perfusion, respectively. VIP infusion following vagotomy elicited a reduced effect when compared to that produced by similar injections in normal rats. Gastric secretion in vagotomized rats was reduced by 40% (P < 0.05) below control. VIP infusion in vagotomized rats exerted a significant decrease (P < 0.05) of gastric acid secretion. Moreover, water absorption was decreased by almost 10% (P < 0.05) after i.v. injection of VIP and was increased by 20-24% above control value following vagotomy. However, i.v. administration of VIP following vagotomy did not elicit any further change in water absorption. It can be concluded that VIP inhibits alanine absorption and gastric acid secretion in the rat and that these inhibitory effects might be partially mediated by the vagus nerve.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide regulates amino acid absorption across rat jejunum.

The calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) is widely distributed in the enteric nervous system and gut afferents. Its role in normal digestion and absorption is not characterised. This study is conducted to elucidate whether CGRP regulates amino acid absorption in the small intestine. In in vivo experiments using the single-pass perfusion technique, intravenous infusion of CGRP (250-750 pmol/kg-min) reduced alanine absorption by 35-40%. The effects were completely blocked by the antagonist hCGRP (8-37). Moreover, intravenous infusion of CGRP antagonist blocked the inhibitory effect of intraluminal capsaicin perfusion on alanine absorption. Similarly, intracerebral injection of CGRP decreased alanine absorption, an effect which was reduced by vagotomy. In vitro experiments using isolated jejunal strips showed that CGRP reduced alanine absorption in a dose-dependent manner. At 6 pM, CGRP decreased alanine absorption by 33%. Similarly, CGRP reduced the absorption of proline and taurine by 20 and 11.5%, respectively. Kinetic studies revealed that CGRP reduces alanine influx into intestinal epithelial cells by inhibiting the affinity of the carriers. It is demonstrated that CGRP is involved in the regulation of jejunal amino acid absorption through intrinsic (enteric) and extrinsic (central) neural mechanisms.

Experimental colitis decreases rat jejunal amino acid absorption: role of capsaicin sensitive primary afferents.

Ulcerative colitis and experimental colitis are known to be associated with functional and structural abnormalities of the small intestine. The aim of this study was to determine whether experimental colitis in the rat has any effect on jejunal amino acid absorption and to investigate the neural mechanisms involved. In Sprague Dawley rats, colitis was induced by intracolonic administration of 0.1 ml of 6% iodoacetamide. Alanine absorption in the jejunum was measured using the single pass intraluminal perfusion technique in vivo and the three-compartment model in vitro. Experiments were done in normal and sham treated rats, as well as in rats that underwent neonatal capsaicin treatment, adult capsaicin treatment, or subdiaphragmatic vagotomy. Colitis was more severe in rats subjected to neonatal or adult capsaicin treatment, but was not affected by subdiaphragmatic vagotomy. In rats with colitis, jejunal alanine absorption was reduced by 2% (P>0.05), 28%, 40%, and 18% (P<0.001) at 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 days post rectal iodoacetamide administration. A rebound increase of 12% above baseline was noted at 4 days (P<0.05). Similar results were noted in vitro. In rats that received two consecutive injections of iodoacetamide, the decrease in jejunal alanine absorption occurred earlier, was more severe, and persisted for more than 30 days. Neonatal as well as adult capsaicin treatment aggravated both the colitis and the decrease in jejunal alanine absorption. On the other hand, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy attenuated the decrease in jejunal alanine absorption, but had no significant effect on colitis severity. It is concluded that iodoacetamide induced colitis impairs jejunal amino acid absorption and that this effect involves vagal efferents as well as capsaicin sensitive primary afferents.

Protective effect of the nitric oxide donor molsidomine on indomethacin and aspirin-induced gastric injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of the nitric oxide donor, molsidomine, on gastric and duodenal injury induced by indomethacin and aspirin. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180-200 g were used after 24 h fasting. Indomethacin (5 mg/kg) was given subcutaneously as a single dose and followed by multiple injections of histamine. Molsidomine (0.05 mg/kg) or distilled water was given by gavage 30 min before indomethacin and repeated at 3 h intervals for two doses. Rats were killed 2 h after the last dose of molsidomine. Aspirin (500 mg/kg) was given by gavage and repeated 2.5 h later. Molsidomine or distilled water was given 30 min before the initial aspirin dose and repeated after 2 h. Animals were killed 2.5 h after the second dose of aspirin. The severity of the gastric mucosal damage was graded from 0 to 3, and the duodenal bulb ulcer surface area calculated by two independent observers using a dissecting microscope. RESULTS: Indomethacin and aspirin resulted in significant gastric mucosal damage with median scores of 2 (interquartile ranges 1.4-3, n = 16 and 2-3, n = 10, respectively). Molsidomine significantly ameliorated indomethacin- and aspirin-induced damage with median scores of 1 (interquartile ranges 0.5-1.5, n = 19 and 0.6-1.9, n = 10, respectively; P<0.008 and P<0.02, respectively (Mann-Whitney Utest)). Molsidomine had no effect on duodenal bulb ulcerations caused by indomethacin. CONCLUSION: Oral molsidomine has a protective effect on gastric mucosa against damage induced by ulcerogenic agents. This could have an important clinical benefit, especially in cardiac patients taking aspirin in addition to a nitric oxide donor such as molsidomine.

Reversal of impaired calcium homeostasis in the rat diaphragm subjected to Monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension.

Monocrotaline (MCT) pneumotoxicity is known to alter the structure of pulmonary vascular wall and impairs endothelial cell function resulting in pulmonary hypertension. Its effect on the diaphragm muscle has not yet been elucidated. This study examines the effect of MCT pneumotoxicity on calcium transport in the rat diaphragm. Pulmonary hypertension induced by MCT pneumotoxicity caused a significant increase (P < 0.001) in calcium accumulation in strips isolated from rat diaphragms. Treatment of rats having received MCT with Indapamide reduced calcium uptake by diaphragmatic strips to levels that are not significantly different from the control (P > 0.05). Treatment with Indapamide alone did not elicit any change in calcium accumulation in the diaphragmatic strips. Treatment of the animals with MCT, Indapamide or both did not produce any significant change (P > 0.05) in the cell volume of the diaphragmatic strips. Pulmonary hypertension increased calcium uptake by the muscle cells in the rat diaphragm which may alter diaphragmatic contractility; an effect that was prevented by Indapamide.

Serum lipids and lipoprotein profile in a selected group of normal Lebanese subjects.

Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and HDL cholesterol levels were determined in a group of 442 apparently healthy Lebanese subjects after a 12 hr fast. Age-dependent increase was noted for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. On the other hand, VLDL and HDL cholesterol levels were age-independent. In addition, sex differences were noted for HDL cholesterol only. Our findings for total cholesterol and triglycerides are comparable with values reported by other authors, while values for LDL and VLDL are significantly different.

The kinetics of calcium influx into rat liver slices.

The unidirectional influx of calcium across rat liver slices is a carrier-mediated process which displays saturation kinetics. The presence of Mg2+ in the incubation medium competitively inhibits calcium influx into rat liver slices. Metabolic inhibitors such as ouabain and 2,4-dinitrophenol at a concentration of 1 X 10(-4) and 2.5 X 10(-4) M respectively, inhibited significantly (P less than 0.001) calcium influx across the liver slices. Calcium influx is dependent on the presence of sodium in the extracellular medium, and is significantly reduced (P less than 0.01) when sodium concentration in the preincubation solution is reduced to zero.

The effect of local anesthetics on calcium transport across the rat and turtle small intestine.

Procaine at different concentrations enhanced significantly (P less than 0.01) calcium accumulation in rat intestinal cells, whereas the same concentrations of procaine inhibited significantly (P less than 0.01) calcium uptake by the turtle small intestine. Unidirectional calcium influx across the rat small intestine was significantly enhanced (P less than 0.001) by the presence of procaine in the preincubation medium. However, procaine had no effect on calcium influx across the turtle intestinal cells. The cell water content and the cell volume were not altered by preincubating the intestinal tissues with procaine in both animals.

Pyridoxine binding to normal and diabetic liver plasma membrane.

Pyridoxine binding to liver plasma membrane isolated from livers of normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was investigated. The effect of increasing concentration of pyridoxine on its binding to the membranes revealed a concentration-dependent and saturable process with a significant decrease in the high affinity receptor sites of the diabetic membrane. Moreover, the incubation of the membranes with procaine, colchicine and vincristine increased significantly pyridoxine binding to normal and diabetic membrane. Treatment of the normal and diabetic membranes with insulin did not affect pyridoxine binding. It could be suggested that streptozotocin-induced diabetes caused an alteration in the pyridoxine binding capacity of the liver plasma membrane which might be due to certain structural changes in the membrane.

The components of taurine transport across the rat small intestine A kinetic study.

The transport of taurine across adult Sprague-Dawley rat small intestine was studied in vitro using small intestinal strips. The kinetics of the transport mechanism were investigated under both steady-state and influx conditions. Our findings were compatible with the presence of two distinct transport mechanisms; a linear non-carrier mediated component and a saturable carrier mediated component, with almost equal contribution from each. The mediated component was found to be largely Na(+)-dependent and exhibited marked inhibition by B-alanine and structurally related sulfur amino acids.

Effect of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) antagonism on rat jejunal fluid and electrolyte secretion induced by cholera and Escherichia coli enterotoxins.

BACKGROUND: The enteric nervous system is important in the pathophysiology of intestinal fluid secretion induced by cholera toxin (CT), Escherichia coli heat labile (LT), and heat stable (STa) toxins. The neurotransmitters involved are not fully elucidated. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), a potent intestinal secretagogue present in the enteric nervous system, is increased after exposure of the cat intestine to CT. Whether VIP is involved in the pathogenesis of cholera and other toxins in not known. AIM: To study in vivo the effect of VIP antagonism on jejunal fluid secretion induced by CT, LT, and STa. METHODS: CT, LT (25 microg), or 0.9% NaCl was instilled in an isolated 25 cm segment of rat jejunum, and the VIP antagonist (VIPa) [4Cl-D-Phe(6), Leu(17)]-VIP (0.2 or 2 microg/kg/min) or 0.9% NaCl was given intravenously. Two hours later, single pass in vivo jejunal perfusion was performed to assess fluid movement. In STa experiments, intravenous VIPa or 0.9% NaCl was given and 30 minutes later the jejunal segment was perfused with a solution containing STa 200 microg/l. RESULTS: VIPa had no effect on basal intestinal fluid absorption. CT induced net fluid secretion (median -68 microl/min/g dry intestinal weight (interquartile range -80 to -56)) which was dose dependently reversed by VIPa (6.2 (-16 to 34) and 29 (17 to 42); p<0.01). Similarly, LT induced secretion (-63 (-73 to -30)) was attenuated by VIPa (0.2 microg/kg/min) (-15 (-24 to -1); p<0.01) and totally reversed to normal levels by VIPa (2 microg/kg/min) (37 (28-56); p<0. 01 compared with LT and not significant compared with normal controls). STa induced secretion (-17 (-19 to -2)) was also reversed by VIPa (12 (9-23) and 14 (0-26); p<0.01). CONCLUSION: VIP plays an important role in CT, LT, and STa induced intestinal secretion and may be the final putative neurotransmitter in the pathophysiology of these toxins.

Prostaglandin E1 influx across mucosal membrane of mammalian intestine.

The influx of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) across the mucosal membrane of mammalian intestinal cells was examined. Our results suggest that: (1) the mechanism of PGE1 influx across the mucosal membrane of mammalian intestinal cells is a carrier-mediated transfer process; (2) PGE1 influx into the intestinal cells is inhibited in the presence of 1 X 10(-4) M ouabain in the preincubation medium, and (3) PGE1 influx is dependent on the presence of sodium in the extracellular medium, and is altered by reversal of the sodium gradient that normally exists across the mucosal membrane.

Enzymatic inhibition of lysine transport across rat and turtle small intestine.

Trypsin, Phospholipase-D and Neuraminidase at different concentrations inhibited significantly (P less than 0.001) lysine accumulation in rat intestinal cells, whereas Chymotrypsin did not show any significant effect. Trypsin, Chymotrypsin and Phospholipase-D did not show any significant change in lysine accumulation when incubated with mucosal strips isolated from turtle intestine; however, Neuraminidase caused a significant decrease in lysine uptake by these strips. Unidirectional lysine influx across the rat small intestine was significantly reduced (P less than 0.01) by the presence of Trypsin, Phospholipase-D and Neuraminidase in the preincubation solution, and its influx across the turtle small intestine was significantly inhibited (P less than 0.01) by Neuraminidase only. The cell water content and the cell volume were not altered by preincubating the intestinal tissues with any of the enzymes in both animals.

Effect of enzymatic treatment on calcium absorption by small intestine: a comparative study between rat and rabbit transport mechanisms.

Calcium absorption by the small intestine of rat and rabbit reached steady state after 60 min of incubation with intracellular to extracellular ratio of 2.0. Trypsin and neuraminidase significantly inhibited (P less than 0.05) calcium accumulation in rat small intestine. These enzymes showed no significant effect (P greater than 0.05) on calcium transport across rabbit small intestine. The inhibitory action of trypsin and neuraminidase on calcium accumulation by the rat small intestine does not involve the influx of calcium into the intestinal cells.

Receptors of prostaglandin E1 in the plasma membrane of normal liver. Effect of membrane fluidity on PGE1 binding.

Prostaglandin E1 binding to isolated liver plasma membrane as a function of PGE1 concentration showed saturability of the binding sites at PGE1 concentration of 2.5 X 10(-4) M. Scatchard analysis revealed heterogeneous population of binding sites with a binding capacity of 470 and 990 nmol/mg protein for the higher and lower affinity binding sites respectively. PGE1 binding to liver plasma membrane was progressively and significantly decreased (P less than 0.01) as the incubation temperature was reduced to 22 degrees and 4 degrees C. Procaine at 1 X 10(-3) M concentration showed a significant decrease (P less than 0.01) in the binding capacity of the liver plasma membrane. Colchicine plus cytochalasin-B inhibited PGE1 binding significantly (P less than 0.01) but their inhibition is not equivalent to that of procaine.

Calcium binding to normal, regenerating and diabetic liver plasma membrane.

Calcium binding to liver plasma membrane isolated from diabetic and regenerating livers was significantly reduced (P less than 0.01) when compared to Ca binding to the normal membrane. Procaine at different concentrations inhibited significantly (P less than 0.01) calcium binding to the normal, diabetic and regenerating liver plasma membrane, with the most pronounced inhibition noticed in the normal. Colchicine at a concentration exceeding 5 X 10(-4)M showed a significant decrease (P less than 0.01) in calcium binding to the normal, diabetic and regenerating liver plasma membrane with the maximum inhibition noticed in the regenerating liver membrane.