bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Esophageal Motor Patterns During Episodes of Dysphagia for Solids
Authors: Howard Philip J. , Maher Lesley , Pryde Anne , Heading Robert C.
Published: August 2010

Although dysphagia for solids is a common complaint, the motor response to eating is not routinely studied during diagnostic manometry. Esophageal motility was examined in 47 patients with a history of dysphagia and 34 patients without dysphagia. In 22 of those with dysphagia, the symptoms were reproduced in the laboratory when the patients ate bread. These patients had a higher swallow frequency, reduced peristaltic swallow rate, and an increased rate of synchronous contractions compared to patients without dysphagia. In 22 of 53 separate episodes of dysphagia, a mixed pattern of esophageal motility was seen with peristaltic synchronous and nonconducted swallows (although peristaltic swallows were <50% of total swallows). In 26 of 53 episodes, dysphagia was associated with complete aperistalsis. Mean swallow frequency increased during episodes of dysphagia compared to asymptomatic periods. Swallow rate is an important determinant of esophageal motility during eating. Dysphagia is associated with either aperistalsis or markedly reduced peristaltic activity and may be produced, or exacerbated, by an increased swallow frequency. Our results indicate that assessment of motility patterns during eating is important in the examination of patients complaining of dysphagia.
Pseudo‐obstruction Syndrome in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Summers Robert W. , Karacic Joseph J. , Anuras Sinn
Published: August 2010

Three patients with long‐standing multiple sclerosis were found to have clinical features of chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction consisting of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and distention after meals. Radiographic studies demonstrated dilated loops of bowel without evidence of mechanical obstruction. In addition to standard clinical data, results of jejunal manometry in the patients were compared with those of 10 normal volunteers. Phase III of the migrating motor complex activity fronts occurred in two of the three patients during at least 3 hours of recording. Some contractions exhibited higher than normal amplitudes (>90 mm Hg), but the frequency, mean amplitudes, and motility indices were similar to those recorded in the normal volunteers. After a meal the frequency of contractions was reduced, although the amplitudes were normal to high (>90 mm Hg), and some contractions exhibited a tonic or prolonged component. Postprandial contractions were erratic with periods of intense activity alternating with quiescence. These manometric findings are most compatible with a neuropathic process. When pseudo‐obstruction compromised assimilation of orally administered nutrients in these patients, central venous nutrition was required.
Stress and Gastrointestinal Motility in Humans: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Holtmann Gerald , Enck Paul
Published: August 2010

Clinical observations and uncontrolled single case experiments have suggested an effect of psychological stress on gastrointestinal motility. These observations encouraged a large number of experimental studies focusing on the influence of psychological stress on gastrointestinal motility. These controlled studies have shown that different kinds of stressors increase esophageal motor activity and induce secondary (nonpropulsive) esophageal contractions. Cold pressor test and transcutaneous electrical stimulation inhibited gastric emptying, auditory feedback and performance tasks inhibited the occurrence of interdigestive migrating motor complexes, and a noise stressor increased intestinal transit time. Furthermore, psychological stress (psychological stress interview, frustrating cognitive tasks, and anger) and physical stress (cold pressor test) stimulated large‐bowel contractions and electrical spiking activity. The present studies give some evidence that patients with functional motility disorders respond differently to stressors as compared to healthy controls. In spite of these findings with short‐acting stressors, there is no proof that stress has an effect on the manifestation of functional motility disorders. Nevertheless, this does not allow the conclusion that stress does not play any role in the manifestation of motility‐related gastrointestinal disorders. In particular, there are no studies on the action of chronic stress on gastrointestinal motility. Thus further research is needed to elucidate the influence of stress, especially of chronic stress, on gastrointestinal motility.
5‐Hydroxytryptamine‐Mediated Responses in Myenteric Neurons of the Guinea Pig Gastric Corpus: Effect of ICS 205–930 and Cisapride
Authors: Schemann M.
Published: August 2010

The effects of serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, or 5‐HT) on the neurophysiologic behavior of guinea pig gastric myenteric neurons were investigated in vitro using conventional intracellular recording methods. The predominant effect consisted of a brief, rapidly desensitizing depolarization in 48 of 78 neurons. During the depolarization the membrane resistance decreased and the excitability of the neurons increased, as indicated by action potential discharge during previously subthreshold depolarizing current pulses. The fast response to 5‐HT was mimicked by the 5‐HT3receptor agonist 2‐methyl‐5‐HT. Both cisapride and the selective 5‐HT3receptor antagonist ICS 205–930 dose‐dependently reduced the fast 5‐HT and 2‐methyl‐5‐HT response. 5‐HT evoked in 3 of 78 neurons a long‐lasting depolarization in addition to the initial fast response. This response was accompanied by an increased excitability level of the cell. The long‐lasting response was blocked by the 5‐HT1preceptor antagonist N‐acetyl‐5‐hydroxytryptophyl‐5‐hydroxytryptophan amide (5‐HTP‐DP) and mimicked by the 5‐HT1preceptor agonist 5‐hydroxyindalpine (5‐OHIP). In most neurons 5‐HT had no effect on the cholinergic fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) evoked by electrical stimulation of interganglionic fiber tracts. Occasionally, it reduced the fEPSP amplitude. In another subset of neurons it increased the fEPSP amplitude. As a result, the fEPSP reached threshold for spike discharge. The results indicate that the primary effect of 5‐HT on myenteric neurons is mediated through 5‐HT3receptors whereas only a minor proportion of the neurons exhibited 5‐HT1p‐mediated responses. ICS 205–930 and cisapride act as 5‐HT3receptor antagonists in gastric myenteric neurons.
Effect of daily loperamide administration on gastrointestinal myoelectric activity
Authors: TELFORD G. L. , VARNER D. E. , McMANUS L. L. , WALGENBACH‐TELFORD S. , OTTERSON M. F. , CONDON R. E. , SARNA S. K.
Published: August 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of daily administration of loperamide on gastrointestinal myoelectric activity. Six dogs were randomly administered three regimens–placebo, low dose loperamide (0.10–0.15 mg/kg/day, p.o.), and high dose loperamide (0.30–0.36 mg/kg/day, p.o.)–for one week each. Using surgically implanted bipolar electrodes, gastrointestinal myoelectric activity was recorded on at least 2 fed and 2 fasted experimental days for each regimen. In the fasted state, low dose loperamide decreased MMC cycle length, initiated intestinal amyogenesia in 40% of experiments, but did not induce vomiting. High‐dose loperamide in the fasted state did not change MMC cycle length, but induced vomiting in 50% of experiments and initiated intestinal amyogenesia in 43% of experiments. The rate of occurrence of the myoelectric carrelates of giant migrating contractions (GMCs) and retrograde giant contractions (RGCs) increased with loperamide administration at both doses, as did the rate of occurrence of fed state MMCs. We conclude that daily oral administration of loperamide results in: (1) a dose‐dependent effect on MMC cycle length; (2) intestinal amyogenesia; (3) an increase in frequency of vomiting at higher doses; and (4) an increase in incidence of GMCs and RGCs.
Alterations of colonic motility after oral administration of prostaglandin E1analogue misoprostol in man
Authors: DELVAUX M. , STAUMONT G. , FIORAMONTI J. , BUENO L. , FREXINOS J.
Published: August 2010

This study describes the motor changes observed in human colon under normal feeding schedule, after administration of a single oral does of misoprostol, a PGE1synthetic analogue. Fourteen patients (3 men, 11 women, mean age 45±7 years), with chronic abdominal pain but without any detectable organic digestive disease were studied. The colonic motor activity was recorded by endoluminal electromyography during 218‐h recording sessions over 2 consecutive days. Misoprostol 600 μg or placebo was randomly administered in double‐blind manner either on the first or the second day of the recording period. In 8 patients, misoprostol was administered orally 1 h before the dinner (17.30 hours) and in 6 patients at the beginning of the night‐time (23.00hours). Meals were standardized and scheduled during the whole recording session in the same way for all patients.

After placebo, colonic response to feeding was characterized by an increase in colonic motor activity mainly concerning the percentage of time occupied by long spike bursts (LSBs =+232%) and migrating long spike bursts (MLSBs =+214%) (p < 0.05). Short spike burst activity (SSBs) was not affected by feeding. Administered before the meal, misoprostol (600 μg) strongly reduced percentage of time occupied by the LSBs activity during post‐cibal period (‐46%) when compared to placebo (P < 0.01). On the contrary, MLSBs and SSBs activities were similar in post‐prandial period after placebo and misoprostol. Administration of misoprostol during the nighttime did not affect the basic colonie myoelectrical pattern when compared to placebo.

We conclude that an oral administration of misoprostol before a meal alters the colonic response to feeding, mainly the contractile activity of LSBs.
Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) increases post‐prandial duodenal motor activity in humans
Authors: MAYER E. A. , SYTNIK B. , REDDY S. N. , van DEVENTER G. M. , TACHÉ Y.
Published: August 2010

The effects of peripherally administered Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) on post‐prandial gastrointestinal motility were studied in normal subjects. Pressure activity was monitored for 90 min pre‐and 120 min post‐prandially in the antrum and duodenum in 8 healthy male volunteers (mean age 45.5 years). Subjects received, on separate days, ovine CRF (0.6 nmol/kg) or vehicle, infused intravenously over 5 min, 15 min after the beginning of the meal. In all subjects, CRF infusion transiently increased the frequency of contractile events to the frequency of the duodenal slow wave (11.7 ± 0.3 cpm). The postprandial duodenal mobility index (MI) after CRF infusion was significantly greater (7.72 ± 0.29) when compared to vehicle infusion (4.34 ± 0.14) (mean ± SEM; P < 0.001). However, the fraction of propagated contractile events was not altered significantly after CRF when compared to vehicle. In contrast, the antral post‐prandial MI was not affected by the CRF application. Serum cortisol levels increased significantly at 60 and 90 min post‐CRF injection. These data indicate that CRF transiently switches the post‐prandial duodenal motor activity to a band of non‐propagated high frequency contractions, but does not affect antral contractions.
Changes in gastric electrical activity in patients with severe post‐operative nausea and vomiting
Authors: CLEVERS G. J. , SMOUT A. J. P. M. , Van Der SCHEE E. J. , AKKERMANS L. M. A.
Published: August 2010

Gastric electrical activity in a group of patients with severe nausea and repeated vomiting in the post‐operative phase following major abdominal surgery (Group A, n = 21), was compared to that in a control group of patients without symptoms after colonic surgery (Group B, n = 14). Physical signs related to the digestive tract were assessed and electrical activity of the stomach was measured non‐invasively by means of electrogastrography (EGG) and impedance gastrography (IGG). Two EGG/IGG recordings were performed in each patient. In group A the first recording was carried out after the onset of nausea and/or vomiting and a second control recording after disappearance of these symptoms and resumption of a normal diet. In group B the post‐operative recording was performed on the second post‐operative day, the control EGG/IGG signals were recorded pre‐operatively. EGG and IGG could be successfully recorded in the post‐operative phase, even in nauseated and vomiting patients. During post‐operative nausea and vomiting power and frequency of the normal gastric myoelectrical activity (0.04–0.06 Hz) were not significantly lower than in the control recordings. In the first post‐operative recordings (in Group A during nausea and vomiting and in Group B on the second post‐operative day) an increased incidence of abnormal gastric frequencies (tachygastrias, 0.10–0.18 Hz) was observed in both groups. No significant difference between the groups was found. After nausea and vomiting had subsided in Group A, the incidence of tachygastrias was persistently high.
Effects of duodenal flow on interdigestive patterns of small bowel myoelectric activity
Authors: PRABHAKAR L. P. , HERKES S. M. , SMITH C. D. , BEHRNS K. E. , SARR M. G.
Published: August 2010

Factors regulating the conversion of the interdigestive migrating motor complex (MMC) to postprandial patterns of motility are not completely understood. This study assessed the effects of varying rates of nonnutrient duodenal flow on patterns of interdigestive motility before and after abdominal vagotomy. Six neurally intact dogs were prepared with serosal intestinal electrodes and a duodenal infusion catheter. After recovery, the dogs were studied by infusing an isosmolar, noncaloric, balanced electrolyte solution at rates of 0, 3, 6, 9, or 12 ml/min for 5 hours into the proximal duodenum. With increasing rates of duodenal infusion, the duration of phase I decreased progressively (P < 0.05), while the period of the MMC remained unchanged. The MMC was eventually inhibited at rates of 9 or 12 ml/min with establishment of a pattern of intermittent spike activity. These findings were similar in 3 of these dogs after transthoracic total abdominal vagotomy. Our findings suggest that increases in duodenal infusion rate, independent of caloric or nutrient content, modulate patterns of intestinal motility during the postprandial period; this effect does not appear to be vagally mediated.
Effects of modifications of gastric motility on the membrane potential of the coeliac ganglionic neurons in the rabbit
Authors: MAZET B. , NIEL J. P. , MIOLAN J. P. , ROMAN C.
Published: August 2010

The involvement of gastric motility in the slow variations of membrane potential of sympathetic ganglionic neurons was investigated in rabbit.

The present study was performed in vitro on the coeliac plexus connected to the stomach. The electrical activity of ganglionic neurons was investigated using intracellular recording techniques. Spontaneous increases in basal intragastric pressure triggered slow hyperpolarizations of the ganglionic neurons (n = 7), the duration of which was similar to that of the increase in the basal pressure. Conversely, cooling of the nerve trunks connecting the coeliac plexus to the stomach induced a slow depolarization of the ganglionic neurons (n = 3). Carbachol‐induced increases in basal intra‐gastric pressure modified the membrane potential of ganglionic neurons in several ways: hyperpolarization (n = 6), depolarization (n = 4), hyperpolarization followed by depolarization (n = 2), and these modifications lasted longer than the modifications of gastric motility. After cooling of the nerve trunks connecting the coeliac plexus to the stomach, the carbachol‐induced variations of gastric motility were no longer able to modify the membrane potential of the ganglionic neurons.

These results demonstrate that modifications of the gastric motility can trigger slow modifications of the resting membrane potential of coeliac neurons and therefore could modify their excitability. This suggests that gastric motility can modify at the postsynaptic level the transmission of central or peripheral inputs to ganglionic neurons.
Oral cisapride increases gallbladder volume in volunteers
Authors: ZIEGENHAGEN D. J. , GLIMM E. , KRUIS W. , ZEHNTER E.
Published: August 2010

It has been previously reported that intravenous application of cisapride leads to a contraction of the gallbladder. To evaluate this potential prokinetic effect cisapride was given to healthy subjects in the clinically relevant oral form. In a randomized double‐blinded placebo controlled design gallbladder volumes were monitored by ultrasound.

Orally given single doses above 5 mg cisapride resulted in a significant increase of gallbladder volume reaching a maximum of 176.7 ± 10.0% at 90 min after ingestion of the 40 mg dose. This effect was observed over more than 3 h.

Contraction after a standard meal was significantly impaired by 20 mg cisapride (minimal residual volumes 8.4 ± 2.3% vs. 18.7 ± 3.7%; P < 0.05). Refilling of the gallbladder started significantly earlier after cisapride ingestion.

The underlying mechanisms of these observations being in contrast to the prokinetic effects cisapride generally exerts on the gastrointestinal tract are still unknown.
Effects of enteral infusion of nutrients on canine intestinal motor‐patterns
Authors: SCHMID H. R. , EHRLEIN H. J. , FEINLE C.
Published: August 2010

Little is known on the effects of enteral nutrition on intestinal motor patterns. In dogs, intestinal motility was recorded with multiple extra‐luminal strain‐gauges. An elemental diet was infused into the jejunum (0.5–2.5 kcal min−1) over 6 h. The elemental diet or dog food were also administered orally for comparison. Jejunal infusion of the elemental diet stimulated jejunal motility; the motor pattern was characterized by clustered contractions. During enteral feeding, stimulation of jejunal motility was initially less (lower motility index, lower incidence of contraction waves and shorter spread of contractions) compared with oral feeding. Jejunal motility declined linearly with time, the decline being less profound during enteral than after oral feeding. Linear correlations also existed between motility parameters and energy loads; increasing energy loads produced reduction instead of enhancement of motility. Strong inhibition of motility followed by vomiting occurred with energy loads ≥ 2 kcal min−1. The following conclusions were reached: (a) jejunal feeding evoked different patterns of jejunal motility compared with oral feeding; (b) jejunal motility was the result of both a local stimulation and an inhibitory feedback mechanism; (c) intestinal overload of nutrients was indicated by marked inhibition of motility. These results indicate that recording of motility during enteral nutrition might be a useful diagnostic tool for predicting gastrointestinal sequelae.
Effects of a novel intestinal peptide (enterogenin) on the contractile and bioelectric activity of intestinal smooth muscle from the rat and the guinea‐pig
Authors: TRIFFONOV B. , KRISTEV A. , ZAPRIANOV G. , LUKANOV J. , KOSTADINOVA I.
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe effects of hexapeptide (M.W. 1400) isolated from pig intestine enterocytes and called enterogenin on the motility of gastrointestinal smooth muscle of guinea‐pigs and rats have been studied in vitro. The enhancement of bioelectric and contractile activity observed after treatment with enterogenin is inhibited significantly by the blockers of D2receptors, halopehdol and droperidol. On the basis of experiments carried out with Ca2+‐antagonists, enterogenin is shown to have a stimulating effect on the intake of Ca2+by smooth muscle cells. This is considered to be the mechanism of enterogenin action on smooth muscles.
Organization of antral, pyloric and duodenal motility in patients with gastroparesis
Authors: FRASER R. , HOROWITZ M. , MADDOX A. , DENT J.
Published: August 2010

The motor mechanisms associated with delayed gastric emptying are poorly understood, and the contribution of abnormal patterns of gastroduodenal motility to gastroparesis is unknown. Limited data suggest an increased frequency of localized pyloric contractions contributes to delayed gastric emptying. Antropyloroduodenal pressures and gastric emptying of 99mTc chicken liver/ground beef were recorded simultaneously for 60 min in 16 patients with gastroparesis and 26 healthy subjects, using a sleeve/sidehole manometric assembly and a scintigraphic technique. Manometric recordings were analysed for localized pyloric contractions (isolated pyloric pressure waves), basal pyloric pressure (tone), antral and duodenal pressure waves and the number of associated antropyloroduodenal contractions ≥6 cm in length. There was no significant difference in median pyloric tone (1.1 (interquartile range 0.3–2.1) vs 0.5 (0–1.8)mmHg), number of isolated pyloric pressure waves (15 (4.5–25) vs 25 (12–37)) or antral pressure waves (47 (16–62) vs 46 (17–76) between the patients with gastroparesis and the healthy controls. The number of duodenal pressure waves was significantly less in the gastroparetics (54 (41–80) vs 102 (63–116), P < 0.05) as was the number of antropyloroduodenal pressure waves ≥6 cm (5 (0.5–6) vs 12.5 (4–24), P < 0.05). There was no difference in the lag time for solid gastric emptying, but there was a reduction in the amount emptied after 60 min (1 (0–10) vs 10 (0–14)%, P < 0.01). These results suggest that abnormal patterns of antropyloroduodenal contractions contribute to slow gastric emptying in patients with gastroparesis. Localized pyloric contractions are not a major pathogenetic mechanism.
Gastric emptying in normal subjects: reproducibility and relationship to characteristics of the migrating motor complex
Authors: RASMUSSEN L. , ØSTER‐JØRGENSEN E. , QVIST N. , HOVENDAL C. P. , PEDERSEN S. A.
Published: August 2010

This study was designed to clarify whether a part of the variability in gastric emptying could be ascribed to a relationship between meal ingestion and phase activity of the migrating motor complex and whether reproducibility is increased when meal ingestion takes place in relation to preselected characteristics of the migrating motor complex. We examined 12 healthy males, and the design included three examinations, twice with meal ingestion in a duodenal Phase I, and once in a Phase II. The meal consisted of an omelette labelled with 99mTc followed by 150 ml water labelled with 111In. The results showed that liquid lag phase (min) and was significantly shorter in Phase II than in Phase I (1 vs. 4, P = 0.007). The half emptying time of solid linear phase (min) was reproduced with nearly identical median and range values in the three series (I[1]: 67[51–87]; I[2]: 63[47–80]; 61[47–76]). With meal ingestion in Phase I a significant difference between inter‐ and intra‐individual variance could not be demonstrated. With meal ingestion in Phase I a second examination in Phase I did not increase reproducibility of any of the variables compared to a second examination in Phase II. In conclusion, scientific investigations on gastric emptying have to be performed with phase related meal ingestion and a double‐radionuclide technique.
Pharmacological characterization of 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor types in the guinea‐pig proximal colon
Authors: BRIEJER M. R. , AKKERMANS L. M. A. , MEULEMANS A. L. , LEFEBVRE R. A. , SCHUURKES J. A. J.
Published: August 2010

It was investigated which 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptors mediate the responses to 5‐HT in the longitudinal muscle layer of the guinea‐pig proximal colon, using selective 5‐HT receptor antagonists and the 5‐HT analogues α‐methyl‐5‐HT (2‐Me‐5‐HT), 2‐methyl‐5‐HT (2‐Me‐5‐HT), and 5‐methoxytryptamine (5‐MeOT). 5‐HT as well as its analogues induced concentration‐related contractions, at low concentrations preceded by relaxations. The 5‐HT concentration‐contractile response curve was biphasic whilst the curves to α‐Me‐5‐HT, 2‐Me‐5‐HT, and 5‐MeOT were monophasic. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) abolished the relaxations, and it inhibited the contractions to all agonists. In the presence of TTX, blockade of either 5‐HT2(ketanserin) or 5‐HT3receptors (ondansetron, tropisetron) reduced the contractions to 5‐HT, whereas blockade of both 5‐HT receptor types at the same time abolished them. In the absence of TTX, the contractions to 5‐HT were inhibited by antagonists at 5‐HT2(ketanserin), 5‐HT3(granisetron, nanomolar concentration of tropisetron) and also 5‐HT4receptors (micromolar concentration of tropisetron). Contractions to α‐Me‐5‐HT did not seem to be sensitive to 5‐HT2receptor blockage with ketanserin, but in the presence of TTX the contractions were abolished by the 5‐HT2receptor antagonist. The 5‐HT3receptor antagonist granisetron abolished contractions to 2‐Me‐5‐HT. In the presence of TTX, the 5‐HT2receptor antagonist ketanserin abolished contractions to 5‐MeOT, and in the absence of TTX the contractions to 5‐MeOT were highly sensitive blockade of 5‐HT4receptors with tropisetron. Blockage of either 5‐HT1(methiothepin), 5‐HT2(ketanserin), 5‐HT3(ondansetron, granisetron, tropisetron) or 5‐HT4(tropisetron) receptors did not abolish the relaxations to 5‐HT or 5‐MeOT. In conclusion, 5‐HT induces contractions of the longitudinal muscle of the guinea‐pig proximal colon, through the stimulation of 5‐HT2receptors on the smooth muscle cells and 5‐HT3receptors and putative neuronal 5‐HT4receptors. 5‐HT evokes relaxations via an unknown neuronal receptor.
Opioid agonists modulate excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in human colon
Authors: ANGEL F. , CHAMOUARD P. , KLEIN A. , MARTIN E.
Published: August 2010

The effects of different opioid agonists on spontaneous mechanical activity and response to electrical transmural nerve stimulation of both longitudinal and circular muscle strips from the human colon were studied by using a superfusion apparatus to record isometric contractions. Exogenously added opioid agonists did not modify the spontaneous contractile activities of both types of strips. Nerve stimulation induced a triphasic response composed of a first contraction C1followed by a relaxation C2and an off‐contraction C3; this response was mediated by cholinergic excitatory nerves and non‐adrenergic, non‐cholinergic (NANC) excitatory and inhibitory nerves. The delta‐agonists methionine enkephalin, [D‐Pen2, D‐Pen5] enkephalin (DPDPE) and the kappa‐agonists dynorphin, trans‐3,4 dichloro‐N‐methyl‐N‐(2‐[1 pyrolidinyl]‐cyclohexyl) (U‐50488H) decreased the amplitudes of the contractions C1and C3of both strips in a dose‐dependent manner. The selective mu‐agonist D‐alaglymepheglyol (DAGO) decreased the contraction C1of longitudinal and circular muscle at high dose (1 μM) and often reduced the relaxation C2of both types of strips at low dose (0.05 μM), finally, naloxone, but only at higher concentrations (1 μM) decreased the C1amplitude significantly in circular muscle. In conclusion, these data suggest that mu, delta and kappa opioid receptors are involved in the neuro‐regulation of smooth muscle of human colon and that opioid agonists modulate both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission through an action on cholinergic and non‐adrenergic, non‐cholinergic neurons.
The influence of a manometric tube on radionuclide transit of liquid and semi‐solid boluses
Authors: VODERHOLZER W. A. , TATSCH K. , MUHLDORFER B. E. , WEISS M. , KLAUSER A. G. , SCHROTTLE W. , MULLER‐LISSNER S. A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract Twenty‐nine patients referred for oesophageal diagnostic work up prospectively divided into patients with normal (‘controls’) and abnormal motility on the basis of manometric findings underwent oesophageal scintigraphy with and without simultaneous manometry. All patients with abnormal peristalsis had a mean pressure amplitude of less than 30 mmHg andlor simultaneous contractions in the proximal andlor distal half of the oesophagus. For manometry a low compliance perfusion system was used (external diameter of the manometric tube 0.5 cm). Radionuclide oesophageal emptying (%) was measured 12 sec after the beginning of each swallow. Values of >8O% were considered normal. Oesophageal emptying for liquid and semi‐solid test‐boluses during manometry was compared t o the corresponding values obtained without the manometric tube in place. Oesophageal emptying was reduced during studies with the manometric tube in situ in controls from 97.6 ± 1.2% to 85.9 ± 5.3%, P = 0.018 forliquid boluses, and from 95.3 ± 1.2% to 84.4 ± 4.3%, P = 0.01 for semi‐solid boluses. A trend was also seen in patients with abnormal contractility which was not statistically significant (65.6 ± 9.0% vs 56.6 ± 8.5% P = 0.1, 62.4 ± 9.1% vs 56.7 ± 7.6%, p=0.4). Three controls duringliquid studies and four controls during semi‐solid studies were falsely classified as pathological by scintigraphy with the tube in situ whereas only one patient with abnormal contractility was classified normal in each of the liquid and semi‐solid studies. In conclusion, subjects with normal contractility patterns may show pathological emptying in radionuclide studies if simultaneous manometry is performed. Patients who have reduced oesophageal emptying may be less often falsely classified as normal.
Differences exist in passive elastic wall properties between segments of isolated guinea‐pig distal ileum and duodenum in vitro
Authors: STORKHOLM J.H. , JØRGENSEN C. S. , DALL F. H. , JENSEN S. L. , GREGERSEN H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract The aim was to study and to compare passive biomechanical wall properties in the isolated duodenum and distal ileum of the guinea‐pig. Stepwise inflation of an intraluminal balloon, in which the pressure and cross‐sectional area were measured simultaneously, provided the distension stimulus. Biomechanical wall parameters such as wall tension and compliance were calculated from steady state values of these measurements. Smooth muscle relaxation was obtained by adding 10‐3 m papaverine to the organ bath. Cross‐sectional area always reached equilibrium within the two‐minute inflation period. The pressure‐cross‐sectional area relations showed a higher degree of hysteresis in the ileum than in the duodenum (P < 0.01). Cross‐sectional area and wall tension in distal ileum was higher than those in duodenum (P < 0.001). Compliance was at pressures up to 3 kFa significantly higher in the ileum. At the highest induced pressures, compliance was the same for the two segments. The model provides the opportunity for studying passive biomechanical wall properties in the isolated small intestine. Biomechanical differences were found between the proximal and distal small intestine. These properties may be related to the specialized functions of the two segments, e.g. flow properties.
Intestinal muscle contractility during acute pancreatitis
Authors: GRAY C. R. , LI Y. F. , WEISBRODT N. W. , RUSSELL D. H. , MOODY F. G.
Published: August 2010

AbstractExperiments were designed to study the effects of acute pancreatitis, induced by bile duct ligation, on the contractility of longitudinal muscle from the jejunum of rats. Forty animals were divided randomly into 5 groups, 8 in each. In three groups, the common bile duct was ligated at its entrance into the duodenum (low ligation), and their jejunal longitudinal muscle contractility was studied at 24, 48 or 72 hours after operation. In the fourth group, the common bile duct was ligated above the pancreas (high ligation). These animals were studied 72 hours after operation. In the fifth group, sham operation was performed as a control. At the time of study, two strips of longitudinal muscle were peeled from a segment of the jejunum from each animal, and were mounted in organ baths. Muscle contractions in response to carbachol (10‐7‐10‐4m) and to KCL (30 mM) were measured, correlated to the cross‐sectional area of the muscle strips, and expressed as stress. Animals with low ligation developed histological evidence of acute pancreatitis. Maximal stress to carbachol of intestinal muscle from these animals decreased progressively with time after operation. Forty‐eight and 72 hours following low ligation, Maximal stresses in response to carbachol were 488 ± 33 g cm‐2and 438 ± 28 g cm‐2, values significantly lower than those after sham operation (611 ± 24 g cm‐2). In contrast, median effective concentrations of carbachol (D‐50s) were not significantly different among groups. The response to KCl, although lower than that to carbachol in each group, did not differ among groups. Animals with high ligation, although showing signs of bile stasis, did not develop histological evidence of pancreatitis, and maximal stresses to either carbachol or KCl developed by muscle from these animals did not differ significantly from control. We conclude that low ligation with the induction of pancreatitis leads to a decreased contractility of the jejunum. Also, the impairment responsible for the decreased contractility may reside in an excitation‐contraction pathway step initiated by carbachol but not by KCl.
Adenosine A2receptor‐mediated excitation of a subset of AH/Type 2 neurons and elevation of cAMP levels in myenteric ganglia of guinea‐pig ileum
Authors: CHRISTOFI F. L. , BAIDAN L. V. , FERTEL R. H. , WOOD J. D.
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that excitatory A2and inhibitory A1receptors coexist on myenteric AHIType 2 neurons, and are positively coupled to adenylate cyclase to stimulate cAMP formation. The A2agonists NECA and CGS 21680 increased excitability and depolarized the membrane in 40% of 71 AH/Type 2 neurons. In the remainder, the agonists depressed excitability and hyperpolarized the neurons. In 13% of neurons, A2agonists caused a concentration‐dependent depolarization at nanomolar concentrations, followed by hyperpolarization at higher concentrations. CGS 21680 (EC50=0.15 nM) was 133‐fold more potent than NECA (EC50= 20 nM) in depolarizing AH/Type 2 neurons. The A1agonist, CCPA, caused hyperpolarization and depressed excitability in more than 90% of neurons. The potency profile of agonists for depolarization was CGS 21680 ≫ NECA ≫> CCPA. NECA augmented at nanomolar and inhibited at micromolar concentrations, excitatory depolarizing responses to forskolin in AH/Type 2 neurons; whereas, CCPA only inhibited the action of forskolin. In parallel studies on enzymatically dissociated myenteric ganglia, when the ganglia were exposed to priming concentrations of forskolin (5 μM) in the presence of Ro‐20 1724, NECA enhanced the stimulatory action of forskolin on CAMP formation. This effect was abolished by the adenosine receptor antagonist DPSPX. The potency of NECA for stimulation of adenylate cyclase equalled that for depolarization of the AH/Type 2 neurons. The results suggest that high affinity excitutory A2receptors are coupled to adenylate cyclase in a minority subset of AH/Type 2 myenteric neurons, and that inhibitory A1and excitatory A2receptors are co‐localized on some AH/Type 2 neurons.
The diagnosis of partial intestinal obstruction by surface vibration analysis (SVA)
Authors: SMITH D. M. , LOUDON M. A. , WALDRON B. , & P. K. SMALL , CAMPBELL F. C.
Published: August 2010

Abstract Surface vibration analysis is a non‐invasive test of gastrointestinal activity, which shows an ‘obstructive’ pattern of hyperactivity and quiescence, corresponding to cluster contractions, in experimental obstruction. This study has evaluated surface vibration analysis against clinical and operative diagnosis in suspected partial intestinal obstruction. Forty‐six patients and 18 volunteers underwent surface vibration analysis tests. On clinical grounds, 28 patients were considered likely to have partial intestinal obstruction and underwent laparotomy. Only 14 of these were found to have dilated bowel proximal and normal or collapsed bowel distal to a potentially obstructive lesion, such as adhesions. Surface vibration analysis showed an ‘obstructive’ pattern in 12/14 patients with obstruction compared to only 3/14 without operative evidence of any obstruction. Surface vibration analysis amplitude values were also significantly higher in the obstruction group. Surface vibration analysis may provide a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of partial intestinal obstruction.
Visceral perception and gut changes in diabetes mellitus
Authors: SARNO S. , ERASMUS L. P. , HASLBECK M. , HÖLZL R.
Published: August 2010

Abstract Colonic perception threshold and pain threshold for distension stimuli were measured in 19 healthy subjects and in 19 long‐standing insulin‐dependent Type I diabetics who had autonomic and peripheral neuropathy and complained of gastrointestinal symptoms. The age range 26–72 years in both groups. Neither perception threshold nor pain threshold was significantly different between patients and controls. Abnormal delay of the primary evoked contraction after stimulus was found in 44% of the patients and abnormal colonic oscillation after stimulus was recorded in 53% of the patients. The colonic wall trended to higher compliance in diabetics. These abnormalities did not correlate with perception or pain threshold, suggesting that the sensory afferent and motor efferent systems work relatively independently. Also, the abnormalities did not correlate with the type of gastrointestinal symptom, metabolic state or half‐time gastric emptying. Results suggest a substantial integrity of the colonic afferent system, a local derangement of the colonic wall with an impairment of the enteric system and a probable derangement of efferent pathways.
The role of monoaminergic systems in central IL‐1β‐induced changes in intestinal motility
Authors: FARGEAS M. J. , FIORAMONTI J. , BUENO L.
Published: August 2010

AbstractIntracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in fed rats induces stimulation of caecocolonic contractions, involving corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) and the reappearance of the fasted motor pattern (presence of migrating myoelectric complexes, MMCs) at the small intestinal level, which is mediated by prostaglandins (PGs). The mechanisms of these effects were further investigated by focusing on the possible involvement of central monoaminergic systems. Motility was appraised in conscious rats chronically implanted with electrodes in the jejunum and caecum, and a catheter in a lateral ventricle of the brain. IL‐1β (15 ng, i.c.v.) was administered in fed rats that were untreated, or after previous administration of either antagonists of α1and α2adrenergic (prazocin and yohimbine), D1and D2dopaminergic (SCH 23390 and sulpiride) and 5HT3serotonergic (granisetron) receptors. Only prazocin and yohimbine (1 mg kg−1i.p.) significantly reduced the duration of the MMC pattern induced by IL‐1β at the jejunal level (78 ± 35 min and 40 ± 12 min, respectively, vs 223 ± 48 min in control studies). In contrast, the caecal stimulation triggered by IL‐1β was not only blocked by prazocin and yohimbine (1 mg kg−1i.p.), but also by sulpiride (1 mg kg−1i.p.) and granisetron (1 mg kg−1i.p.). This study confirms that IL‐1‐induced changes in small and large intestinal motility are expressed through two separate pathways. We can suggest that mediators acting to modulate CRF release, such as catecholamines through α1and α2receptors, dopamine through D2receptors, and serotonin through 5HT3receptors, could be involved in the caecal stimulation. PG‐dependent changes in the jejunal motility pattern seem to be linked to activation of α adrenoceptors.
Effect of topical anaesthesia on oesophageal sensory and motor function in healthy subjects
Authors: BECKER K. , KUHLBUSCH R. , ENCK P. , LÜBKE H. J. , FRIELING T.
Published: August 2010

Abstract Oesophageal hyperalgesia was demonstrated in the non‐cardiac chest pain syndrome and suggests an altered perception of visceral stimuli in these patients. Data on oesophageal sensory function and its pharmacological manipulation, however, are fragmentary.

Using a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over design, ten healthy male volunteers were manometrically examined for the effects of topical oesophageal anaesthesia with benzocaine 0.75% on (1) oesophageal perception of graded intra‐luminal balloon distension, (2) oesophageal compliance and primary motility, and (3) rectal perception of graded intraluminal balloon distension.

It was demonstrated that topical benzocaine significantly increased oesophageal perception thresholds for intraluminal distension (P < 0.03), irrespective of them being correlated to distension volume or distension pressure. The level of first sensation increased from 4.3 ml (SD 2.8) and 24.8 mmHg (SD 9.1) to 7.4 ml (SD 4.4) and 32.1 mmHg (SD 8.3), respectively; pain perception increased from 11.O ml (SD 4.5) and 30.9 mmHg (SD 8.9) to 14.5 ml (SO 5.1) and 38.3 mmHg (SD 10.2), respectively. In contrast, oesophageal compliance, primary oesophageal motility and rectal perception were not altered.

It was concluded that topical anaesthesia decreases visceral sensitivity of the oesophagus to mechanical distension by action on intramural nervous afferents. It does not affect oesophageal motor function, nor does it exert systemic analgesic effects.
Aggressive and mild Potato virus Y isolates trigger different specific responses in susceptible potato plants
Authors: Kogovšek P. , Pompe‐Novak M. , Baebler Š. , Rotter A. , Gow L. , Gruden K. , Foster G. D. , Boonham N. , Ravnikar M.
Published: August 2010

Differences in the early responses of two potato cultivars, Igor and Nadine, to two isolates of Potato virus Y (PVY), the aggressive PVYNTN and the mild PVYN, were monitored. Microarray and quantitative real‐time PCR analyses were carried out to identify differentially expressed genes after inoculation with each virus isolate. Additionally, symptom severity and development was observed and the amount of virus isolate accumulated in systemically infected leaves was evaluated, where a significantly higher amount of PVYNTN was detected. Microarray analysis revealed 572, 1288 and 1706 differentially expressed genes at 0·5, 12 and 48 h post‐inoculation, respectively in cv. Igor, with a similar pattern observed in cv. Nadine. Microarray and quantitative real‐time PCR results implied an earlier accumulation of sugars and lower photosynthesis in leaves inoculated with the aggressive isolate than in leaves inoculated with the mild isolate. The PVYNTN isolate did not activate early differential expression of the Fe‐superoxide dismutase and pectin methylesterase inhibitor (PMEI) genes, indicating a delay in plant response relative to that following PVYN inoculation. Differences in the expression of the β‐glucanase‐I gene were also observed in early plant responses to inoculation with each virus isolate.
Effect of Terbutaline, a β2‐adrenergic Receptor Stimulating Compound, on Cutaneous Responses to Histamine, Allergen, Compound 48/80, and Trypsin
Authors: Grönneberg Reidar , Strandberg Kjell , Hägermark ÖSten
Published: August 2010

The β‐adrenoceptor stimulating agent terbutaline (2 ng‐2 μg) injected intradermally in eight atopic subjects produced a dose‐dependent inhibition of the skin reactions induced by subsequently injected allergen. After injection of 0.5 μg terbutaline inhibition of the flare and weal responses was demonstrable throughout the observation period of 90 min.

The flare response induced by histamine, the histamine liberator compound 48/80 and the proteolytic enzyme trypsin was not inhibited by terbutaline in the doses used, suggesting a selective action of terbutaline on the allergen‐induced response. The weal response elicited by histamine and compound 48/80 was slightly reduced by 2 ng terbutaline.

It is suggested that pretreatment of me skin with terbutaline interferes with the ability of the cutaneous mast cells to respond to challenge with allergen and that terbutaline produces this effect in doses lower than those needed to counteract the permeability increasing effect of released mediator substances.
Detection and Quantitation of Dermatophagoides Antigens in House Dust by Immunochemical Techniques
Authors: Lind P. , Korsgaard J. , Løwenstein H.
Published: August 2010

Rabbit antibodies against D. pteronyssinus whole culture extract were rendered specific to mite antigens by immunoabsorption with extract of human dander. Using the absorbed antibodies, an extract of a mite culture gave rise to 15 peaks in crossed immunoelectrophoresis and to a titer of 512 in counter‐immunoelectrophoresis. When applied to dust samples from the homes of allergic patients, counter‐immunoelectrophoresis gave reproducible results within an error of 1 titer‐step. Mite antigens were detected in 64% of 105 dust samples investigated. The titer correlated well (P<0.005) with the concentration of Dermatophagoides bodies, found in 13 mattress dust samples by microscopy. Advantages and limitations of immunochemical quantitations of house dust mites in dust samples is discussed in relation to investigations by microscopy.
Allergy to Coriander A Case Report
Authors: Suhonen Raimo , Keskinen Helena , Björkstén Fred , Vaheri Eero , Zitting Antti
Published: August 2010

After 3 years of occupational exposure to powdered coriander ‐ a spice ‐ a woman developed respiratory symptoms of immediate hypersensitivity. Skin tests, nasal and bronchial challenge tests and the RAST were positive to coriander. Column chromatography, enzymatic digestion of the fractions and skin testing suggested that the allergen is a protein.
Rates of Release of Subcutaneously Injected Antigens in the Rat: Comparison of an Aqueous Preparation with Two Alum‐Precipitated Preparations
Authors: Leeling Jerry L. , Muni Indu A. , Helms Richard J. , Johnson Ned
Published: August 2010

Release of antigen E‐125 I from the site of subcutaneous injection in male rats was delayed significantly when either of two alum‐precipitated preparations containing 1.0–1.2 mg of Al/ml was administered rather than an aqueous preparation. The rates of 125I excretion were similarly influenced being statistically slower through the first week after single doses of the alum‐precipitated preparations. The results of these studies strongly support the view that alum‐precipitated vaccines offer more protection from system reactions than aqueous vaccines.
Influence of terbutaline on natural killer cell activity
Authors: Stenius‐Aarniala B. , Vesterinen E. , Kiviranta K. , Timonen T.
Published: August 2010

Studies on the effect of cAMP‐inducing agents on NK activity have been contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of beta‐agonists on NK activity in vivo in 15 asthmatics and 3 healthy volunteers. Blood samples of NK activity were taken at regular intervals after placebo and after subcutaneous injection of 7 μg/kg of terbutaline. NK activity was measured by the standard 4‐h Chromium51 release assay against the leukemic line K 562 at a 50:1 effector/target cell ratio. Compared with placebo, terbutaline induced within 30–60 min a significant increase in NK activity which lasted less than 2 h. Further studies are necessary to investigate the effect of long‐term beta‐agonist treatment on NK activity.
A double‐blind dose‐response study of budesonide by inhalation in patients with bronchial asthma
Authors: Johansson S.‐Å. , Dahl R.
Published: August 2010

Budesonide by inhalation and placebo were tested in 18 patients with moderate chronic bronchial asthma. Three dose levels of budesonide were used (25, 100 and 400 μg q.i.d.) and the patients were to take two puffs q.i.d. in all periods. The active treatment was investigated using double‐blind cross‐over technique, and placebo at the end of the trial. The duration of each treatment period was 2 weeks. The study showed a high drop‐out frequency while on placebo and that the PEF values were influenced in a dose‐dependent way by budesonide. In spite of the double‐blindness the patients had a tendency towards overuse of the trial aerosol on the lowest dose, but they used significantly less than prescribed during the period with the highest dose. No side effects were reported.