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PubMed1975

51Cr-EDTA, 91Y and 141Ce as nonabsorbed reference substances in the gastrointestinal tract of the chicken.

The use of 91Y, 51Cr-EDTA, and 141Cr as nonabosrbed reference substances in the gastrointestinal tract of the chick was examined. In single oral dose experiments, more than 95% of the isotopes administered was recovered from the gastrointestinal tract 3 hours after dosing. 51Cr was higher in blood than the other isotopes tested. When the isotopes were fed continuously, the ratio of 91Y to 141Cr changed little throughout the gastrointestinal tract. However, the ratio of 91Y to 51Cr was higher in the crop and gizzard and lower in the duodenum than in the feed. Thus, passage time was shorter for 51Cr in the crop and gizzard and longer in the duodenum than that of 91Y. On the basis of distribution between solid and liquid phases in the intestinal contents, 91Y or 141Ce appears to be a suitable reference substance for studying the absorption of nitrogen and fatty acids, wheras 51Cr-EDTA would be preferable for bile acid absorption studies.

Animals↗

PubMed1975

Sites of organic acid production and pattern of digesta movement in the gastrointestinal tract of geese.

Sixteen geese were used to assess the movement of fluid and particulate digesta through their gastrointestinal tracts and to determine the diurnal variation in organic acid levels for the various segments of the tract. Fluid (polyethylene glycol and chronium-labeled ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and particulate markers (2 and 5 mm long) were administered with the meal. Animals were killed at given intervals after the administration of markers. The gastrointestinal tract was divided into nine segments for measurement of markers, pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and lactic acid contents. The data indicated a rapid evacuation of fluid marker from the foregut (crop, ventriculus, and proventriculus), while particulate markers were retained for extended periods of time. Retention of fluid marker was observed only within the cecum. Retrograde movement of particulate marker was demonstrated from the duodenum to ventriculus and proventriculus. Retrograde movement of fluid marker was observed from the cloaca to the colon, cecum, and distal third of the small intestine. However, particulate marker showed no retrograde movement in these segments of tract. Highest VFA levels were observed in the cecum. Retention of digesta and production of VFA within the colon were less than those noted for the dog, pig and pony. Lactic acid comprised less than 10% of the organic acids present in the gastrointestinal tract and were at their highest levels in the proximal and mid small intestine.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Development of the motor activity of the rat gastrointestinal tract by in vitro measurement.

To clarify the postnatal developmental changes of the motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract, the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous intraluminal pressure of the isolated stomach, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of the 1- to 5-week-old rat and adult (over 12 weeks old) were examined in vitro. The spectral frequencies of the spontaneous motor activity of 1- to 2-week-old rat were significantly lower than those of the adult. They became similar to the values of the adult at 3-4 weeks after birth. The amplitudes of spontaneous motor activity of 1- to 3-week-old rats were significantly smaller than those of adults. They became similar to the values of adults at 4 weeks after birth. Body weight, stomach wet weight and the length of the total intestine increased gradually and they were still below the values of the adult even at 5 weeks after birth. The stomach was filled with just milk until the end of 2 weeks. However, by the end of 3-4 weeks, milk and solid food were found in the stomach. By the end of 5 weeks, just solid food was seen in the stomach. Therefore, the motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract at birth seems immature and gradually develops postnatally. It seems to be mature by the end of 3-4 weeks after birth. Interestingly, the time of the pacemaker or motor maturity of the gastrointestinal tract according to spontaneous frequency or pacemaker activity and amplitude seemed almost consistent with the weaning time.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Therapeutic use of phage cocktail for controlling Escherichia coli O157:H7 in gastrointestinal tract of mice.

To investigate the therapeutical use of phage mixture for controlling gastrointestinal Escherichia coli O157:H7 cells, in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted. Three phages, SP15, SP21, and SP22 were selected from 26 phage stock screened from feces of stock animals and sewage influent. Addition of single or binary phage to the E. coli cell batch-culture reduced the turbidity of the culture. However, reascend of the turbidity due to the appearance of phage resistance cell was observed. On the other hand, addition of three phage mixture (SP15-21-22) did not produce reascend of culture turbidity under aerobic condition. Under anaerobic condition, slight reascend of culture turbidity was observed after SP15-21-22 addition. Chemostat continuous culture was operated under anaerobic condition to optimize the titer of phage cocktail and frequency of the addition for controlling E. coli cells. Five-log decrease of E. coli cell concentration after addition of phage cocktail of 10(9) Plaque forming unit (PFU)/ml was observed. However, reascend of cell concentration was observed after 1 d incubation. Repeated addition of phage cocktail was effective to reduce the cell concentration. Suspension of phage cocktail in the buffer containing 0.25% CaCO3 neutralized 9 times much more buffer of pH 2. Based on this in vitro experiment, phage cocktail (SP15-21-22) suspended in the buffer containing 0.25% CaCO3 was orally administrated to the mice in which E. coli O157:H7 cells was administrated in 2-d advance. E. coli and phage concentration in the feces was monitored for 9 d after phage addition. High titer of phage was detected in the feces when the phage cocktail administrated daily. E. coli O157:H7 concentration in the feces has been reduced according to the time period. However, difference of E. coli concentration in the feces of mice administrates with phage and in the control mice without phage addition became slight after 9-d test period. High titer of the phage settled down in the gastrointestinal tracts and reduced the concentration of E. coli cell. Repeated oral administration of SP15-21-22 was effective for rapid evacuation of E. coli O157:H7 from the feces and gastrointestinal tract of mice.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1999

Co-localization of synaptophysin with different neuroendocrine hormones in the human gastrointestinal tract.

Colocalisation of synaptophysin has been studied in different neuroendocrine cell types in histologically normal mucosa from human gastrointestinal tract (corpus, antrum, duodenum, ileum and colon) using double-immunofluorescence stainings. Numerous synaptophysin immunoreactive cells were seen in the antrum, while a smaller number were found in the intestinal tract. Synaptophysin immunoreactivity was strong in the antrum but weak in the intestine. In the intestinal colocalisation studies the synaptophysin immunoreactivity was enhanced by using the tyramide amplification method. Synaptophysin and chromogranin A were colocalised but the latter occurred mainly basally, whereas synaptophysin was found to occur diffusely throughout the cytoplasm. Synaptophysin immunoreactivity occurred in the serotonin cells throughout the gastrointestinal tract, and in the antral gastrin and somatostatin cells. In the intestinal tract only a small fraction of somatostatin, gastrin, cholecystokinin, enteroglucagon, enteroglucagon/ peptide tyrosine tyrosine displayed synaptophysin immunoreactivity. In the gastrointestinal tract (except the antrum), chromogranin A is a better general neuroendocrine marker than synaptophysin. The functional role of synaptophysin is unclear but it may be involved in the intracellular transport and release of hormones. Based on the distribution background of synaptophysin, it seems to be of greater importance in the antrum than in the intestinal tract as a whole.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

The bidirectional communication between neurons and mast cells within the gastrointestinal tract.

Normal or disordered behaviour of the gastrointestinal tract is determined by a complex interplay between the epithelial barrier, immune cells, blood vessels, smooth muscle and intramurally located nerve elements. Mucosal mast cells (MMCs), which are able to detect noxious and antigenic threats and to generate or amplify signals to the other cells, are assigned a rather central position in this complex network. Signal input from MMCs to intrinsic enteric neurons is particularly crucial, because the enteric nervous system fulfils a pivotal role in the control of gastrointestinal functions. Activated enteric neurons are able to generate an alarm program involving alterations in motility and secretion. MMC signalling to extrinsic nerve fibres takes part in pathways generating visceral pain or extrinsic reflexes contributing to the disturbed motor and secretory function. Morphological and functional studies, especially studies concerning physiological stress, have provided evidence that, apart from the interaction between the enteric nervous system and MMCs, there is also a functional communication between the central nervous system and these mast cells. Psychological factors trigger neuronal pathways, which directly or indirectly affect MMCs. Further basic and clinical research will be needed to clarify in more detail whether basic patterns of this type of interactions are conserved between species including humans.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Immunohistochemical study on the distribution of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the babirusa, Babyrousa babyrussa (Suidae).

The distribution and relative frequency of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the babirusa were studied immunohistochemically using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. Thirteen types of gut endocrine cells were detected; they were immunoreactive for chromogranin, serotonin, somatostatin, gastrin, bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP), glucagon, secretin, cholecystokinin (CCK), methionine-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 (MENK8), motilin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY). Cells that were immunoreactive for chromogranin, serotonin, somatostatin and glucagon were found in all portions of the gastrointestinal tract. MENK8-immunoreactive cells were observed in the stomach and small intestine. Gastrin-immunoreactive cells were detected in the pyloric region and duodenum. PYY-immunoreactive cells were found in the small and large intestine. Cells immunoreactive for motilin, CCK, GIP, and secretin were observed in the proximal small intestine and those immunoreactive for neurotensin were found only in the ileum. Although the distribution pattern of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of babirusa was similar to those reported for pig, restricted distribution of several endocrine cells, gastrin, BPP, MENK8, motilin, CCK, GIP, secretin and neurotensin and wider distribution of glucagon and PYY were observed in the babirusa. The unexpected presence of MENK8 in all glandular regions of the stomach and PYY in the small intestine was also noted. The distribution of gut endocrine cells might be related to the regulatory characteristics of the babirusa digestive tract.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Severe gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage in three dogs with hypoadrenocorticism.

Three dogs with gastrointestinal tract bleeding of sufficient severity to necessitate blood transfusion were determined to have hypoadrenocorticism on the basis of adrenocortical response to exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone. All dogs survived the acute crisis and are being managed with fludrocortisone acetate. Hypoadrenocorticism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute severe gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage.

Adrenal Insufficiency↗

PubMed2005

Imaging of congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract.

The radiological imaging plays a vital role in the evaluation of patients with congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract. The evaluation of these patients, most of which present early after birth, frequently requires the use of various imaging modalities for making the correct diagnosis and planning surgical correction. This article reviews the common congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract including obstructive lesions, anomalies of rotation and fixation, anorectal anomalies, and intestinal duplications. The plain radiograph is often diagnostic in neonates with complete gastric of upper intestinal obstruction and further radiologic evaluation may be unnecessary. An upper gastrointestinal series should be performed in all patients with incomplete intestinal obstruction. Sonography is useful in the evaluation of many congenital anomalies affecting pediatric gastrointestinal tract especially hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, enteric duplication cysts, midgut malrotation, meconium ileus and meconium peritonitis. Moreover, CT and MRI has assumed a greater importance as these provide excellent anatomic details which may be necessary for correct diagnosis as well as treatment planning. This is particularly true in evaluation of congenital anomalies such as esophageal/enteric duplications, vascular rings and anorectal anomalies. It is important to be familiar with the role nad usefulness of the various imaging modalities so that these can be used judiciously to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure while minimizing the patient discomfort.

Diagnostic Imaging↗

PubMed1992

The role of the gastrointestinal tract in the development of burn sepsis.

Conceptualization of the gastrointestinal tract as the "motor" that drives sepsis and multiple-system organ failure has only recently been appreciated. Most of the investigation into the pathophysiology of gut-derived sepsis involves using animal models; however, some of the findings are already being corroborated in human studies. The gastrointestinal tract is a dynamic organ whose function as a front-line defense against infection needs to be appreciated. The development of lethal sepsis is a function of the microbial load and virulence, the status of the gastrointestinal barrier, and the magnitude of the host defense response. In assuming care of a critically ill patient, we must be judicious in the use of antibiotics in order to prevent intestinal overgrowth of potential pathogens. Providing proper nutrition by an enteral route (when possible) not only satisfies caloric needs but regulates the microflora and maintains the integrity of the mucosal barrier. Burn patients should receive enteral nutrition early, the first day if possible. This not only will protect the intestinal mucosa but also will blunt the hypermetabolic response following thermal injury. Lastly, the patient should not receive an excessive amount of narcotic or sedative, for these drugs have an inhibitory effect on gastrointestinal motility, encouraging bacterial overgrowth. In the near future, new therapeutic modalities may soon become available to protect and treat the compromised gastrointestinal barrier. These modalities may include, but certainly are not limited to, the use of glutamine and xanthine oxidase inhibitors to prevent stress-related injury to the gastrointestinal mucosa.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Sonic hedgehog expression correlates with fundic gland differentiation in the adult gastrointestinal tract.

BACKGROUND: Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is an important endodermal morphogenetic signal during the development of the vertebrate gut. It controls gastrointestinal patterning in general, and gastric gland formation in particular. We have previously shown that Shh regulates gastric gland proliferation in the adult but detailed analysis of its expression along the adult gastrointestinal tract has never been undertaken. We therefore studied Shh expression along the normal human and rodent adult gastrointestinal tract as well as in intestinal metaplasia of the stomach, gastric and intestinal metaplasia of the oesophagus, and gastric heterotopia in Meckel's diverticulum. METHODS: The studies were performed with in situ hybridisation and by immunohistochemistry using an antibody that recognises the Shh precursor form. RESULTS: We found that in the normal gastrointestinal tract, high levels of Shh were expressed in the fundic glands of the stomach. Shh expression was also found in fundic gland metaplasia and heterotopia. However, Shh expression was lost in intestinal metaplasia of the stomach. CONCLUSION: We found a strong correlation between Shh expression and fundic gland differentiation. Our current study therefore provides evidence that in addition to its role in gastric epithelial development, Shh plays a unique role in gastric epithelial differentiation in adults.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

The gastrointestinal tract and ventilator-associated pneumonia.

The gastrointestinal tract is believed to play an important role in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), because during critical illness the stomach often is colonized with enteric Gram-negative bacteria. These are the same bacteria that frequently are isolated from the sputum of patients with VAP. Interventions such as selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD), use of sucralfate for stress ulcer prophylaxis, and enteral feeding strategies that preserve gastric pH, or lessen the likelihood of pulmonary aspiration, are used to decrease the incidence of VAP. A review of both meta-analyses and large randomized controlled trials providing Level I evidence on these topics has led to the following conclusions. First, SDD substantially decreases the incidence of VAP and may have a modest positive effect on mortality. However, there is strong contravening evidence that SDD promotes infections by Gram-positive bacteria. In the context of an emerging public health crisis from the steady rise in drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, we cannot endorse the general use of SDD to prevent VAP. Rather, therapy should be focused on strategies other than antibiotic prophylaxis. Second, in patients who are at risk for clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding, a histamine-2 receptor antagonist should be used for stress ulcer prophylaxis, rather than sucralfate, because histamine-2 receptor antagonist provides substantially better protection without substantially increasing the risk of VAP. Third, post-pyloric enteral feeding may reduce the incidence of VAP.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2004

Visceral hypersensitivity in functional disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Visceral hypersensitivity is now recognised as a major pathophysiological mechanism in functional gastrointestinal disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract. In patients with non-cardiac chest pain and functional dyspepsia, a high prevalence of visceral hypersensitivity has been indeed observed. In these patients, luminal physiological stimuli can be perceived as unpleasant or even painful. Although the fine mechanisms underlying such "aberrant perceptions" are yet not fully clarified, it is thought that an altered activation of the gut-wall receptors, an altered conduction of sensory inputs at the level of neural pathways, or an impaired processing of the sensations at the level of brain, may occur along the brain-gut axis. So far, drugs able to reduce hypersensitivity, that target each of the constituents of the stimuli-perception chain, have the therapeutic potential to reduce visceral hypersensitivity and, thus, to improve the symptoms. In this context, the availability of new agonists/antagonists to neurotransmitters offers a new exciting tool for the treatment of functional disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Chest Pain↗

PubMed1994

Ganglioneuromas of the gastrointestinal tract. Relation to Von Recklinghausen disease and other multiple tumor syndromes.

We studied 43 patients with ganglioneuromas of the gastrointestinal tract accessioned at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) from 1940 to 1990 in order to determine their relation to von Recklinghausen's disease and other multiple tumor syndromes. They fell into three groups: polypoid ganglioneuroma (28 patients); ganglioneuromatous polyposis (7 patients); and diffuse ganglioneuromatosis (8 patients). Follow-up (1-24 years, average 8 years) for 16 of 28 patients with polypoid ganglioneuroma showed that none of these patients developed von Recklinghausen's disease or evidence or multiple tumor syndromes. Three of seven patients with ganglioneuromatous polyposis were alive and well but were reported to have multiple cutaneous lipomas and one reported a family history of multiple intestinal polyps. For seven of eight patients, diffuse ganglioneuromatosis was associated with other tumors, namely multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIb, multiple ganglioneuromas and neurofibromas limited to the gastrointestinal tract, von Recklinghausen's disease and neurogenic sarcoma. We conclude that the solitary polypoid ganglioneuroma of the gastrointestinal tract is not associated with the subsequent development of von Recklinghausen's disease or multiple endocrine neoplasia. All three forms of gastrointestinal ganglioneuromatous disease appear to be largely centered in the colon and rectum, unlike neurofibromas and neurofibromatosis, which, in our experience, occur more commonly in the small intestine and stomach.

Adult↗

PubMed1981

Oxygen consumption by the gastrointestinal tract and liver in conscious newborn lambs.

We determined blood flow to and O2 consumption (VO2) by the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and liver and also measured cardiac output and whole-body VO2 in nine chronically catheterized unanesthetized lambs (7-16 days of age). Blood flows were calculated with the radionuclide-labeled microsphere technique, and blood O2 contents were measured with an O2 content analyzer. During the fasting state, GI blood flow was 58 +/- 4 (means +/- SE) ml.min-1.kg body wt-1; GI VO2 was 1.4 +/- 0.1 ml O2.min-1.kg-1. Neonatal GI VO2 was linearly related to both GI blood flow and O2 delivery (DO2). GI O2 extraction [(VO2/DO2).100] averaged 28% and did not vary with blood flow or DO2. Liver blood flow was 73 +/- 4 ml.min-1.kg-1 (271 +/- 23 ml.min-1.100 g liver-1), and liver VO2 was 2.0 +/- 0.1 ml O2.min-1.kg-1 (7.3 +/- 0.5 ml O2.min-1.100 g-1). Hepatic O2 extraction varied from 18 to 81% . VO2 by the neonatal liver did not correlate with liver blood flow or DO2. Hepatic O2 extraction, however, was inversely related to liver DO2. Our data indicate that the gastrointestinal tract and liver of the unanesthetized newborn animal exhibit O2 demands 1.5-3 times those reported in the adult. The neonatal gastrointestinal tract meets its O2 demands with a comparatively large blood flow and O2 delivery, whereas the neonatal liver provides for its O2 requirements by varying its O2 extraction.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

The effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp. administration on the morphology of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas in piglets.

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of administration of probiotic bacteria on morphology of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas. The experiment was performed on 15 piglets at the age from 3 to 35 days, intragastrically administered with Bifidobacterium breve, B. animalis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. In all piglets examined, the development of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas was observed to progress normally. After microflora administration to the piglets, an increase in the number of fibrocytes and fibroblasts was observed in the mucosa lamina propria of stomach and intestines. An increase was also reported in the number and activation of endocrine cells in the stomach and small intestines. The activity of alkaline and acid phosphatases, as well as succinic (SDH) and lactic (LDH) dehydrogenases, was found to be higher after the administration of probiotics. The administration of bacteria, especially of Lactobacillus acidophilus, caused an increase in the number of lymphocytes and lymphoid cells in lamina propria and intraepithelial lymphocytes in the small intestine. Enhanced proliferation of crypt cells was observed in the crypts of intestinal glands; however, there were no statistically significant differences in the PCNA index between the control and probiotic-administered groups. The performed study showed that the administration of probiotic bacteria has no negative impact on the morphology of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas and is found beneficial to its functioning and immune processes.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Comparison of the bacterial flora of the duodenum in healthy cats and cats with signs of gastrointestinal tract disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a colony environment predisposes healthy cats to high bacterial counts, including counts of obligate anaerobes, in the duodenum and whether increased numbers of bacteria could be found in the duodenum of cats with signs of chronic gastrointestinal tract disease. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 20 healthy control cats (10 from a colony environment and 10 pet cats) and 19 cats with a history of chronic gastrointestinal tract disease. PROCEDURE: Undiluted duodenal fluid was quantitatively and qualitatively assessed by bacteriologic culture under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Serum concentrations of cobalamin and folate were also measured. RESULTS: Significant differences were not detected in the numbers of bacteria found in the duodenum of cats housed in a colony environment, compared with pet cats fed an identical diet prior to sampling. All healthy cats were, therefore, combined into 1 control group. Compared with healthy cats, cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal tract disease had significantly lower counts of microaerophilic bacteria, whereas total, anaerobic, and aerobic bacterial counts were not significantly different. None of the cats with disease had total bacterial counts higher than expected from the range established in the control cats. Differences were not detected in regard to serum folate or cobalamin concentrations between diseased and healthy cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings indicated that healthy colony cats and pet cats have high numbers of bacteria in the duodenum, including high numbers of obligate anaerobes. Our findings also suggest that bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine is not a common clinical syndrome in cats with chronic nonobstructive gastrointestinal tract disease.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

[Gastrointestinal tract cancer and diabetes mellitus].

Risk of development of some gastrointestinal tract cancers (colorectal cancer, pancreas cancer and liver cancer) is higher in type II diabetics. Another important risk factor is obesity (for gall bladder cancer in women and in men also for stomach and esophageal cancer). Pathogenetic factors have been explored especially in colorectal cancer (diet, hyperinsulinaemia, metabolic receptors activation, absence of physical activity). Our Czech study also proved up to 4 times increased risk of colorectal cancer in diabetics and, in accordance with literature, probable influence of persistent diabetes on tumour development. Type II diabetes mellitus should be considered as a risk factor especially for colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and pancreas cancer. In type I diabetics no risk of gastrointestinal tract cancers was proved.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗