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At least 505 records · Page 28Linked to original sources

PubMed2026

Structural and functional gastrointestinal abnormalities in ACTA2 R179H mice modeling multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome.

Multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome (MSMDS) is a rare disorder caused by ACTA2 mutations, including the R179H variant, which alters actin filament stability and dynamics and smooth muscle contractility. Cardiovascular complications dominate its clinical presentation, but gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction significantly affects quality of life. To investigate the structural, functional, and cellular basis of gut dysmotility in MSMDS, we reviewed clinical data from 24 patients with MSMDS and studied the ACTA2 R179H mouse model. Patients exhibited severe gut dysmotility, with 75% requiring medication for chronic constipation. ACTA2 mutant mice displayed cecal and colonic dilatation, reduced intestinal length, and disrupted colonic migrating motor complexes. Delayed whole-gut transit and impaired contractile responses to electrical and pharmacological stimulation were observed. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant actin cytoskeleton-related gene changes in smooth muscle cells, and immune profiling identified increased lymphocytic infiltration. Despite functional abnormalities, there were no obvious changes in the enteric nervous system. These findings establish ACTA2 mice as a robust model for studying GI pathology in MSMDS, elucidating the role of smooth muscle dysfunction in gut dysmotility. This model provides a foundation for developing targeted therapies aimed at restoring intestinal motility by directly addressing actin cytoskeletal disruptions in smooth muscle cells.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

The mucosal immune system: from specialized immune defense to inflammation and allergy.

The mucosal immune system is a first line of defense against foreign antigens, including microbial and dietary antigens. Under normal circumstances, the mucosal immune system employs tightly regulated dynamic mucosal intra- and internets consisting of inductive and effector sites for the induction of an appropriate immunological homeostasis between the host and mucosal environments. The common mucosal immune system (CMIS), which interconnects between inductive (e.g. Peyer patch) and effector (e.g. intestinal lamina propria) tissues for the induction of the IgA response, is well characterized. Recent results provide strong evidence for the presence of a CMIS-independent IgA induction pathway. Two distinct subsets of mucosal IgA-committed B cells termed B-1 and B-2, are associated with CMIS-independence and CMIS-dependent cascades respectively. In some cases, the breakdown of this tightly regulated mucosal immune system leads to pathological responses to different gut environmental antigens. As a result, disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. IBD) and allergic gastroenteropathy can be evoked in the gastrointestinal tissues. Recently, many studies have described possible molecular and cellular mechanisms for this dysfunction in the gastrointestinal tissues by using murine models with specific gene manipulation. In this review we summarize recent findings from our group concerning the CMIS-dependent and CMIS-independent IgA induction pathways and gastrointestinal diseases (IBD and intestinal allergic diseases). These observations may provide useful information for the development of new mucosal immune therapy.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Cholecystokinin hyperresponsiveness in functional dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common disorder of yet uncertain etiology. Dyspeptic symptoms are usually meal related and suggest an association to gastrointestinal (GI) sensorimotor dysfunction. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is an established brain-gut peptide that plays an important regulatory role in gastrointestinal function. It inhibits gastric motility and emptying via a capsaicin sensitive vagal pathway. The effects on emptying are via its action on the proximal stomach and pylorus. CCK is also involved in the regulation of food intake. It is released in the gut in response to a meal and acts via vagal afferents to induce satiety. Furthermore CCK has also been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of panic disorder, anxiety and pain. Other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline may be implicated with CCK in the coordination of GI activity. In addition, intravenous administration of CCK has been observed to reproduce the symptoms in FD and this effect can be blocked both by atropine and loxiglumide (CCK-A antagonist). It is possible that an altered response to CCK may be responsible for the commonly observed gastric sensorimotor dysfunction, which may then be associated with the genesis of dyspeptic symptoms.

Atropine↗

PubMed1993

Gastrointestinal symptoms in Parkinson disease: 18-month follow-up study.

In a recent study we identified abnormal salivation, dysphagia, nausea, constipation, and defecatory dysfunction as those gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms associated with Parkinson disease (PD) and characterized their relationship to PD severity and therapy. In this study, we re-evaluated these symptoms and their relationship to parameters of PD 18 months later. Sixty-six percent of the original participants responded. Over the 18 months, 68% of originally untreated PD subjects commenced anti-PD therapy. Abnormal salivation, dysphagia, nausea, constipation, and defecatory dysfunction were again identified as those GI symptoms more common in PD. Constipation increased both in severity and frequency. Comparison of GI symptom scores and parameters of PD dysfunction failed to reveal significant progression of either GI symptomatology or PD dysfunction, or the development of new GI symptoms over the 18-month period. This study validates our GI dysfunction assessment system and confirms abnormal salivation, dysphagia, nausea, constipation, and defecatory function as those GI symptoms truly associated with PD. A direct relationship between PD and its related GI symptoms is again supported.

Aged↗

PubMed1991

Plasma levels of gastrointestinal regulatory peptides in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

The fasting plasma levels of 9 gastrointestinal regulatory peptides were measured by radioimmunoassay in 13 stable patients with chronic renal failure receiving hemodialysis treatment regularly and compared with those of 10 healthy controls. The plasma concentrations of gastrin-releasing peptide, motilin, neurotensin, pancreatic polypeptide, peptide YY, somatostatin, substance P, and vasoactive intestinal peptide were increased. The plasma level of gastrin was not statistically different from that of the controls (p = 0.077). We conclude that patients with chronic renal failure receiving hemodialysis treatment regularly have increased concentrations of eight of nine measured gastrointestinal regulatory peptides. The elevated levels of gastrointestinal peptides in patients with chronic renal failure may contribute to uremic gastrointestinal symptoms and dysfunctions. It is necessary to make a renal function evaluation before interpreting measured plasma levels of gastrointestinal regulatory peptides.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Acute poisoning with a herbicide containing imazapyr (Arsenal): a report of six cases.

BACKGROUND: Acute pesticide poisoning is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Taiwan and herbicides are most frequently implicated. Imazapyr [2-(4-isopropyl-4-methyl-5-oxo-2 imidazoline-2-yl)nicotinic acid] is a new herbicide, recently registered in Taiwan under the tradename "Arsenal" (Imazapyr 23.1%, Cyanamid Taiwan Corporation, Taipei). Imazapyr is also marketed as Assault, Chopper, Contain, and Pivot. To the best of our knowledge, there is no information in the literature concerning acute toxicity in humans after ingestion of herbicides containing this compound. METHOD: Six cases of acute poisoning with Arsenal occurred during the period 1993-1997 in a single hospital. Emergency room records and medical charts were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 6 cases, 5 were suicide attempts and 1 was an act of violence inflicted on a child. Three of the 6 patients (50%) presented with severe symptoms, including impairment of consciousness and respiratory distress requiring intubation. Other presentations included metabolic acidosis (2), hypotension (2), leukocytosis (3), fever (2), mild elevation of hepatic transaminase and creatinine (2), unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (2), oral ulceration (2), pharyngolaryngitis (2), and chemical burns of the cornea (1). All cases had copious vomiting after ingestion of Arsenal. No mortality occurred. CONCLUSION: According to our observations, it appeared the toxic syndrome that results from a large quantity (> 100 mL) of Arsenal herbicide ingestion consists of hypotension, pulmonary dysfunction, oral mucosal and gastrointestinal irritation, and transient liver and renal dysfunction. However, the existence of a dose-response relationship, with increasing amounts of ingestion resulting in more severe symptoms, needs further observation and studies that include a larger series.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Morphological changes of the upper gastrointestinal tract mucosa and Helicobacter pylori infection in HIV-positive patients with severe immunodeficiency and symptoms of dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: HIV infection causes progressive immune defense system dysfunction, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The aim of the study was to evaluate the morphological changes in the upper-GI tract mucosa in HIV-infected patients in relation to the degree of immunodeficiency, presence of H. pylori, fungal colonization, and antiretroviral treatment (HAART). MATERIAL/METHODS: One hundred forty-six patients (94 HIV positive, 52 HIV negative) with dyspeptic symptoms were evaluated by upper GI endoscopy and biopsy. The HIV-infected were divided into two groups: 47 patients with CD4+ count >200/mm(3) and 47 with severe immunodeficiency (CD4+ count <200/mm(3)); 42 of the total patients were treated with HAART. Gastric biopsies for histopathology and urease test, esophageal swabs, and gastric aspirates for mycological evaluation were taken. RESULTS: The HIV-infected patients with severe immunodeficiency had a lower prevalence of H. pylori infection and active chronic gastritis in the gastric antrum compared with the other HIV-infected patients and controls (H. pylori in 40%, 72%, and 69%, respectively; p<0.05). Mycotic esophagitis and mycotic colonization of the stomach were more frequent in patients with severe immunodeficiency. The prevalence of gastric mucosa changes was not different between the patients treated and not treated with HAART; H. pylori infection was less frequent in HIV-infected patients treated with HAART (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In severely immunodeficient patients with dyspeptic symptoms, the prevalence of H. pylori and active chronic gastritis in the gastric antrum is much lower than in HIV-negative patients. H. pylori infection is less frequent in patients treated with HAART.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

[Acute respiratory distress syndrome].

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) - is a life-threatening acute clinical syndrome of pulmonary insufficiency with high mortality. The causes of the syndrome are of every description - from crustacean poisoning to cardiopulmonary bypass. The rate of ARDS is not clear, because of diagnostical variety of ARDS and acute pulmonary dysfunction. The discussion on ARDS diagnostical criteria lasted for many years. The clinical criteria depend on how the essence of the disease is understood, on the size of lung infiltration, lung compliance and failure as well as degree of hypoxemia. The risk of ARDS increases with the increase of number of predisposing factors. The investigation data depend mainly on used datum-point for diagnostics of ARDS. It is obvious that non-cardiogenic light pulmonary edema is found very often, and serious lung lesions are rare enough. The aim of nowadays treatment is to cure the disease that causes the syndrome and to sustain vital functions. The early diagnostics of ARDS predisposing factors and minimization of their influence, the prevention, early diagnostics and timely treatment of complications are essential. In many cases ARDS caused by collateral factors is the constituent of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Anyway the ARDS predisposed by direct factors is often complicated by other organ (cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, hematogenous, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, etc.) dysfunction. In this case the treatment becomes more difficult and includes therapy correcting the function of other systems. In spite of intensive treatment, mortality of this syndrome still remains 50-90% according to the literature data. Though some authors state that recently the ARDS mortality decreased, but most of the authors did not notice any improvement during the last 20 years. The prognosis is determinated not only by pulmonary insufficiency itself (the cause of death in 5% of patients), but by the ARDS predisposing factor (the worst is sepsis and septic shock), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, difficult physical state of the patient, sepsis as a cause or as a complication of ARDS, nosocomial pneumonia, progressive fibroproliferation in the lung. Considering the actuality of ARDS, the diagnostical criteria of ARDS, pathogenesis, clinical course and new treatment methods are reviewed in the publication.

APACHE↗

PubMed1995

Chronic ethanol intake and burn injury: evidence for synergistic alteration in gut and immune integrity.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic ethanol (EtOH) intake and injury are both associated with increased susceptibility to infection in the host. This study examined the immune and gastrointestinal alterations induced by chronic EtOH intake and injury, and compared the effects of enteral and intravenous administration of EtOH. DESIGN: Rats received 20% EtOH daily for 14 days by gavage [oral (PO)] or superior vena cava [intravenous (i.v.)] infusion. Mean blood EtOH concentrations at 90 minutes after administration were 95.3 mg/dL (PO) and 94.4 mg/dL (i.v.). An additional group of animals underwent a 30% total body surface area full-thickness burn injury 4 hours after the final dose of EtOH or normal saline on experimental day 14. All animals were killed 4 days after burn injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nonadherent splenic lymphocytes were tested for mitogenic responses to the T-cell mitogens concanavalin A (ConA) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and the B-cell mitogens lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pokeweed. Quantitative bacterial cultures of mesenteric lymph nodes and liver were also performed. Alterations of intestinal mucosa were determined by measurement of ileal mucosal weight, DNA, protein, and diamine oxidase content. Circulating plasma endotoxin concentrations were also measured. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Chronic PO-EtOH intake induced a significant impairment in mitogenic response to T-cell mitogens, with a fourfold reduction in ConA and a twofold reduction in PHA response (p < 0.05 by analysis of variance) and increased bacterial translocation (70% vs. 10%). Chronic EtOH administered by the i.v. route did not reduce mitogenic response to any of the mitogens studied. Histologic examination of ileal segments demonstrated that chronic PO-EtOH administration was associated with significant mucosal disruption and exfoliation. Chronic administration of PO-EtOH prior to burn injury induced a significant impairment in spleen mitogenic response to ConA, PHA, and LPS when compared with all other burn injury groups. Chronic administration of EtOH by the i.v. route prior to burn injury did not alter splenic mitogenesis. In addition, chronic PO-EtOH prior to burn injury increased bacterial translocation rates (80% vs. 33%) and prevented the normal intestinal reparative response to burn injury (demonstrated by a significant reduction in ileal mucosal weight, DNA, and diamine oxidase content). CONCLUSIONS: Enteral but not i.v. administration of EtOH induced significant immunologic dysfunction (demonstrated by altered spleen mitogenic response) and gastrointestinal dysfunction (demonstrated by depressed ileal mucosal weight, DNA, and diamine oxidase content, and increased bacterial translocation rates). In addition, the administration of chronic enteral EtOH prior to injury resulted in significant immune suppression and impaired the host's ability for normal intestinal repair. These results suggest that this EtOH-induced reduction in immunocompetence may be gut-mediated and that the administration of alcohol prior to injury may result in a synergistic alteration of gut and immune integrity.

Alcoholism↗

PubMed2001

New insights into mechanism of inflammatory and allergic diseases in mucosal tissues.

The gastrointestinal immune system is a major component of the mucosal barrier to foreign antigens including microbial and dietary antigens. Under normal circumstances, the mucosal immune system employs tightly regulated dynamic mucosal intra- and internets for the maintenance of an appropriate immunological balance between the host and gut environments. For example, mucosally induced tolerance is usually induced against enteric commensal bacterial and/or dietary antigens. However, in some cases, the break down of these tightly regulated mucosal immune responses led to hyper-responsiveness against these gut environmental antigens. To this end, numerous disorders could evoke in the gastrointestinal tissues, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and allergic gastroenteropathy. Recently, many studies have described possible molecular and cellular mechanisms of those dysfunctions in the gastrointestinal tissues. In this review, we have briefly summarized some of the current interesting and exciting findings for gastrointestinal diseases, especially IBD and intestinal allergic diseases from our group, which can be applied for the development of new mucosal immune therapy.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

[Late effects following curative radiotherapy for prostate cancer].

In this study we report late bladder, gastrointestinal and sexual dysfunctions in 23 patients following radical radiotherapy (66Gy-70Gy/33-35fx, 5 fx/week) for prostate cancer. We interviewed the subjects by telephone and compared the results with those of 45 healthy population controls. In general, the patients' bladder function was well preserved. However, compared with the population controls, significantly more patients reported dysuria and hematuria. Twenty-six percent of the patients reported moderate distress from the gastrointestinal tract. Fecal urgency, incontinence and the use of sanitary pads, as well as diarrhoea, and blood and mucous were significantly more common among the patients. Thirty-nine percent of the patients reported moderate or worse distress upon sexual activity, and significantly more patients suffered from erectile impotence.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Hepatic and intestinal blood flow following thermal injury.

Because cardiac output decreases after burn injuries, investigators have assumed, based upon dye clearance techniques, that hepatic and intestinal blood flow are also decreased following these injuries. Blood flow to the liver, stomach, small intestine, and kidney was determined by the uptake of 201thallium and 125I-labeled fatty acid (para-125I-phenyl-3-methyl pentanoic acid) in a 20% body surface area scald injury that also included plasma volume replacement resuscitation. Uptake of these radioisotopes was determined 15 minutes, 18 hours, and 72 hours after injury. The uptake of the 201thallium and 125I-labeled fatty acid by the gastrointestinal tissues was not statistically different at any of the time periods after comparison of the injured and control (sham-treated) animals. 201Thallium uptake by the kidney was significantly diminished 15 minutes after the burn injury (P less than 0.01). Based on these blood flow measurement techniques, the data suggest that the 20% body surface area scald injury did not alter blood flow to the liver or gastrointestinal tract within the initial 72 hours after the burn injury even though a decrease in renal blood flow was easily detected. These results suggest that the dysfunction of the gastrointestinal system or hepatic system observed after an acute burn injury is not simply the result of hypovolemic shock, which reduces both renal and mesenteric blood flow. These gastrointestinal and hepatic alterations may be related to a factor or factors other than intestinal ischemia.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Visceral afferent neuropathy in diabetic gastroparesis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a lack of symptoms in diabetic patients with gastrointestinal motility disorders is associated with visceral afferent neuropathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We investigated cerebral evoked potentials (EPs) after esophageal stimulation in 10 patients with motor dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract and in 10 healthy control subjects. All patients had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (5 men, 5 women, age range 31-60 yr, diabetes duration 8-36 yr, 10 of 10 with polyneuropathy, 6 of 10 with cardiac autonomic neuropathy). Their esophageal and gastric motor disorders had been diagnosed by scintigraphy, and gastrointestinal stenosis had been excluded by gastroscopy. Only 2 patients had severe symptoms, whereas 6 patients complained of minor discomfort (distension, bloating), and 2 patients were symptom free. RESULTS: EPs were recorded after electrical stimulation of the esophagus (32 cm from the incisors) at intensity just above the perception threshold. All control subjects exhibited regular EPs at 0.1 ms/30 mA stimulation intensity. In 6 diabetic patients, no EPs were detected at 0.1 and 0.3 ms/30 mA, and the perception thresholds were significantly elevated. In 4 patients with normal perception threshold, EPs of regular shape but decreased amplitude were recorded. These patients had mild or severe gastroparetic complaints. CONCLUSIONS: These data show for the first time an association between a lack of symptoms in diabetic gastrointestinal motility disorders and visceral afferent neuropathy.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Subclinical autonomic dysfunction in patients with Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

A prospective study was carried out to determine the prevalence of autonomic dysfunction in patients with lymphoma, and to assess the effect on this of chemotherapy. Twenty consecutive patients presenting with Hodgkin's disease, high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were studied. All had advanced disease, requiring combination chemotherapy which included the use of vinca alkaloids. Clinical assessment and standard cardiovascular autonomic function tests were carried out prior to and following completion of chemotherapy. Although no patients had clinical evidence of autonomic neuropathy at presentation, 16 (80%) had abnormal cardiovascular autonomic function tests. There was no correlation with the presence or absence of mediastinal disease. There was significant improvement in autonomic scores with treatment despite the use of drugs of known neurological toxicity. Some patients showed residual abnormalities of autonomic function despite disease resolution. We suggest that subclinical autonomic dysfunction is common in patients with lymphoma, and probably represents a paraneoplastic syndrome--the pathogenesis and prevalence of which deserve further study. This phenomenon may predispose patients with lymphoma to develop gastrointestinal and genitourinary dysfunction, or postural hypotension, and should be considered during the evaluation of the neurotoxicity of chemotherapy regimens.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed2006

The scleroderma Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ). A new self-assessment questionnaire for evaluation of disease status in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a self-assessment questionnaire and estimate its validity in the evaluation of disease status in patients with systemic sclerosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The developed questionnaire (SAQ) consists of 23 questions divided into four groups related to symptoms of vascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal dysfunction. One hundred and five patients with systemic sclerosis filled in the SAQ. Answers were assessed on a 0-3 scale and Index of Vascular Status (IVS), Index of Respiratory Status (IRS), Index of Gastrointestinal Status (IGS), Index of Musculoskeletal Status (IMMS) and Index of Disease Status (IDS) were calculated. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine the correlation of index score for particular organ system with various disease damage indicators. RESULTS: Mean score for IVS was significantly higher in patients with finger-tip ulcers or finger-tip osteolysis than in patients without, and was also higher in patients who had more severe capillary damage. Mean score for IRS was significantly higher in patients with pulmonary fibrosis, also in patients with reduced FVC, DLCO and DLCO/VA. Patients with esophageal hypomotility had a higher mean score for IGS than patients with normal esophageal motility. The mean score for IMSS showed a strong correlation with the skin score and was significantly higher in patients with reduced hand motility, joint contractures, muscle weakness or arthralgia/arthritis. The mean score for IDS was significantly higher in patients who had multisystemic involvement. CONCLUSIONS: The Scleroderma Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) is a sensitive measurement of disease status and level of impairment of different organ systems in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

The nutritional management of gastrointestinal tract disorders in companion animals.

Dietary protein, carbohydrates, fats and fibre have marked influences on gastrointestinal tract function and dysfunction. This article reviews the nutritional management of common gastrointestinal disorders in companion animals and introduces some of the current areas of research including probiotics, prebiotics, protein-hydrolysate diets, immunonutrition and dietary fibre. Nutritional management of oesophageal disease revolves around varying the consistency of the diet and feeding the animal from an elevated container. Provision of bowel rest remains the mainstay of the management of acute gastroenteritis but food-based oral rehydration solutions are a useful adjunct. The recommended diet for chronic small bowel diarrhoea is a highly digestible, hypoallergenic, gluten-free, low-lactose and low-fat diet with modest amounts of fermentable fibre. The use of probiotics in the management of diarrhoea in companion animals has not yet been shown to be beneficial. It is likely that prebiotics will prove more effective than probiotics in the prevention of enteropathogenic infections. Approximately 50% of cats in New Zealand that suffer from chronic idiopathic vomiting or diarrhoea will respond to a novel-protein-elimination diet and approximately 30% meet the diagnostic criteria for food sensitivity. Growing evidence supports the use of protein-hydrolysate diets in the management of inflammatory bowel disease and further advances in immunonutrition are expected. The dietary management of colitis should include a hypoallergenic diet with a fermentable fibre source. Manipulation of the diet provides clinicians a powerful therapeutic strategy to be used alone or concurrently with drug therapy in the management of gastrointestinal disorders.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

A reduction in interstitial cells of Cajal in horses with equine dysautonomia (grass sickness).

Equine dysautonomia (grass sickness) is a common, frequently fatal disease of horses characterised by dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. Interstitial cells of Cajal are the c-Kit-immunoreactive cells responsible for the generation of pacemaker activity in gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Impairment of this pacemaker action has been implicated in several motility disorders in humans and laboratory mammals. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that changes in interstitial cells of Cajal may be involved in the pathophysiology of the intestinal dysfunction observed in equine grass sickness. Interstitial cells of Cajal were identified using immunohistochemical labelling with an anti-c-Kit antibody and their density was assessed using a semi-quantitative grading system. Segments of ileum were examined from 24 horses free from gastrointestinal disease and compared to tissues from 28 horses with grass sickness. Segments of the pelvic flexure region of the large colon were examined from 13 horses free from gastrointestinal disease and compared to tissues from 10 horses with grass sickness. In horses with grass sickness, interstitial cells of Cajal were significantly decreased in both the myenteric plexus and circular muscle regions of both ileum and pelvic flexure compared to normal animals. Therefore, it is possible that the decline in interstitial cells of Cajal may be an important factor in the development of intestinal dysmotility observed in grass sickness.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2000

[Role of grandaxin in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal diseases].

AIM: To assess efficacy of grandaxine in correction of anxiety syndrome and vegetative dysfunction in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The trial included 59 patients with functional gastrointestinal, emotional and vegetative disorders who failed standard therapy. 43 patients of the test group received standard therapy in combination with grandaxine. RESULTS: Anxiety (Spilberg-Khanin scale), vegetative dysfunction (Vein scale) reduced in 90% of the patients of the test group more significantly than in the control group. Intestinal passage in patients with irritable colon syndrome improved also. CONCLUSION: A pronounced role of psychovegetative disorders was confirmed in development of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Grandaxine proved efficient in correction of such disorders irrespective of location of the pathology and prevalent tonicity of the autonomic nervous system.

Adolescent↗