PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Digestive System Physiological Phenomena”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Humoral induction of pyloric rhythmic output in lobster stomatogastric ganglion: in vivo and in vitro studies.

In the lobster Jasus lalandii, 14 neurones of the stomatogastric ganglion (STG) are organized in a network that produces rhythmic pyloric outputs. In vitro experiments have shown that the STG neurones receive, via the stomatogastric nerve (stn), neuromodulatory inputs that influence the expression of the bursting properties of the neurones and the ability of the network to produce its rhythmic output. In contrast to these in vitro observations, in vivo transection of the stn does not abolish the pyloric rhythm. Rhythmic output can be recorded by electromyography immediately after stn transection and for up to 2 years afterwards. We have shown that, under these experimental conditions, the STG appears to be isolated from any neuronal input that might account for the maintenance of the rhythmic output. Experiments carried out in the 2 days after stn transection showed that an in vitro preparation of the isolated STG was unable to produce any rhythmic output, but blood serum added to the system could restore the pyloric output. These results suggest strongly that the pyloric network receives neural and humoral modulatory influences in parallel and that each type of influence alone is able to maintain the bursting capability of the pyloric neurones.

Animals↗

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↗

Capsicum--production, technology, chemistry, and quality. Part V. Impact on physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and metabolism; structure, pungency, pain, and desensitization sequences.

The spice Capsicum is the fruit of the cultivated species of the genus Capsicum (family, Solanaceae), C. annuum principally, and C. frutescens L. to a lesser extent. A third variety of C. annuum var. annuum fruits, the large-sized, fleshy bell capsicum is used as a fresh vegetable and valued for its aroma, color, and crisp texture, but with no pungency. This variety is not considered in this series of reviews covering primary processing, production, international trade, chemistry, and biochemistry of functional components--the red keto carotenoids, the aromatic volatiles and the pungent capsaicinoids in Parts I to III. The valid qualitative aspects correlating the specific components of capsicum and their sensory responses are critically covered in Part IV. In this the concluding part of the series of reviews, the significant preference of the spice for initially evoking an aversive response, its potent physiological and pharmacological effects, and the aspects of structure-activity relationships of the pungent stimuli of the capsaicinoids are reviewed. The beneficial effects particularly associated with long usage by some ethnic groups and its safe consumption levels, with a critical review of the studies on the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, the sensory system, thermoregulation, nutritional impacts, and an overview of the five series is also detailed.

Animals↗

Gastroentological investigations.

In this fourth article in the Concepts in Anatomy series, Anne-Marie Ramsay joins John Clancy and Andrew McVicar in examining the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract and identifies some common homeostatic imbalances. Diagnostic tests for detecting abnormalities are described, highlighting the importance of the nurse's role in caring for the patient throughout these procedures. This series is based on Physiology and Anatomy, a homeostatic approach, 2nd ed, John Clancy and Andrew McVicar (eds), Edward Arnold, London, 1995, currently in print.

Digestive System Diseases↗

Physiological changes due to age. Pharmacodynamic changes of drug action and implications for therapy.

The elderly respond differently to drugs than do younger people. Their physiological response is much more variable, and predictability of drug action is much less certain. When all non-pharmacological factors and age-associated pharmacokinetics are taken into account, there is still no full explanation of the potentially altered drug action and increased drug toxicity observed in the elderly. It is only relatively recently that age-associated physiological changes (primary age changes), their interplay with age-associated pathophysiological changes (secondary age changes) and environmental changes (tertiary age changes) have been studied with regard to the effect of those changes on the pharmacodynamics of drug action. In general, age-associated pharmacodynamic changes, i.e. changes in the type, intensity and duration of drug action, have been associated with changes in receptor function (e.g. altered receptor number and affinity, altered second messenger function, altered cell response), changes in the homeostatic mechanisms, and reduced reserve capacity. It is important to realise that these changes, which can differ greatly among patients, may be responsible for an increased incidence of adverse drug reactions and therapeutic failure. They may also mandate a higher dose in some circumstances, as some organs become less responsive to drug action with age.

Adult↗

The nutritional value of degermed, dehulled corn for pigs and its impact on the gastrointestinal tract and nutrient excretion.

Three experiments were designed to assess the feeding value and potential environmental benefits of feeding degermed, dehulled corn, a low fiber by-product originating from the corn dry milling process, to pigs. Twelve 27-kg (SE = 0.8) barrows were used in Exp. 1 to measure the apparent fecal digestibility of DM, GE and N of degermed, dehulled corn compared with corn grain. Two diets were formulated to contain either 96.4% of degermed, dehulled corn or corn grain plus supplemental vitamins and minerals. Digestibilities of DM, GE, and N were greater in degermed, dehulled corn (96.2, 96.0, and 93.6%, respectively) compared with corn grain (89.0, 89.0, and 78.4%, respectively) (P < 0.01). Overall, a 67 and 29% reduction in DM and N excretion, respectively, was observed. In Exp. 2, eight 70-kg (SE =1.8) barrows were surgically fitted with ileal cannulae and fed the same diets as in Exp. 1, to measure the ileal digestibility of nutrients in degermed, dehulled corn. Ileal digestibility of DM, energy, and N was 13, 15, and 7% greater in degermed, dehulled corn (P < 0.05). Apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of leucine, methionine, and phenylalanine were greater in degermed, dehulled corn compared with corn grain (P < 0.05) while a trend for a lower tryptophan digestibility in degermed, dehulled corn was observed (P = 0.067). In Experiment 3, 96 nursery pigs with an initial average BW of 8.8 kg (SE = 0.08), fed a starter diet formulated with degermed, dehulled corn or corn grain as the major grain source, were used in a 28-d growth performance study. At the end of the study, 24 pigs (1 pig per pen) were sacrificed and gastrointestinal tract measurements were taken. Daily growth rates of pigs were the same between diets (0.64 kg/d). A trend for reduced feed intake (P = 0.073) in pigs fed degermed, dehulled corn led to a 4% improvement in gain to feed (P < 0.05). Feeding degermed, dehulled corn had no effect on gut fill, gastrointestinal tract weight, or liver weight (P > 0.05). Ileal villus lengths and crypt depths were not affected by feeding degermed, dehulled corn although ileal villus widths were greater in pigs fed corn grain. Results from these trials suggest that corn processed to remove poorly digestible fiber fractions provides more digestible nutrients than corn grain. As a result, degermed, dehulled corn reduces fecal and N excretion, thus providing a means to reduce nutrient excretion.

Animal Feed↗

[Gastrointestinal flora and health in man and animal].

A balanced and stable gastro-intestinal microflora is of vital importance for the optimum function of the gastro-intestinal tract and consequently for the health of man and animals. The gastro-intestinal microflora is a very complex ecosystem, the current knowledge of which is still very limited. It is obvious that the intestinal flora has a protective function (prevention of infection). In addition it has a positive effect on nutrition (digestion, effects on physiology, production of vitamins). Changes in diet, stress, the use of antibiotics and excessive hygiene all bring about changes in the micro-biological ecosystem and consequently changes in health conditions. Knowledge about the microbial ecology of the intestine is also of importance in the prevention of zoonoses. Recently, increasing attention is being paid to the development of methods to influence the composition of the gastro-intestinal microflora in man and animals by probiotics (dried cells or fermented food). These concepts will be dealt with in the present paper and, in addition some of the possible uses will be discussed.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

[Brief review of nutrition in rabbits (author's transl)].

A practitioner should be aware of the most important items regarding feed and water supply that may by a factor in assessing problems on large commercial units or in fancy breeding. A breif introduction on the function of the digestive tract precedes a discussion of the main causes of nutritional disorders which are frequently lethal. The specific mechanism of recirculation (caecotrophy) causing increased vulnerability to variations in the texture of feeds is stressed. Severe intestinal malfunction is readily induced by contaminated and spoiled feed and/or drinking water. These effects are probably underestimated in comparison with specific diseases. Data on nutritional requirements are also presented to the extent to which they are relevant in this context.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

[Neurotensin].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Animals↗