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PubMed1980

alpha-MSH effects on novelty-induced defecation, plasma 11-OHCS and whole brain catecholamines in hypophysectomized rats.

The effect of hypophysectomy on novelty-induced defecation was found to be inhibitory in nature, but this effect was reversed by treatment with alpha-MSH. MSH-treated hypox rats maintained, over days, novelty-induced defecation and showed a significant elevation in plasma 11-OHCS levels, compared with the levels of control-injected counterparts. MSH treatment also reduced over Days 1 to 5 the whole brain DA and whole brain NE levels in hypox animals. Control-treated hypox rats, however, showed an increase in brain NE concentration which was significantly reduced by MSH treatment. Sham-hypox animals also sustained novelty-induced defecation after MSH treatment but did not show a significant rise in plasma 11-OHCS level. Whole brain DA and whole brain NE levels in sham-hypox rats were also reduced significantly by MSH treatment. The behavioral maintenance of defecation in hypox and sham-hypox rats seem to be concomitant with significant reductions in whole brain catecholamines.

11-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗

PubMed1980

Effects of alpha-MSH and melatonin on passive avoidance and on PA-induced defecation and plasma 11-OHCS in hypophysectomized rats.

The present study shows tha alpha-MSH facilitates the acquisition and delays the extinction of a Passive Avoidance Response (PAR) in the hypox animals. MSH exacerbates PA-induced defecation in both hypox and sham-hypox animals. Hypox and sham-hypox animals treated with MSH do not differ on PAR or on PA-induced defecation. Melatonin, on the other hand, has no significant effect on PAR in hypox rats, but retards acquisition and facilitates extinction of the PAR in sham-hypox rats. Melatonin also inhibits PA-induced defecation in sham-hypox rats. Sham-hypox and hypox rats treated with Melatonin do not differ on PAR learning, retention (Extinction) and PA-induced defecation. MSH and Melatonin also seem to have opposite effects on plasma 11-OHCS levels measured at the end of PAR extinction. MSH increases plasma 11-OHCS in hypox rats, whereas Melatonin decreases plasma 11-OHCS in sham-hypox rats. Melatonin does not lower further the very low level of plasma 11-OHCS in hypox rats.

11-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗

PubMed1981

alpha-MSH, MIF-I and melatonin: effects on novelty-induced defecation, plasma 11-OHCS and central catecholamines in rats.

The pituitary-hypothalamo-pineal complex involving MSH, MIF-I and melatonin has been strongly emphasized in the adaptive mechanism of the animal. A series of experiments was conducted to investigate the effects of alpha-MSH, MIF-I and melatonin on novelty-induced defecation, step-down activity, plasma 11-OHCS levels and whole brain DA and NE concentrations over days of novelty X drug treatment. alpha-MSH consistently enhanced and sustained novelty-induced defecation, increased plasma 11-OHCS levels in the resting intact rats and in the novelty exposed hypophysectomized (hypox) rats, and decreased brain DA and NE levels in intact, hypox and sham-hypox rats. MSH did not increase plasma 11-OHCS in intact and sham-hypox rats during exposure to novelty. MIF-I significantly habituated novelty-induced defecation and increased brain DA and NE levels over 5 days of drug X novelty treatment. Melatonin, on the other hand, inhibited novelty-induced defecation, decreased plasma 11-OHCS and increased brain DA level over 5 days of melatonin X novelty treatment. MSH, MIF-I or melatonin did not show any significant effect on the step-down activity of the rats. The results suggest the possibility that central CAs may be implicated in the behavioral changes observed after alpha-MSH, MIF-I and melatonin administration and in the interaction of the pituitary-hypothalamo-pineal complex involving MSH, MIF-I and melatonin.

11-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗

PubMed2002

Actions of prostanoids to induce emesis and defecation in the ferret.

Several prostanoids were investigated for their ability to induce emesis and/or defecation and tenesmus in the ferret. The rank order of emetic potency (dose producing four episodes, D4) was: sulprostone (5 microg/kg)>11alpha,9alpha-epoxymethano-15S-hydroxyprosta-5Z,13E-dienoic acid (U46619; 8 microg/kg)>misoprostol (27 microg/kg)>17-phenyl-omega-trinor prostaglandin E2 (53 microg/kg)>prostaglandin E2 (94 microg/kg)>5-(6-carboxyhexyl)-1-(3-cyclohexyl-3-hydroxypropyl) hydantoin (BW245C; 148 microg/kg)>>prostaglandin F(2alpha) (13,500 microg/kg). Emesis was also induced by iloprost (D4 not determined) and prostaglandin E2 methyl ester (D4=350 microg/kg). Cicaprost and fluprostenol were virtually inactive; they also failed to modify copper sulphate (100 mg/kg, intragastric)-induced emesis (P>0.05), although cicaprost potentiated apomorphine (0.25 mg/kg, s.c.)-induced emesis (P<0.05). U46619-induced emesis was antagonised by vapiprost (P<0.05). The rank order of potency to produce defecation and tenesmus (dose producing three episodes) was: sulprostone (12 microg/kg)>misoprostol (15 microg/kg)>17-phenyl-omega-trinor prostaglandin E2 (94 microg/kg)>prostaglandin E2 (113 microg/kg)>fluprostenol (158 microg/kg)z.Gt;prostaglandin F(2alpha) (1759 microg/kg); prostaglandin E2 methyl ester also induced defecation (196 microg/kg). Data are discussed in relation to mechanisms involved in emesis and defecation.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Defecation practices of young children in a Peruvian shanty town.

Little is known about feces disposal practices, their determinants and feasibility for change, despite their importance in the control of diarrheal diseases. We report here the results of formative research for the development of an intervention to promote sanitary disposal of feces of young children. The study was conducted in a densely populated shanty town area of Lima, where water and sanitation systems are scarce. In-depth interviews were undertaken with mothers, husbands and community leaders. Group discussions were held with mothers in order to validate findings from the interviews, investigate particular topics further and explore reactions to possible intervention strategies. The principal defecation sites for young children were diapers, potties, the ground in or near the home, the hill, latrines and flush toilets. The main determinants found were the age of the child, the effort required by the method, perceptions of dirtiness and the availability of resources. Almost all children under one year of age use diapers but the high resource cost of diaper washing is a strong motivation for mothers to move their children on as early as possible. Potties were considered the most socially acceptable and 'hygienic' defecation method for children between one and three years of age. Nevertheless, defecation directly onto the ground is common at this age. Potty training is deemed to be quite difficult and the long term achievements are determined by the initial training success. In most cases, the training process is authoritative and inconsistent. The use of latrines and flush toilets is not considered appropriate for children until they are three to four years old. Based on these initial findings, a micro-trial was conducted to assess the feasibility and acceptability of promoting greater use of potties and associated practices. The results of the trial were very encouraging and provided valuable information for the design of a community-wide intervention. Our findings help explain why the emphasis given in most sanitation projects, where efforts have been concentrated on the promotion of latrines, has failed to induce their utilization by small children. Sanitation projects should incorporate interventions that will promote hygienic defecation and stool clearance practices for infants and small children.

Child↗

PubMed2003

Comparison of straining during defecation in three positions: results and implications for human health.

The aim of the study was to compare the straining forces applied when sitting or squatting during defecation. Twenty-eight apparently healthy volunteers (ages 17-66 years) with normal bowel function were asked to use a digital timer to record the net time needed for sensation of satisfactory emptying while defecating in three alternative positions: sitting on a standard-sized toilet seat (41-42 cm high), sitting on a lower toilet seat (31-32 cm high), and squatting. They were also asked to note their subjective impression of the intensity of the defecation effort. Six consecutive bowel movements were recorded in each position. Both the time needed for sensation of satisfactory bowel emptying and the degree of subjectively assessed straining in the squatting position were reduced sharply in all volunteers compared with both sitting positions (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the present study confirmed that sensation of satisfactory bowel emptying in sitting defecation posture necessitates excessive expulsive effort compared to the squatting posture.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Does mode of hysterectomy influence micturition and defecation?

OBJECTIVE: Hysterectomy may affect bladder and bowel function. A retrospective study was performed to compare the prevalence of micturition and defecation symptoms between different modes of hysterectomy. METHODS: All pre-operatively asymptomatic patients, with uteral size < or =10 cm, who underwent hysterectomy between 1988 and 1997 were interviewed about the prevalence of micturition and defecation symptoms and the experienced physical and emotional limitations of these symptoms. Using logistic regression analysis, odds ratios (OR) were calculated for all symptoms of which the prevalence between modes of hysterectomy differed more than 10%. These odds ratios were adjusted for differences in other prognostic factors. RESULTS: Vaginal hysterectomy was performed on 68 patients, total abdominal hysterectomy on 109 patients and subtotal abdominal hysterectomy on 50 patients. An increased prevalence of urge incontinence (adjusted OR 1.5 (95% CI 0.8-3.1)) and feeling of incomplete evacuation (adjusted OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.0-4.0)) was observed among patients who had undergone vaginal hysterectomy as compared to patients who had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy. The prevalence of urge incontinence (adjusted OR 1.8 (95% CI 0.8-4.2)) and difficulty emptying the rectum (adjusted OR 1.8 (95% CI 0.7-4.4)) was higher among patients who had undergone vaginal hysterectomy than among patients who had undergone subtotal abdominal hysterectomy. Statistically significant odds ratios were not observed. Relevant differences in physical and emotional limitations related to micturition and defecation symptoms were not observed between groups. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that technique of hysterectomy may influence the prevalence of micturition and defecation symptoms following hysterectomy.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Defecation properties after coloanal reconstruction in the pig model].

UNLABELLED: Defecation properties after coloanal reconstruction in the pig model. OBJECTIVE: Functional aspects after low anterior resection are of major interest. While patients with straight coloanal anastomoses may suffer from disabling stool frequency and incontinence, evacuation difficulties can be a problem in coloanal pouch anastomoses. The aim of the study was to investigate functional results by establishing a standardized defecation protocol after low anterior resection of the rectum in the pig model. METHOD: 24 adult Göttinger mini pigs were studied. They were randomly assigned to three groups: 8 animals served as control animals (group 1), the remaining 16 underwent low anterior resection with small colon-J-pouch (4-5 cm) reconstruction (n = 8) and large pouch design of 8-9 cm length (n = 8). The animals were investigated after 12 weeks postoperatively. Defecation properties we studied using a Ceruletide-induced defecography (0.3 microgram kgKG) with a 100 ml barium sulfate bolus, placed just above the anastomosis. RESULTS: Evacuation was significantly impaired in the large pouch (45 min.). However, the small pouches evacuated completely after 14 min. which was comparable to the unoperated controls (17.3 min.). CONCLUSION: Ceruletide-induced defecation reveals reproducible results in pigs. Evacualtion properties are highly depending upon the coloanal reconstruction. A small colon-J-pouch design reveals nearly physiologic results 3 months after surgery.

Anal Canal↗

PubMed1998

An ion channel of the degenerin/epithelial sodium channel superfamily controls the defecation rhythm in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Ultradian rhythms are widespread phenomena found in various biological organisms. A typical example is the defecation behavior of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which repeats at about 45-sec intervals. To elucidate the mechanism, we studied flr-1 mutants, which show very short defecation cycle periods. The mutations also affect some food-related functions, including growth rate, the expulsion step of defecation behavior, and the regulation of the dauer larva (a nonfeeding, special third-stage larva) formation in the unc-3 (Olf-1/EBF homolog) background. The flr-1 gene encodes a novel ion channel belonging to the DEG/ENaC (C. elegans degenerin and mammalian epithelial sodium channel) superfamily. A flr-1::GFP (green fluorescent protein) fusion gene that can rescue the flr-1 mutant phenotypes is expressed only in the intestine from embryos to adults. These results suggest that FLR-1 may be a component of an intestinal regulatory system that controls the defecation rhythm as well as other functions.

Activity Cycles↗

PubMed2005

Effects of regular physical activity on defecation pattern in middle-aged patients complaining of chronic constipation.

OBJECTIVE: It is not well known whether physical activity (PA) is useful in the management of patients complaining of constipation. The aim of this study was to test the influence of regular PA on colonic transit time and defecation in middle-aged inactive patients suffering from chronic idiopathic constipation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-three subjects (> 45 years) were randomly divided into group A (n = 18, 16 F, 2 M) and group B (n = 25, 20 F, 5 M). Group A subjects maintained their normal lifestyle during 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week PA programme. Group B performed a 12-week PA programme after randomization. PA comprised 30 min of brisk walking and a daily 11-min home-based programme. Both groups received dietary advice. Colonic transit time was measured using a radiographic multiple marker single film technique. RESULTS: Despite dietary advice, mean fibre and fluid intake did not change. In group B a significant reduction in 3 out of 4 of the Rome I criteria for constipation was observed, i.e. percentage of incomplete defecations, percentage of defecations requiring straining and percentage of hard stools (p < 0.05). As a consequence, the number of fulfilled Rome criteria for constipation decreased (2.7 to 1.7; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the rectosigmoid and total colonic transit time decreased (17.5 to 9.6 h and 79.2 to 58.4 h, respectively; p < 0.05). After PA the number of fulfilled Rome criteria also decreased in group A (2.6 to 1.7; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In middle-aged inactive subjects with symptoms of chronic constipation, it is advisable to promote regular physical activity since it improves both the defecation pattern and rectosigmoid or total colonic transit time.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2004

Investigation of the utility of colorectal function tests and Rome II criteria in dyssynergic defecation (Anismus).

Although 30-50% of constipated patients exhibit dyssynergia, an optimal method of diagnosis is unclear. Recently, consensus criteria have been proposed but their utility is unknown. To examine the diagnostic yield of colorectal tests, reproducibility of manometry and utility of Rome II criteria. A total of 100 patients with difficult defecation were prospectively evaluated with anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion, colonic transit and defecography. Fifty-three patients had repeat manometry. During attempted defecation, 30 showed normal and 70 one of three abnormal manometric patterns. Forty-six patients fulfilled Rome criteria and showed paradoxical anal contraction (type I) or impaired anal relaxation (type III) with adequate propulsion. However, 24 (34%) showed impaired propulsion (type II). Forty-five (64%) had slow transit, 42 (60%) impaired balloon expulsion and 26 (37%) abnormal defecography. Defecography provided no additional discriminant utility. Evidence of dyssynergia was reproducible in 51 of 53 patients. Symptoms alone could not differentiate dyssynergic subtypes or patients. Dyssynergic patients exhibited three patterns that were reproducible: paradoxical contraction, impaired propulsion and impaired relaxation. Although useful, Rome II criteria may be insufficient to identify or subclassify dyssynergic defecation. Symptoms together with abnormal manometry, abnormal balloon expulsion or colonic marker retention are necessary to optimally identify patients with difficult defecation.

Anal Canal↗

PubMed2005

Melatonin attenuates stress-induced defecation: lesson from a rat model of stress-induced gut dysfunction.

Melatonin is known to alleviate stress and modulate gut motility. We investigated the modulating effects of melatonin on stress-induced gut dysfunction. One hundred Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five equal groups, receiving intraperitoneal injections of 0, 1, 10, 100 or 1000 microg kg(-1) melatonin, respectively. Fifteen minutes later, each group was divided again into four subgroups receiving no treatment, 0.25 mg luzindole (a non-selective melatonin receptor antagonist) intraperitoneally, wrap-restraint stress, and 10 mg kg(-1) serotonin intraperitoneally, respectively. Two hours later, serum serotonin, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and melatonin levels, and faecal output were recorded. Results showed that intraperitoneal melatonin increased faecal output, but this effect was abolished by luzindole. In wrap-restraint group, prior intraperitoneal melatonin at doses of 100 or 1000 microg kg(-1) significantly inhibited stress-induced defecation. This effect was associated with corresponding reductions in serum serotonin and CRF concentrations. In serotonin-treated group, serotonin-induced defecation was also inhibited by melatonin. In conclusion, melatonin exhibited an excitatory effect on bowel output in rats placed under resting state, while attenuated defecation in those subjected to wrap-restraint stress or serotonin treatment. The inhibitory effects of melatonin on stress-induced defecation may stem from its antagonistic effect on stress-induced enhancement of serotonin and CRF secretion.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Obstructed defecation: current status of pathophysiology and management.

Obstructed defecation poses a challenging clinical problem and in many patients presenting with this syndrome the underlying pathophysiology cannot be determined. Up to now, attempts to diagnose and treat obstructed defecation (anismus) have focused on the function of the somatic pelvic floor musculature surrounding the anorectum, and concepts such as 'puborectalis paradox' and 'spastic pelvic floor' have gained widespread acceptance despite there being no objective data to support such concepts. New evidence showing that defecation is an integrated process of colonic and rectal emptying suggests that anismus may be much more complex than a simple disorder of the pelvic floor muscles. In a small number of patients obstructed defecation is caused by a more simple mechanism, such as internal sphincter hypertonia or a large rectocele, which is easily corrected surgically. Careful selection of patients for treatment, based on identifying the underlying pathophysiological disorder, is emphasized.

Anal Canal↗

PubMed1997

Current techniques of assessing defecation dynamics.

The pathophysiology of defecation disorders is multifactorial. An ideal test should identify the underlying cause(s) and provide guidelines for treatment. Unfortunately, there is no such single test. But several techniques are available that could provide comprehensive information regarding the changes in defecation dynamics. Among these, anorectal manometry offers the most useful test for clinicians. Manometry may provide objective evidence for impaired rectal sensation, poor rectoanal coordination, weak anal sphincters or changes that support a diagnosis of obstructive defecation. Other tests such as the balloon expulsion test may serve as screening tools for patients with constipation. In a patient with fecal incontinence, anal endosonography may localize the sphincter defect and aid surgical reconstruction. The pudendal nerve latency test may provide a pathophysiological basis for a weak anal sphincter. Imaging techniques such as defecography may provide useful information regarding rectal prolapse or levator ani dysfunction. Ideally, the clinician should utilize these tests either to confirm a clinical suspicion or to provide new information that could aid management. This review provides an update regarding the various tests that are available for assessing defecation and provides some practical guidelines for performing manometry.

Anal Canal↗

PubMed2004

Respiratory changes during defecation in patients with chronic respiratory failure.

Oxygen (O2) desaturation may occur in patients affected by respiratory diseases during daily activities, although most of these activities, e.g. walking, washing and cooking, can be avoided or eventually performed with an external aid. In this prospective study, the respiratory changes induced by the mandatory effort of defecation were assessed in patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency. Twenty-four consecutive patients with chronic respiratory failure due to obstructive or restrictive pulmonary disorders, showing a marked O2 desaturation during the 6-min walk test, were enrolled. Thirteen of them were already established on long-term O2 therapy (LTOT), while 11 were not. O2 saturation (Sa,O2), respiratory rate (RR), cardiac frequency (fC) and dyspnoea were measured at rest, and during and after defecation. Sa,O2 decreased significantly during defecation, while RR, fC and dyspnoea increased, both in the subgroup of patients without significant resting hypoxaemia and in the subgroup of patients receiving their usual resting flow of LTOT, as compared to resting values. In conclusion, the respiratory system of patients with chronic respiratory failure may be significantly strained by defecation.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1995

Effects of the adenosine A1-receptor antagonist on defecation, small intestinal propulsion and gastric emptying in rats.

We examined the effects of 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) and (R)-7,8-dihydro-8-ethyl-2-(3-noradamantyl)-4-propyl-1H-imidazo[2,1 -i]purin- 5(4H)-one (KF20274), selective adenosine A1-receptor antagonists, on the gastrointestinal propulsion in rats, as compared with those of the laxative bisacodyl. DPCPX and KF20274 (p.o.) dose-dependently increased the fecal pellet output, whereas these drugs at the dose that increased defecation did not affect small intestinal propulsion or gastric emptying. Bisacodyl increased defecation and slowed gastric emptying without any influence on small intestinal propulsion. Bisacodyl, but not DPCPX or KF20274, induced diarrhea at the dose inducing defecation. The present results suggest that the adenosine A1-receptor antagonist selectively enhances the lower gastrointestinal propulsion, resulting in defecation without diarrhea.

Adamantane↗

PubMed2001

Effects of brewer's yeast cell wall on constipation and defecation in experimentally constipated rats.

Brewer's yeast cell wall (BYC) was tested on constipated male Sprague-Dawley rats that had been induced by loperamide (2 mg/kg of body weight). The preventive effect of BYC on constipation was examined and compared with that of a non-fiber diet (NF) as the control. The dose-response of BYC and the effect on defecation by constipated experimental rats were also compared with the characteristics of cellulose diet (CE) group which served as a control. Defecation was observed to be greater by the rats fed with BYC than by those fed with NF or CE. The fecal water content and level of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the cecal contents were likewise higher in the rats fed with BYC. These results indicate that the administration of BYC was effective for improving defecation and other parameters related to defecation. These favorable effects of BYC supplemented to the diet are attributed to the fermentation ability, water holding capacity and swelling force in the large intestine.

Antidiarrheals↗

PubMed2003

Triatoma rubrovaria (Blanchard, 1843) (Hemiptera-Reduviidae-Triatominae) III: patterns of feeding, defecation and resistance to starvation.

Data from the Chagas Disease Control Program indicate a growing domiciliary and peridomiciliary invasion of Triatoma rubrovaria in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, where it has become the most frequent triatomine species captured there since the control of T. infestans. Bionomic characteristics that could influence the vectorial capacity of T. rubrovaria as vector of Trypanosoma cruzi were evaluated: patterns of (i) feeding, (ii) defecation, and (iii) resistance to starvation, using insects fed on mice. Fifty three percent of the females showed a defecation pattern conducive to chagasic transmission, defecating either on or near the bite site. The averages of the resistance to starvation varied from 48.1 to 179 days, for the first and fifth nymphal stages, respectively. Our study shows that with respect to the patterns of feeding, defecation and resistance to fasting, T. rubrovaria presented similar rates to the ones observed for other effective vector species, such as T. infestans. Thus, based on our studies we conclude that T. rubrovaria has biological characteristics that can positively influence its capacity to become infected and transmit T. cruzi, and also to keep residual populations after chemical control interventions.

Animals↗