Effects of Bethanecol, Carbachol and Prostaglandin E2 on Fluid Transport across the Small Intestine of the Gerbil (Gerbillus cheesmani) PDF

Keywords

Bethanechol, carbachol, prostaglandin E2 effect, gerbil, Gerbillus chesmanic, ileum, fluid transport

Abstract

The effects of bethanechol and carbachol on fluid transport across the jejunum and ileum of fed and starved (four days) gerbils (Gerbillus cheesmani) were investigated. The effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on fluid transport across the jejunum and ileum of fed starved and undernourished (50% of control food intake for 21 days) were also investigated. Bethanechol and carbachol had no significant effects on fluid absorption in the fed jejunum but reserved fluid absorption into secretion in the starved jejunum. Similarly, in the ileum bethanechol and carbachol caused the basal absorptive tone measured in the fed ileum to be converted to secretion and increased significantly fluid secretion in the starved ileum. Moreover, in the ileum both bethanechol-induced fluid secretion as well as carbachol-induced fluid secretion was significantly higher in the starved ileum when compared to fed control. In the jejunum taken from fed, starved and undernourished gerbils, PGE2 reversed normal absorption into secretion and the amount of fluid secreted as a result of the presence of PGE2 in the starved and undernourished jejunum was significantly higher than in the fed jejunum. The basal fluid absorption in the fed ileum was converted to secretion in the presence of PGE2. Fluid secretion in the presence of PGE2 was significantly enhanced in the ileum taken from starved and undernourished gerbils. Thus, starvation sensitizes the jejunum and ileum to the effects of bethanechol and carbachol, while starvation and undernourishment sensitizes the two regions of the small intestine to the effects of PGE2.