Reference Values and Repeatability of Transabdominal Ultrasonographic Gastrointestinal Tract Thickness and Motility in Healthy Donkeys (Equus asinus)

The present study aimed to provide reference ranges for the wall thickness and motility pattern of the gastrointestinal tract from a sample of donkeys (Equus asinus) population using B-mode ultrasonography. In the present study, 30 clinically healthy donkeys (Equus asinus) (15 males and 15 females), aged 2–20 year old and weighed 100–280 kg were randomly selected for B-mode ultrasonographic scanning of the abdomen. The wall thickness of the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum was assessed. Moreover, the motility pattern of the duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum was evaluated over a period of 3 minutes. Abdominal ultrasonographic scanning of the gastrointestinal tract of healthy donkeys explored that the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum could be visualized easily. The wall thickness of the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum was 7.0 ± 0.9 mm, 3.3 ± 1.0 mm, 5.4 ± 0.6 mm, 5.1 ± 0.5 mm, 5.4 ± 0.5 mm, and 5.4 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. The thickest part of the gastrointestinal tract is the stomach, whereas the thinnest part is the duodenum. The motility pattern of the duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum was 7.7 ± 1.3 contractions/3 minutes, 6.9 ± 1.1 contractions/3 minutes, 4.1 ± 1.2 contractions/3 minutes, 5.5 ± 1.3 contractions/3 minutes, and 4.0 ± 0.8 contractions/3 minutes, respectively. Both the duodenum and jejunum contractions were significantly higher than that of the left colon, right colon, and cecum. This is the first study reporting the reference values for both the wall thickness and motility pattern of the gastrointestinal tract in healthy donkeys (Equus asinus) in Egypt. Good knowledge of these standard and reference values of the wall thickness and motility pattern of gastrointestinal tract structures represents a step in the early diagnosis of the gastrointestinal disorders, including colic in such animal species.     

Expression and localisation of calbindin D28k in all intestinal segments of the laying hen

1. The aim of the present study was to investigate expression and localisation of a 28-kDa calcium-binding protein (CaBP-D28k) related to active calcium (Ca) absorption, in the entire intestine of egg-laying hens. 2. Western blotting analysis showed that the entire intestine expressed CaBP-D28k to the following degree: duodenum > jejunum > caecum > ileum > colon. Immunohistochemistry showed strong CaBP-D28k localisation in enterocytes along the villus tip-crypt axis in the duodenum and in villus tips in the caecum and colon. The jejunum and ileum had moderate localisation with respect to the number of immunoreactive cells and staining intensity. 3. These results suggest that laying hens actively absorb Ca in both the large and small intestines.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the small intestine, large intestine and greater omentum in 30 Saanen goats

The small and large intestine of 30 healthy Saanen goats were examined ultrasonographically using a 5.0 MHz-linear transducer. The goats were examined on the right side, from the eighth rib to the caudal aspect of the flank. The small and large intestine could be easily differentiated. The descending duodenum could be imaged in 19 goats, and the jejunum and ileum seen in all goats. The jejunum and ileum were most often seen in cross-section and rarely in longitudinal section in the ventral region of the right flank. The intestinal contents were usually homogenously echoic, and active motility was observed in all the goats. The diameter of the small intestine was 0.8–2.7 cm (1.6 [0.33] cm). The spiral ansa of the colon was imaged in all the goats, and in 21 the caecum was also seen. Both these sections of large intestine were most commonly seen in the dorsal region of the right flank. The spiral ansa of the colon was easily identified by its spiral arrangement of centripetal and centrifugal gyri, which had a garland-like appearance. Because of intraluminal gas, only the wall of the colon closest to the transducer could be imaged. The diameter of the spiral colon ranged from 0.8 to 2.0 cm (1.1 [0.24] cm). Usually only the wall of the caecum closest to the transducer could be imaged and it appeared as a thick, echoic, slightly undulating line. The greater omentum could be seen in all the goats.     

The effect of motilin on the regulation mechanism of intestinal motility in conscious horses

Laparotomy was performed on seven thoroughbreds to attach a force transducer to the proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, and ileum, as well as to the serous membrane of the cecum. Following observation of intestinal motility in conscious horses, they were intravenously injected with motilin (0.6 microgram/kg) to examine its effect on intestinal motility. Strong contractions peculiar to horses were observed in small intestine. Further, motilin caused strong contractions in the proximal jejunum. The results suggested the involvement of motilin in the regulation mechanism of intestinal motility.     

Blood flow measurement to the duodenum,jejunum, ileum and caecum of conscious goats

Blood flow rates in ml/100 g tissue/minute to the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and caecum of conscious goats have been measured using radioactive microspheres (15±5 m diameter). The blood flow rates to these various sections of the intestine were significantly higher (P<0·001) under normal conditions than during epinephrine or norepinephrine infusions. Blood flow to the jejunum was also higher than that to the duodenum, ileum or caecum under normal conditions. The differences were found to be significant for duodenum and ileum (P<0·001), while non-significant for caecum (P>0·10).     

Metoclopramide Reversal of Decreased Gastrointestinal Myoelectric and Contractile Activity in a Model of Canine Postoperative Ileus

Postoperative ileus is characterized by decreased gastrointestinal myoelectric activity and motility. Metoclopramide was used to treat experimentally induced postoperative ileus in six dogs. Contractile activity was monitored by extraluminal strain gages on the pyloric antrum and proximal segment of the duodenum, and myoelectric activity was measured by recording bipolar electromyograms (EMGs) at the pyloric antrum, pyloric canal, proximal segment of the duodenum, proximal and distal parts of the jejunum, and ileum. Measurements were obtained from animals without ileus (baseline) and those with ileus that were either untreated or treated with metoclopramide. Adynamic ileus was induced by rubbing a 50 cm segment of jejunum with a dry sponge for 5 minutes and exposing the bowel to the air for 30 minutes. Treated dogs received metoclopramide (0.4 mg/kg 4 times daily [QID] intravenously [IV]), whereas untreated dogs received a saline placebo, starting 1 hour after celiotomy closure. Recordings were made for 26 hours after induction of ileus. The phases of the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) were identified and motility index values were determined. During ileus, the MMC phase II duration was increased at the duodenum and phase III duration was decreased at the antrum, pylorus, duodenum, and proximal segment of the jejunum (p less than 0.05). Motility index values were decreased at the antrum and duodenum during ileus (p less than 0.05). Treatment with metoclopramide reversed the MMC phase III inhibition at the antrum and pylorus, and partially reversed the inhibition at the duodenum and jejunum (p less than 0.05). Motility index values were restored to preoperative baseline values with metoclopramide treatment (p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of Buscopan compositum on the motility of the duodenum, cecum and left ventral colon in healthy conscious horses

Seven adult, healthy, conscious warmblood horses were used in a crossover study. They were fed twice a day on 1 kg hay/100 kg BW and 0.5 kg concentrates with unlimited access to water. One hour after feeding, the contractive motility of the descending duodenum, cecal body and left ventral colon were measured using a 5 MHz transcutaneus ultrasonographic transducer. Each horse was treated with 0.9% NaCl (5 ml/100 kg BW; i.v.), and with Buscopan compositum (BC) at its therapeutic dosage (25 mg/kg BW; metamizol-sodium, 0.2 mg/kg BW; N-butylscopolammonium bromide, i.v.) in a control and an experimental trial respectively. The contractive motility was counted in a 3-min period immediately and 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min after application in both trials. There was an immediate, rapid and significant (p < 0.05) reduction of duodenal, cecal and left ventral colon contractions after BC administration. Cecal and left ventral colon contractions rapidly restored their normal contractions after 30 min, while duodenal contractions returned to the normal rate after 120 min of BC administration. It was concluded that Buscopan compositum at its therapeutic dosage has an immediate, potent, short-lived reductive effect on cecum and left ventral colon contractions but a minor, longer effect on the duodenal contractions. Therefore, it is recommended for treatment of spasmodic colic as well as spasms resulting from acute simple impaction in horses but it is not recommended for repeated short-interval administration.     

羔羊小肠pH及主要消化酶发育规律的研究

对小尾寒羊羔羊小肠不同部位(十二指肠、空肠和回肠)pH及淀粉酶、胰蛋白酶、糜蛋白酶、脂肪酶和乳糖酶的活性进行了测定，结果表明：羔羊小肠不同部位内容物pH不同，回肠pH显著高于空肠，空肠和回肠pH显著高于十二指肠，羔羊1月龄后，小肠各段pH变化不大；小肠不同部位淀粉酶和胰蛋白酶、糜蛋白酶及脂肪酶活性不同，空肠段淀粉酶、胰蛋白酶、糜蛋白酶及脂肪酶活性高于十二指肠和回肠段，随着羔羊日龄的增长，小肠淀粉酶、胰蛋白酶、糜蛋白酶及脂肪酶活性增加，3月龄后各消化酶活性变化差异不显著(P＜O．05)；羔羊小肠不同部位乳糖酶活性不同，空肠乳糖酶活性显著高于十二指肠和回肠，随着羔羊日龄的增长，小肠乳糖酶活性逐渐降低。     

Penetration in vitro of newly excysted juvenile flukes of Japanese Fasciola sp. through ligated intestines of rabbits, mice, rats and chickens.

Ligated intestines of rabbits, mice, rats and chickens were used to examine the penetration of newly excysted juvenile flukes of Japanese Fasciola sp. in vitro. In rabbit intestines, the penetration rate was relatively high in the rectum and duodenum. Penetration rates in the jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon were comparable to those in the rectum and duodenum, although it was lower in the appendix. In the case of mouse, juvenile flukes penetrated the duodenum, jejunum, cecum, and rectum at considerably high rates. In rat intestine, penetration by flukes was less in the duodenum and rectum, although flukes were detected in the jejunum. In chicken intestine, flukes barely penetrated the duodenum, jejunum and rectum. Consequently, newly excysted flukes of Fasciola sp. seem to penetrate any region of the intestine in rabbits and mice. In rats, the middle small intestine may be the site suitable for flukes to penetrate. In chickens, the difficulty in penetration of the intestinal wall may be one of the reasons why chickens are scarcely infected with Fasciola sp.     

Actions of the novel gastrointestinal pro kinetic agent cisapride on equine bowel motility

The effect of cisapride was evaluated on the normal fasting bowel motility of four ponies with chronically implanted electromechanical transducers. Cisapride was infused over 60-min periods at 0.05 mg/kg (n = 4), 0.1 mg/kg (n = 5) and 0.25 mg/kg (n = 5). It produced marked and prolonged increases in electrical and mechanical activity at all sites examined. In the stomach there was increased total contraction activity with increased contraction amplitude and a slight reduction in rate. In the small intestine there was an increase in irregular (phase II) activity with an increase in number and amplitude of contractions and a decrease in the number of regular (phase III) activity fronts. There was a decrease in the number of phase III fronts that spread distally from the jejunum to the ileum. The phase II activity was coordinated temporally with prolonged activity in the stomach. Cisapride increased electrical and contractile activity in the left dorsal colon with increased contraction amplitude and an increase in electrical activity in the small colon. In the stomach and small intestine cisapride produced dose-dependent increases in activity but in the left dorsal and small colon the intermediate dose (0.1 mg/kg) produced the largest and most consistent responses. Side-effects observed were increased bowel sounds and frequency of defaecation, a slight increase in heart rate and transient signs of discomfort at the highest (0.25 mg/kg) dose rate.     

Effects of Cecropin and Synbiotics on the Intestinal Mucosal Morphology and Intestinal Mucosal Immune Cells of AA Broilers

In order to investigate the effects of cecropin and synbiotics on the intestinal mucosal morphology and intestinal mucosal immune cells of AA broilers. 480 of 1-day-old healthy AA broilers were chosen and randomly divided into 4 groups with 4 replicates per group and 30 broilers per replicate. The broilers in group Ⅰ(control group) were fed basal diet,while that in groups Ⅱ to Ⅳ were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.5% cecropin,0.3% synbiotics,0.5% cecropin+0.3% synbiotics,respectively. The trial lasted for 42 days. The result showed that compared with group Ⅰ,the villus height of duodenum and ileum in group Ⅳ were extremely significantly increased (P<0.01).The crypt depth of jejunum and ileum in group Ⅱ,and that of small intestine in group Ⅲ were significantly or extremely significantly decreased (P<0.05;P<0.01).The villus height/crypt depth of small intestine in groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ,and that of duodenum and ileum in group Ⅳ were significantly or extremely significantly increased (P<0.05;P<0.01).The villus width of jejunum in group Ⅱ was significantly decreased (P<0.05),while the villus width of duodenum and jejunum in group Ⅲ,that of jejunum and ileum in group Ⅳ were extremely significantly decreased (P<0.01).The mucous thickness of jejunum in groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ were significantly increased (P<0.05),while that of small intestine in group Ⅳ was extremely significantly increased (P<0.01).The number of the intraepithelial lymphocyte of ileum in group Ⅱ was significantly increased (P<0.05),and that of duodenum in group Ⅲ and small intestine in group Ⅳ were extremely significantly increased (P<0.01).The number of the goblet cell of duodenum in group Ⅲ,duodenum and ileum in group Ⅳ were extremely significantly increased (P<0.01).The mast cell of jejunum in group Ⅳ was significantly increased (P<0.05).In conclusion,both the cecropin and synbiotics could improve the small intestine mucosal structure and promote the small intestine mucosal immunocompetent cells proliferation in AA broiler, and the effect of combined utilization would be better.     

Morphology of the intestinal tract in the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)

The intestinal tract of the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simun) was dissected. We observed a simple structure for the small intestine, duodenum, jejunum and ileum, and a well-developed large intestine, cecum, colon and rectus. The cecum consisted of a small chamber, whereas the colon was much enlarged; notably larger than that of the domesticated horse, which belongs to the same order, Perissodactyla. This suggests that in the white rhinoceros the cecum may be functionally replaced by the well-developed colon which may act as the main fermentation tank in this animal.     

绵羊自然感染贝氏莫尼茨绦虫对小肠黏膜免疫相关细胞的数量变化

运用组织学和组织化学染色法,分别对自然感染贝氏莫尼茨绦虫的成年绵羊（感染组）与正常成年绵羊（对照组）的小肠各肠段的上皮内淋巴细胞、浆细胞、杯状细胞和嗜酸粒细胞的分布和数量变化进行了比较研究。结果显示：感染组小肠各段上皮内淋巴细胞、浆细胞、杯状细胞和嗜酸粒细胞数量均显著高于对照组,其中感染组十二指肠、空肠和回肠的上皮内淋巴细胞数量分别比对照组增加了169.11%、230.38%和233.42%（P〈0.01）;嗜酸粒细胞数量分别比对照组增加了116.78%、123.87%和164.51%（P〈0.01）;浆细胞数量分别比对照组增加了127.34%、72.97%和328.26%（P〈0.01）;杯状细胞数量分别比对照组增加了33.40%、41.42%和133.17%。对照组和感染组上皮内淋巴细胞和杯状细胞从十二指肠到回肠均逐渐减少,相反,对照组和感染组嗜酸粒细胞数量从十二指肠到回肠均逐渐增多,对照组小肠固有层浆细胞数量从十二指肠到空肠增加,空肠到回肠减少,感染组小肠固有层浆细胞数量从十二指肠到回肠均逐渐增多;对照组十二指肠、空肠、回肠的上皮内淋巴细胞、上皮内杯状细胞、浆细胞和嗜酸粒细胞均差异极显著（P〈0.01）;感染组十二指肠、空肠、回肠的上皮内杯状细胞、浆细胞和嗜酸粒细胞均差异极显著（P〈0.01）,感染组上皮内淋巴细胞空肠与回肠差异极显著（P〈0.01）,但十二指肠与空肠差异不显著（P〉0.05）。研究结果表明,贝氏莫尼茨绦虫感染成年绵羊后,成年绵羊通过特异性黏膜免疫细胞上皮内淋巴细胞增生加强细胞免疫水平,浆细胞增生加强体液免疫水平,同时还通过非特异性黏膜免疫细胞,嗜酸粒细胞和杯状细胞的增生进一步加强黏膜免疫水平以抵抗贝氏莫尼茨绦虫对绵羊的感染。可见绵羊可以通过黏膜免疫相关细胞增生加强局部免疫力以监视虫体免疫逃逸来抵抗寄生虫的感染。     

天蚕素和合生素对AA肉鸡小肠黏膜形态和小肠免疫细胞的影响

为研究日粮中添加天蚕素、合生素对AA肉鸡小肠黏膜形态及免疫细胞的影响,试验选用480只1日龄健康AA肉鸡,随机分为4组,每组4个重复,每个重复30只鸡。对照组（Ⅰ组）饲喂基础日粮,试验组（Ⅱ~Ⅳ组）分别在基础日粮中添加0.5%天蚕素、0.3%合生素、0.5%天蚕素+0.3%合生素。试验期42 d。结果显示,与Ⅰ组相比,Ⅳ组十二指肠、回肠绒毛高度极显著升高（P<0.01）;Ⅱ组空肠和回肠、Ⅲ组小肠各段隐窝深度显著或极显著降低（P<0.05;P<0.01）;Ⅱ、Ⅲ组小肠各段和Ⅳ组十二指肠、回肠绒毛高度/隐窝深度显著或极显著升高（P<0.05;P<0.01）;Ⅱ组空肠绒毛宽度显著降低（P<0.05）,Ⅲ组十二指肠和空肠、Ⅳ组空肠和回肠绒毛宽度均极显著降低（P<0.01）;Ⅱ、Ⅲ组空肠黏膜厚度显著升高（P<0.05）,Ⅳ组小肠各段黏膜厚度均极显著升高（P<0.01）。Ⅱ组回肠上皮内淋巴细胞数量显著升高（P<0.05）,Ⅲ组十二指肠、Ⅳ组小肠各段上皮内淋巴细胞数量极显著升高（P<0.01）;Ⅲ组十二指肠、Ⅳ组十二指肠和回肠杯状细胞数量极显著升高（P<0.01）;Ⅳ组空肠肥大细胞数量显著升高（P<0.05）。综上所述,天蚕素、合生素单独或联合添加均能改善AA肉鸡小肠黏膜结构,促进小肠黏膜免疫细胞增殖,联合添加效果最佳。     

Anatomy,Microbes, and Fiber: Small Versus Large Intestine

Nutrient absorption occurs from the intestinal surfaces. Strategy in nutrient recovery by the small intestine is opposite to that of the large intestine. The duodenum, jejunum, and ileum have a very expansive mucosa by virtue of villi from the wall and microvilli on enterocytes, whereas the cecal body dominates the large intestine with its mucosa providing minimal surface area exposure to the lumen. Refluxive motility and villi movement in the small intestine provide ready convective contact between lumen contents and the unstirred water layer at the villi surfaces while contractile elements move microvilli to enhance contact after transfer into this surface. Refluxive motility in the colon gently separates fine from coarse particulates of small intestinal indigesta using urine moved from the urodeum. Cecal entry is restricted to fluid and fines by narrow orifices and protruding villi. Microbes in the small intestine are suppressed and reflect a bird's environment, whereas rapid motility favors aerobes because of oxygen exchange with the wall. Microbes in the large intestine are highly concentrated with low oxygen levels that support anaerobes. Plant fiber that has high proportions of cellulose lends to coarse particulates after feed manufacturing, whereas fiber high in hemicellulose-pectin combinations disintegrate and may be partially soluble. Fiber generally acts as a dietary diluent with coarse particulates being more rapidly evacuated than soluble nonstarch polysaccharides or fines. Soluble nonstarch polysaccharides that increase viscosity of the small intestine's luminal contents adversely affect live performance because of impaired efficiency of convection, reduced rate of exchange with the mucosa, and an expanded microbial population. Both nonstarch soluble fiber and the fine particulates are readily fermented to volatile fatty acids in the ceca that contribute to metabolizable energy.     

Histochemistry of selected peptidases in small intestine mucosa in piglets experimentally infected with Isospora suis

In the small intestine mucosa of 24 gnotobiotical piglets experimentally infected the first day post partum with oocysts of the coccidium Isospora suis, the activities of dipeptidylpeptidase IV (EC.3.4.14.5.; DAP IV) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (EC.2.3.2.2.; GGT) in the microvillous zone of enterocytes were evaluated by scanning densitometry. The tissue of the small intestine in piglets infected with a dose of 100,000 oocysts of the coccidia of I. suis was examined in the period from the first till the eleventh day post infection (DPI). In the control piglets at the age of 2-5 days it was found that most of the DAP IV activity was located in the microvillous zone of the enterocytes of the middle jejunum, rear jejunum and ileum. The DAP IV activity of duodenum mucosa was lower; as compared with the activity in the mucosa of the jejunum and ileum it reached 53-57%. In the case of GGT activity, the highest density values of the reaction product were recorded in the microvillous zone of enterocytes of the duodenum and the whole jejunum, the lowest in the ileum mucosa (86-89%) of the activity found in the duodenum and jejunum). During the experimental infection the infected piglets had a significant deficit of both peptidases, especially DAP IV (the whole studied period). The development of GGT activity was slightly different with the onset of the marked decline of the enzyme activity only on the fifth DPI. The lower GGT activity persisted till the eighth DPI. The density of the GGT reaction product began to return to the normal on the ninth to eleventh DPI. No predisposition in the location of the deficit was observed in the peptidases studied during the infection. The decline of the activity of both enzymes influenced also the mucosa of all studied parts of the small intenstine. The difference lay in the relevance of lowering of the density of reaction product of DAP IV and GGT on other DPI and in the different intensities of the return of the activity to the physiological normal.     

Effects of Temperature Changes on the Contractility of Isolated Small Intestinal Smooth Muscle in Rabbits

In order to explore the influence of temperature changes on animal digestive tract smooth muscle,the contractility of isolated rabbit small intestine (duodenum,jejunum and ileum) were measured at different temperatures (39→32℃,32→39℃,39→42℃ and 42→39℃) using the biological signal processing system.The results showed that the contraction frequency of duodenum and jejunum was positively correlated with temperature changes between 39 and 32℃,while the amplitude and tension of duodenum were negatively correlated with temperature changes.Only the contraction frequency of ileum was positively correlated with temperature changes between 39 and 32℃.Changes of frequency,amplitude and tension of duodenum between 39 and 42℃ were similar with those changes between 39 and 32℃.However,the contraction of jejunum and ileum was irregular.When the temperature was decreased from 42 to 39℃,the contraction of small intestine could not return to the condition in 39℃.The results suggested that the optimal bath temperature was 37℃ in contraction test of rabbit small intestine in vitro,and the present results could be referenced to explore the disorder of gastrointestinal movement due to the change of environment temperature in animals.     

Theophylline and its metabolites produce a stimulating cholinergic effect on the small intestine and a nonadrenergic noncholinergic relaxing effect on the colon: a comparative study in the rabbit intestine

The present study examines comparatively the effects of theophylline and its metabolites, 1-methylxanthine (1-MX), 3-methylxanthine (3-MX), 1,3-dimethyluric acid (1,3-DMU) and 1-methyluric acid (1-MU) along the rabbit intestine, and explores the underlying mechanism(s). In the small intestine, theophylline produces atropine- and hexamethonium-sensitive increases in both the amplitude of phasic contractions and the basal tone. All metabolites mimic the theophylline's stimulating effect. In particular, concerning the phasic contractions, all metabolites are more potent than theophylline in the duodenum and jejunum, while in the ileum, only 1-MU is more potent. Regarding the basal tone, the metabolites show, in most cases, higher efficacy in all small intestinal regions, the maximum effects of 3-MX and 1-MU on the duodenum and ileum being double or triple the one of theophylline. In the ascending colon, while lower concentrations of theophylline produce an atropine- and hexamethonium-sensitive increase in the basal tone, higher ones produce a postsynaptic, nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) relaxing effect. 1-MU mimics, in a weaker manner, theophylline's effect, while the other metabolites produce only relaxation, the potency rank of order being 3-MX>1-MX=1,3-DMU>theophylline. It is suggested that the theophylline and its metabolites stimulatory effect involves a cholinergic pathway, while the relaxing one is due to 3('),5(')-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) elevation mediated by the theophylline and its metabolites inhibitory action on phosphodiesterases (PDEs).     

Gross Anatomy of the Intestine in the Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

We describe the macroscopic anatomy of the intestine of the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis). The small intestine was divided into duodenum, jejunum and ileum as usual. The caecum was attached to the ileum by a long ileocaecal fold, and to the proximal ansa of the ascending colon by a caecocolic fold. The ascending colon was the most developed portion of the gross intestine and had the most complex arrangement with three ansae: the proximal ansa, the spiral ansa and the distal ansa. The proximal ansa completely encircled the caecum, describing a 360° gyrus, and represented the widest portion of the intestine. The spiral ansa was formed by three and a half centripetal gyri, a central flexure and three centrifugal gyri. The last centrifugal gyrus left the spiral and described nine flexures of different form and direction over the left side of the mesentery. The two portions that formed each of these flexures ran parallel to each other. The last part of this gyrus ran parallel to the jejunum. When compared with domestic cattle, giraffe had a comparatively short small intestine and a comparatively long large intestine, with a resulting small ratio of small:large intestine. Reasons are presented why this should be considered a peculiarity of cattle‐like ruminants rather than a different representative of a browser–grazer dichotomy in general.     

温度变化对家兔离体小肠平滑肌运动的影响

为了探究温度变化对动物消化道平滑肌运动的影响,本试验用生物信号处理系统测定了浴槽不同温度（39→32℃、32→39℃、39→42℃和42→39℃）对家兔离体小肠各段（十二指肠、空肠、回肠）平滑肌运动的影响。结果显示,当温度在39和32℃之间变化时家兔离体十二指肠和空肠运动的收缩频率同温度变化呈正相关,而十二指肠收缩幅度和收缩张力同温度变化呈负相关,但回肠仅表现在收缩频率同温度变化呈正相关;当温度从39℃升高到42℃时,十二指肠的收缩频率、收缩幅度和收缩张力变化与温度在39和32℃之间变化情况相同,但是空肠和回肠的规律性较差;当温度从42℃高温降低到39℃时,3段离体小肠运动不能恢复到39℃时的运动状态,家兔小肠离体试验浴槽最适温度为37℃。本研究结果提示,在进行动物小肠离体试验时应注意浴槽温度对小肠运动的影响,同时本研究结果也为探究由于环境温度变化导致的动物胃肠运动异常的机理提供参考。