Influence of the dietary potassium content on transepithelial potassium transport in rat jejunum

In a recent study, we found that the distal rat jejunum is able to secrete K⁺ under in vitro conditions. The question therefore arises as to whether the small intestine might participate in K⁺ homeostasis. Consequently, this study examined the influence of the dietary K⁺ content on transepithelial K⁺ transport in rat jejunum. Rats were fed two diets differing in K⁺ content (control diet 4.0 g K⁺/kg, low K⁺ diet (LK) 0.27 g K⁺/kg). After a minimal feeding period of 7 days, distal jejunal sheets were mounted in Ussing chambers and unidirectional ⁸⁶Rb⁺ fluxes (as a marker for K⁺ transport) were measured under short‐circuit conditions. Jejunum obtained from rats fed the control diet showed a net K⁺ secretion of 200 nmol Rb⁺/h/cm². Unidirectional Rb⁺ fluxes were smaller in distal jejunum from rats fed the LK diet. In these tissues, glucose‐induced short‐circuit current and tissue conductance were also smaller than in controls. However, net Rb⁺ fluxes were not significantly different in small intestine from K⁺‐restricted rats compared with jejunum from control animals. Based on the observation that the dietary K⁺ content does not affect transepithelial net K⁺ transport, we conclude that transcellular K⁺ secretion by the small intestine is not involved in K⁺ homeostasis.     

Use of an isolated intestinal circuit to evaluate the effect of ischemia and reperfusion on mucosal permeability of the equine jejunum

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of an isolated perfusion circuit and the effect of ischemia-reperfusion on mucosal permeability of the jejunum. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro study of intestinal mucosal permeability. ANIMALS: Twelve healthy adult horses. METHODS: A control segment of jejunum was placed in an isolated perfusion circuit for 240 minutes and mucosal permeability was measured. After detecting no deleterious effects of the isolated system on the control intestine, low flow ischemia was created in experimental segments for 20, 40, 60 and 90 minutes followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion and mucosal permeability was evaluated. At the completion of the studies, histologic evaluation was used to determine mucosal grades, surface area, and volume. RESULTS: Control tissue was maintained in the isolated circuit for 240 minutes without effect on mucosal grade, surface area, or volume relative to intact tissue. After ischemia-reperfusion, mucosal grade increased, and volume and surface area decreased progressively with longer periods of ischemia. Mucosal clearance of albumin remained constant during 240 minutes of perfusion in control tissue and was elevated after ischemia-reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: No deleterious changes were noted in jejunum perfused with this isolated circuit, whereas alterations in mucosal permeability were present after ischemia-reperfusion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The isolated perfusion circuit successfully maintained an isolated segment of jejunum within physiologic limits, and can be used to evaluate the effects of injury and the efficacy of pharmaceuticals to attenuate these changes.     

Effect of addition of a probiotic micro‐organism to broiler diet on intestinal mucosal architecture and electrophysiological parameters

Probiotics might be one of the solutions to reduce the effects of the recent ban on antimicrobial growth promoters in feed. However, the mode of action of probiotics still not fully understood. Therefore, evaluating probiotics (microbial feed additives) is essential. Thus the objective of this work was to investigate the efficacy of a new microbial feed additive (Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus reuteri) in broiler nutrition. The body weight (BW), average daily weight gain was relatively increased by the dietary inclusion of Lactobacillus sp. in broiler diets. Furthermore, the Lactobacillus feed additive influenced the histomorphological measurements of small intestinal villi. The addition of Lactobacillus sp. increased (p < 0.05) the villus height (VH)/crypt depth ratio and the VH was numerically increased in duodenum. The duodenal crypt depth remained unaffected (p > 0.05), while the ileal crypt depth was decreased by dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus sp. compared with the control. At the end of the feeding period, the basal and glucose stimulated short‐circuit current (Isc) and electrical tissue conductivity were measured in the isolated gut mucosa to characterize the electrical properties of the gut. The addition of glucose on the mucosal side in Ussing chamber produced a significant increase (p = 0.001) in Isc in both jejunum and colon relative to the basal values in Lactobacillus probiotic group. This increase in Isc for probiotic group in jejunum is equivalent to an increase of about two times that for the basal values, while in the control group is about half fold that for the basal value. In addition, the ΔIsc after glucose addition to the large intestine was greater than the ΔIsc in the small intestine in both control and probiotic group. Moreover in both jejunum and colon, the increase in Isc for birds fed Lactobacillus was higher than their control counterparts (p ≤ 0.1). This result suggests that the addition of Lactobacillus sp. to broiler diets increased the glucose transport. Additionally, the results indicated that the conductivity of jejunal and colonic tissues remained unaffected by the dietary inclusion of Lactobacillus and support the concept that this additive enhances the maintenance and function of the epithelial barrier. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of a microbial feed additive (L. salivarius and L. reuteri) slightly increased the growth performance and improved intestinal nutrient absorption which was in association with the intestinal architecture improvement.     

Effect of Heat Stable and Heat Labile Escherichia coli Enterotoxins, Cholera Toxin and Theophylline on Unidirectional Sodium and Chloride Fluxes in the Proximal and Distal Jejunum of Weanling Swine

Acute, isolated loops of proximal and distal jejunum of weanling swine were exposed to either heat stable porcine Escherichia coli enterotoxin, heat labile porcine Escherichia coli enterotoxin, cholera toxin or theophylline. Unidirectional sodium fluxes in response to heat stable in the proximal jejunum were dependent on the length of time that the intestinal mucosae was exposed to the enterotoxin. Net water, sodium and chloride and unidirectional sodium and chloride flux measurements in the proximal jejunum in response to each agent uniformly indicated that net secretion of fluid and electrolytes was the result of increased unidirectional sodium secretion or blood-to-lumen flux and decreased unidirectional chloride absorption or lumen-to-blood flux. In addition heat stable cholera toxin and theophylline but not heat labile decreased unidirectional chloride secretion a small but significant amount in the proximal jejunum.

Sodium and chloride flux measurements in the distal jejunum demonstrated that all four secretory agents could stimulate net secretion of water, sodium and chloride in that region. The response to these secretory agents as measured by sodium and chloride unidirectional flux rates was not similar to changes observed in the proximal jejunum. In the distal small intestine, whereas heat labile cholera toxin and theophylline induced similar qualitative changes in unidirectional sodium and chloride fluxes, that induced by heat stable differed.

     

Use of an extracorporeal circuit to evaluate effects of intraluminal distention and decompression on the equine jejunum

OBJECTIVE: To use an extracorporeal circuit to evaluate effects of intraluminal distention on the jejunum of healthy horses. SAMPLE POPULATION: 2 jejunal segments from each of 5 horses. PROCEDURE: Jejunal segments were harvested and maintained in an extracorporeal circuit. One segment was subjected to distention (intraluminal pressure, 25 cm H2O) followed by decompression, and 1 segment was maintained without distention. The influence of distention-decompression on vascular resistance was calculated. Mucosal permeability was evaluated by measuring the clearance of albumin from blood to lumen. After distention and decompression, tissue specimens were collected for histomorphologic evaluation. In addition, the contractile response of the circular smooth muscle layer was determined following incubation with 3 prokinetic agents. RESULTS: Intestinal vascular resistance increased during intraluminal distention and returned to baseline values after decompression. Albumin clearance rate increased after distention, compared with baseline and control values. Histologic examination of the distended segments revealed grade-1 and -2 lesions of the mucosal villus. Edema and hemorrhage were evident in the submucosa and muscular layers. Mesothelial cell loss, edema, and hemorrhage were also evident in the serosa. Mucosal surface area and villus tip height decreased and submucosal volume increased in the distended tissue. Compared with responses in control specimens, distention decreased the contractile response induced by cisapride, erythromycin, and metoclopramide. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intraluminal distention of the jejunum followed by decompression increased mucosal permeability and injury and decreased responses to prokinetic agents. Horses with intraluminal intestinal distention may have a decreased response to prokinetic agents.     

Effects of intraluminal glucose on intestinal secretion induced by heat stable and heat labile Escherichia coli enterotoxin, cholera toxin and theophylline.

Glucose, l-alanine, l-aspartate, l-methionine and glycine enhanced net fluid and electrolyte absorption in acute isolated loops of the proximal jejunum of weanling swine. The effect of glucose on intestinal secretion induced by heat stable and heat labile Escherichia coli entero-toxin, cholera toxin and theophylline was examined in both the proximal and distal jejunum of weanling swine. In the proximal jejunum glucose enhanced the rate of net fluid and electrolyte absorption. This increase was accompanied by an increase in unidirectional dosium absorption. In loops exposed to either heat stable or heat labile enterotoxins, glucose significantly decreased the rate of net fluid and electrolyte secretion. The magnitude of glucose enhancement in loops exposed to heat stable and heat labile enterotoxins was similar to adjacent control loops. However, glucose enhancement did not occur in loops exposed previously to cholera toxin or concurrently to theophylline. Therefore, cholera toxin and theophylline may inhibit substrate dependent sodium absorption in the proximal jejunum. In the distal jejunum glucose enhancement did occur but the rate of enhancement was less than in the proximal jejunum. In this region glucose enhancement was not evident in loops exposed to either theophylline, heat stable, heat labile or cholera toxin.     

Effect of weaning on small intestinal structure and function in the piglet.

Fifty-four piglets were selected from 12 litters weaned at 17 (Treatment 1), 21 (Treatment 2), 28 (Treatment 3) and 35 (Treatment 4) days old, respectively, to determine the effect of weaning age on small intestinal villus morphology, immunology and histochemistry. From proximal duodenum, proximal jejunum, distal jejunum and middle ileum, intestinal samples with three replicates (piglets) in each treatment were taken at 18, 22, 28 and 36; 22, 28, 36 and 43; 28, 36, 43, and 50; and 18, 22, 28, 36, 43 and 50 d of age in Treatment 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. This was equivalent to 12 h, 3 d, 1 week, 2 week postweaning in Treatment 1; 12 h, 1 week, 2 week, 3 week postweaning in Treatment 2 and 3, and all the same age in Treatment 4 as in Treatment 1, 2, 3, respectively. The results showed that villous height of duodenum and proximal jejunum decreased significantly in Treatment 1 and 3. Crypt depth in the duodenum, proximal jejunum and ileum also decreased significantly in Treatment 1. Date had significant effect on villous height of the duodenum, distal jejunum and ileum with the shortest on day 29 and crypt depth of all positions increased with piglet age except the crypt depth in proximal jejunum decreased on day 50. Weaning age and day of age had significant effects on intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) number and goblet cell (GC) number at all positions of small intestinal mucosa in piglets. The number of IEL at all segments of small intestinal mucosa in Treatment 3 increased significantly compared to those in other treatments, but IEL number at all locations of small intestinal mucosa in Treatment 2 decreased significantly compared to those in other treatments. The number of GC in small intestinal mucosa increased significantly in early-weaned (< day 21) piglets. It appears that providing fluid milk replacer for a few days postweaning could dramatically reduce the negative impact of weaning on villous morphology and digestive and absorptive function, especially in pigs weaned prior to 3 week of age. Finally, as weaning age was reduced, GC had a greater role in intestinal duct protection.     

糖度质激素对肉仔鸡空肠刷状缘膜囊葡萄糖吸收的影响

糖皮质激素是一种重要的应激激素.本试验利用刷装缘膜囊体外培养法和同位素示踪法研究了长期注射不同剂量糖皮质激素药物--地塞米松对肉仔鸡空肠黏膜葡萄糖吸收的影响,以探讨应激状态下肉仔鸡空肠对葡萄糖的吸收及其调控机制.24只体重相近的21日龄肉仔鸡随机分为4组,其中3个试验组分别连续7 d经皮下注射地塞米松生理盐水稀释液,剂量为0.1、1、5 mg/kg体重,对照组则注射等量的生理盐水.试验结束时取试鸡空肠制备刷状缘膜囊,在含有[3H]-葡萄糖的孵育液中孵育,以测定空肠对[3H]-葡萄糖的吸收.结果表明,地塞米松可显著抑制肉仔鸡空肠刷状缘膜囊对葡萄糖的吸收,并呈现明显的剂量依赖效应.另外,地塞米松处理也表现出显著的生长抑制和升血糖效应.     

Influence of deoxynivalenol on the D-glucose transport across the isolated epithelium of different intestinal segments of laying hens

Deoxynivalenol (DON) decreases glucose absorption in the proximal jejunum of laying hens in vitro and this effect is apparently mediated by the inhibition of the sodium D-glucose co-transporter. DON could modulate the sugar transport of other intestinal regions of chickens. For this purpose, we have measured the effects of DON on the Na(+) D-glucose co-transporter, by addition of DON after and before a glucose addition in the isolated epithelium from chicken duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon by using the Ussing chamber technique in the voltage clamp technique. The data showed in all segments of the gut that the addition of D-glucose on the mucosal side produced an increase in the current (Isc) compared with the basal values, the Isc after glucose addition to the small intestine was greater than the Isc of the large intestine compared with the basal values, specially of the jejunum (p < 0.002), indicating that the jejunum is the segment that is the best prepared for Na(+)-D-glucose co-transport. Further addition of 10 microg DON/ml to the mucosal solution decreased the Isc in all segments and the Isc returned to the basal value, especially in the duodenum and mid jejunum (p < 0.05). In contrast, the addition of 5 mmol D-glucose/l on the mucosal side after incubation of the tissues with DON in all segments had no effect on the Isc (p > 0.05), suggesting that DON previously inhibited the Na(+)D-glucose co-transport. The blocking effects of DON in duodenum and jejunum were greater than the other regions of the gut. It can be concluded that the small intestine of laying hens has the most relevant role in the carrier mediated glucose transport and the large intestine, having non-significant capacity to transport sugars, appears to offer a minor contribution to glucose transport because the surface area is small. The effect of D-glucose on the Isc was reversed by DON in all segments, especially in the duodenum and jejunum, suggesting that DON entirely inhibited Na(+)-D-glucose co-transport. This finding indicates that the inhibition of Na(+) co-transport system in all segments could be an important mode of action for DON toxicity of hens.     

Morphometric study of the layers of the canine small intestine at five sampling sites

The histology of the canine intestine has not been accurately defined. To establish the precise thickness of its different layers, whole wall samples of the small intestine were removed from 41 cadavers at five standardised sampling sites (duodenum, proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, proximal ileum and distal ileum). The total thickness was estimated by morphometry, as was the thickness of the mucosa, muscularis mucosae, submucosa and muscularis externa. In addition, the size of the lymphoid aggregates in the submucosa and the thickness of the circular and longitudinal layers within both the muscularis mucosae and the muscularis externa were estimated. The total intestinal thickness depended very much upon the thickness of the mucosa and submucosa. The mucosa decreased progressively from proximal to distal parts of the small intestine (47% reduction). The thickness of the submucosa, however, changed little from the duodenum to the distal jejunum, but increased significantly in the ileum; this change was positively correlated with the amount of lymphoid tissue. Sex influenced the thickness of the intestinal wall, with males displaying higher thickness values along the small intestine. Conversely, no correlation between bodyweight and intestinal thickness was found for any of the five sampling sites. This study gives absolute and relative values for the thickness of the layers of the dog intestine which might help in the diagnosis of small intestinal pathology from postmortem samples and/or endoscopic biopsies.     

Chicken egg antibodies for prophylaxis and therapy of infectious intestinal diseases. III. In vivo tenacity test in piglets with artificial jejunal fistula

Large quantities of specific egg antibodies can be produced with little effort by immunization of laying hens. Several antibody containing egg preparations were subjected to a tenacity test against digestive activity taking piglets with artificial jejunum fistulas as a model. Even with high doses of orally administered yolk lyophilisate no antibody activity could be found in the distal jejunum. The additional feeding of egg white, however, showed a significant protective effect on the yolks antibodies during the digestive act. No difference between egg white of immunized hens and egg white of unimmunized hens could be detected. Buffering the acidic gastric environment with sodium bicarbonate increased the antibody activity in the intestine by an average of 40%. Eggs administered in hot (70 degrees C) beef stock had higher antibody titers than eggs that were boiled for 4 minutes. Tenacity in antibodies fed in pellets was significantly lower than in powdered feed.     

Enterovirus Neutralizing Activity in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Piglets

Neutralizing activity against porcine enterovirus strain T80 was demonstrated in the contents of the stomach, duodenum or ileum of four piglets which were suckling dams whose milk contained neutralizing substances against the same virus. No neutralizing activity was detected in the gastrointestinal contents of an unsuckled piglet or in four weaned piglets. Extracts of intestinal tissue from each of the above piglets failed to neutralize the virus. Four weaned piglets were dosed orally with live T80 virus. From nine days after infection virus neutralizing activity was found in extracts of tissue prepared from the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon but not in the contents of the gastrointestinal tract and a serological response to the virus was demonstrated. No virus neutralizing activity was detected in gastrointestinal tissue or contents from four weaned piglets inoculated parenterally with live T80 virus or in four piglets dosed orally with inactivated T80 virus and these piglets did not respond serologically to the virus.     

Effects of B-trichothecenes on luminal glucose transport across the isolated jejunal epithelium of broiler chickens

Trichothecenes are closely-related sesquiterpenoids (ring structure) with a 12, 13 epoxy ring and a variable number of hydroxyl, acetyl or other substituents. In chickens, D-glucose and amino acid absorption occurs via carrier-mediated transport. Recently, it has been observed that deoxynivalenol (DON) alters the gut function and impairs glucose and amino acid transport in chickens. The purpose of this work was to determine the effects of different B-trichothecenes [DON, Nivalenol (NIV), 15-Ac-DON and Fusarenon X (FUS X)] on intestinal carrier-mediated sodium co-transport of D-glucose in the small intestine of broiler chickens. Intestinal transport was determined by changes in the short-circuit current (Isc), proportional to ion transmembrane flux, in the middle segment of the jejunum of broilers with the Ussing chamber technique. D-glucose produced an increase of the Isc, and this effect was reverted by different B-trichothecene mycotoxins, indicating that the glucose induced Isc was altered by B-trichothecenes. The addition of glucose after pre-incubation of the tissues with B-trichothecenes had no effect (p > 0.05) on the Isc, suggesting that B-trichothecenes afflicted the Na(+)-D-glucose co-transport. However, FUX had no obvious effect on the measured parameters. It could be concluded from the present study that the glucose co-transporter activity appears to be more sensitive to DON, NIV and 15-Ac-DON suppression than by FUS X in the jejunum of broilers.     

In vitro anion transport alterations and apoptosis induced by phenylbutazone in the right dorsal colon of ponies

OBJECTIVES: To study the functional and structural responses of the right dorsal colon (RDC) of ponies to phenylbutazone (PBZ) in vitro at a concentration that could be achieved in vivo. ANIMALS: 8 adult ponies. PROCEDURE: Short circuit current and conductance were measured in mucosa from the RDC. Tissues incubated with and without HCO3- were exposed to PBZ, bumetanide, or indomethacin. Bidirectional Cl- fluxes were determined. After a baseline flux period, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was added to the serosal surfaces and a second flux period followed. Light and transmission electron microscopy were performed. RESULTS: Baseline short circuit current was diminished significantly by PBZ and indomethacin, and increased significantly after addictions of PGE2. After PGE2 was added, Cl- secretion increased significantly in tissues in HCO3- -free solutions and solutions with anti-inflammatory drugs, compared with corresponding baseline measurements and with control tissues exposed to PGE2. Bumetanide did not affect baseline short circuit current and Cl- fluxes. The predominant histologic change was apoptosis of surface epithelial cells treated with PBZ and to a lesser extent in those treated with indomethacin. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prostaglandin-induced Cl- secretion appeared to involve a transporter that might also secrete HCO3-. Both PBZ and indomethacin altered ion transport in RDC and caused apoptosis; PBZ can damage mucosa through a mechanism that could be important in vivo. The clinically harmful effect of PBZ on equine RDC in vivo could be mediated through its effects on Cl- and HCO3- secretion.     

肉鸡肠道NHE2 mRNA表达的组织特异性与发育性变化

选用遗传背景相同的1日龄父母代雄性Arbor Acre（AA）肉雏鸡120羽,随机分为4个重复,采用相对定量RT-PCR方法,以30日龄AA肉鸡肠道RNA为模板,研究肉鸡肠道钠/氢交换载体2（Sodium hydrogen exchanger 2,NHE2）mRNA表达的组织特异性;以AA肉鸡十二指肠和空肠RNA为模板,研究肉鸡肠道NHE2mRNA表达的发育性变化。结果显示：①AA肉鸡十二指肠和空肠NHE2 mRNA的表达丰度显著高于回肠和结直肠（P〈0.05）,而十二指肠和空肠之间、回肠和结直肠之间无显著差异（P〉0.05）;②AA肉鸡NHE2 mRNA在十二指肠及空肠中的表达具有相同的发育模式,2～16日龄升高,30～44日龄下降,55日龄略微回升;在16和30日龄时的表达丰度显著高于2、44和58日龄（P〈0.05）。以上结果说明：AA肉鸡肠道近端NHE2 mRNA的表达丰度显著高于远端（P〈0.05）。AA肉鸡十二指肠及空肠NHE2 mRNA的表达具有相同的发育模式,表明NHE2mRNA表达受到发育阶段的调控,且在十二指肠和空肠间具有稳定性。     

仔猪小肠对二肽吸收特点的研究

本试验采用体外外翻肠囊的方法研究了等摩尔浓度的Ｌ 甘氨酸 Ｌ赖氨酸组成的二肽（Ｇｌｙ－Ｌｙｓ）和游离甘氨酸和赖氨酸混合物（Ｇｌｙ＋Ｌｙｓ）在仔猪小肠各段的吸收特点。将仔猪小肠划分为空肠前段、中段、后段和回肠段,分别在各段设置了两个不同的培养液处理组,分别是浓度为２０ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ的Ｇｌｙ－Ｌｙｓ和Ｇｌｙ＋Ｌｙｓ混合物培养液组。每个处理３个重复（回肠段无重复）,每个重复为一个外翻肠囊,将每个外翻肠囊置１０ｍｌ培养液中培养１５分钟。旨在比较：体外培养１５分钟后,同一浓度下的Ｇｌｙ－Ｌｙｓ和Ｇｌｙ＋Ｌｙｓ在外翻肠囊各部位的吸收差别,从而确定Ｇｌｙ－Ｌｙｓ在仔猪各肠段的吸收特点。结果表明,同等摩尔浓度下,Ｇｌｙ－Ｌｙｓ组中的赖氨酸和甘氨酸在仔猪空肠中段肠组织的累积量显著大于Ｇｌｙ＋Ｌｙｓ组;从肠囊在１５分钟培养后总的氨基酸摄入量上看,Ｇｌｙ－Ｌｙｓ组的赖氨酸和甘氨酸在空肠中段高于Ｇｌｙ＋Ｌｙｓ组,且二者在赖氨酸上的差异显著。这说明,二肽中甘氨酸和赖氨酸至少在空肠中段的运输系统有别于游离态的甘氨酸和赖氨酸,且对二肽的运输显得比对游离氨基酸的运载更有效。     

Effect of dietary phytic acid on performance and nutrient uptake in the small intestine of piglets

An experiment was conducted with piglets to determine the effect of dietary phytic acid supplementation on performance, electrophysiological properties of jejunum mounted in Ussing chambers, sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1) protein expression in jejunum, and plasma glucose and Na concentrations. Sixteen piglets with an average initial BW of 7.40 ± 0.36 kg were randomly assigned to 2 experimental diets with 8 piglets per diet. The diets were casein-cornstarch-based and were either unsupplemented or supplemented with 2% phytic acid (as Na phytate). The basal diet was formulated to meet the recommendation of NRC (1998) for energy, AA, minerals, and vitamins for piglets. The experiment lasted for 21 d, and at the end, BW gain and feed consumption were determined, and blood samples were collected for determination of plasma glucose and Na concentrations. The piglets were then euthanized to determine jejunal electrophysiological properties (transmural potential difference and short-circuit current) and SGLT1 protein expression. Phytic acid supplementation reduced ADG (P = 0.002), ADFI (P = 0.017), and G:F (P = 0.001) from 316.1 to 198.2 g, 437.4 to 360.3 g, and 0.721 to 0.539 g/g, respectively. Phytic acid supplementation also tended to reduce (P = 0.088) potential difference (-3.80 vs. -2.23 mV) and reduced (P = 0.023) short-circuit current from 8.07 to 0.1 μA/cm(2). However, phytic acid supplementation did not affect SGLT1 protein, and blood plasma glucose and Na concentrations. In conclusion, dietary phytic acid reduced growth performance and transmural short-circuit current in the jejunum of piglets. The reduced transmural short-circuit current in the jejunum by phytic acid implies reduced active Na transport in the jejunum by the phytic acid. Therefore, it seems that dietary phytic acid reduces growth performance of pigs partly through reduced capacity of the small intestine to absorb Na.     

Effect of a leukocyte-depleting filter in an extracorporeal circuit used for low-flow ischemia and reperfusion of equine jejunum

OBJECTIVE: To determine effect of leukocyte depletion on hematologic, morphologic, and metabolic variables of equine jejunum after induction of arterial low-flow ischemia and reperfusion by use of an extracorporeal circuit. ANIMALS: 14 healthy adult horses. PROCEDURE: A segment of jejunum was surgically removed and maintained in an isolated circuit for 3 hours (control group), arterial flow was reduced to 20% of baseline for 40 minutes followed by 1 hour of reperfusion (low-flow group), or leukocyte depletion was filter-induced, and low-flow ischemia and reperfusion were conducted as in the low-flow control group (filter-treated group). Various metabolic, hemodynamic, and histomorphologic variables were evaluated, including effects of electrical field stimulation and L-N-nitro-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME) on contractile activity. RESULTS: The extracorporeal circuit appeared to maintain the jejunum within physiologic limits for an extended period. Low-flow ischemia with reperfusion induced significant differences in various measurements, compared with control specimens. Significant differences were not detected between the low-flow and filter-treated groups. Myeloperoxidase activity was greater in the low-flow group than the control group, whereas a difference was not detected between control and filter-treated groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The extracorporeal circuit maintained intestine for 3 hours in a physiologic state and may be used for simulation of tissue injury. Leukocyte depletion generally did not attenuate the effects of low-flow ischemia and reperfusion on equine small intestine.     

Impedance monitoring of equine intestinal motility

Myoelectrical and myomechanical activities of the distal portion of the jejunum and pelvic flexure were studied in 7 ponies, using permanently implanted monopolar and bipolar stainless steel electrodes. Dental acrylic embedded recording electrodes were surgically sutured to the serosal surface of the distal portion of the jejunum and pelvic flexure. Myoelectrically, regular spike bursts and irregular spike bursts were observed in the jejunum. Short spike bursts and long spike bursts were recorded and associated with spike potentials, using impedance recording techniques. Electrical and mechanical data could be monitored simultaneously from the same recording electrode, using separate channels on a physiograph. This method proved effective to monitor periodically myomechanical activity at the same time that myoelectrical activity was being evaluated. The recording system required fewer recording devices to be attached to the intestinal tract, was an inexpensive method of obtaining myomechanical recordings, and did not alter markedly the myoelectrical activity when mechanical activity was being monitored.