Digestive diseases and sciences
-
Comparative Study
Effects of posture on gastric emptying, transpyloric flow, and hunger after a glucose drink in healthy humans.
Previous studies suggest that posture has relatively little effect on gastric emptying of high-nutrient liquids; these studies have, however, only assessed overall rates of gastric emptying, whereas gastric emptying is known to be predominantly a pulsatile phenomenon. In healthy subjects perceptions of appetite, such as hunger, are inversely related to antral area and content; hence, changes in intragastric meal distribution induced by posture may affect appetite. Gastric emptying is a major determinant of postprandial glycemia. ⋯ AA at t = 30 min (P < 0.005) was greater in the sitting position; there was an inverse relationship between hunger and AA at 30 min (r = -0.53, P < 0.05). We conclude that posture influences initial TF and intragastric distribution, but not the overall rate of GE of, or the glycemic response to, a large-volume nutrient liquid. The increases in AA and content in the sitting position are associated with a reduction in hunger.
-
Acupuncture has been used for treating functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Animal studies have demonstrated that acupuncture antagonized various stress-induced responses. We investigated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST-36 (Zusanli; lower limb) on stress-induced alteration of GI motor activities. ⋯ In conclusion, EA at ST-36 showed dual effects: stimulation of stress-induced delayed gastric emptying and inhibition of stress-induced acceleration of colonic transit. The stimulatory effect of EA on stress-induced delayed gastric emptying is mediated via cholinergic pathways. The inhibitory effect of EA on stress-induced acceleration of colonic transit is independent of the sympathetic pathway.
-
Comparative Study
Pathogenic role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS/NOS-III) in cerulein-induced rat acute pancreatitis.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent pancreatic vasodilator, yet the pathogenic role of NO in acute pancreatitis remains controversial. NO is generated from L-arginine by NO synthase (NOS), classified into three isozymes: neuronal (nNOS), inducible (iNOS), and endothelial NOS (eNOS). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of NO/NOS isozymes in the pathogenesis of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats. ⋯ The increases in the serum amylase level and pancreas weight, as well as the lipid peroxidation induced by cerulein, were significantly attenuated by the administration of BH4. L-NAME had no effect on pancreatic secretion induced by cerulein. These results suggest that the uncoupled eNOS, probably caused by the decrease in endogenous BH4 availability, plays a deleterious role in the pathogenesis of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis.