Effects of cholera toxin on the potential difference and motor responses induced by distension in the rat proximal small intestine in vivo
Journal article, 2006

Cholera toxin (CT) may induce uncontrolled firing in recurrent networks of secretomotor neurons in the submucous plexus. This hypothesis was tested in chloralose-anesthetized rats in vivo. The secretory reflex response to graded intestinal distension was measured with or without prior exposure to luminal CT. The transmural potential difference (PD) was used as a marker for electrogenic chloride secretion. In controls, distension increased PD, and this response was reduced by the neural blocker tetrodotoxin given serosally and the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptor antagonist [4Cl-D-Phe(6),Leu(17)]VIP (2 mu g.min(-1).kg(-1) iv) but unaffected by the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist granisetron, by the nicotinic receptor antagonist hexamethonium, by the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine, or by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. Basal PD increased significantly with time in CT-exposed segments, an effect blocked by granisetron, by indomethacin, and by [4Cl-D-Phe(6),Leu(17)]VIP but not by hexamethonium or atropine. In contrast, once the increased basal PD produced by CT was established, [4Cl-DPhe(6),Leu(17)] VIP and indomethacin had no significant effect, whereas granisetron and hexamethonium markedly depressed basal PD. CT significantly reduced the increase in PD produced by distension, an effect reversed by granisetron, indomethacin, and atropine. CT also activated a specific motility response to distension, repeated cluster contractions, but only in animals pretreated with granisetron, indomethacin, or atropine. These data are compatible with the hypothesis that CT induces uncontrolled activity in submucous secretory networks. Development of this state depends on 5-HT3 receptors, VIP receptors, and prostaglandin synthesis, whereas its maintenance depends on 5-HT3 and nicotinic receptors but not VIP receptors. The motility effects of CT (probably reflecting myenteric activity) are partially suppressed via a mechanism involving 5-HT3 and muscarinic receptors and prostaglandin synthesis.

cystic-fibrosis

guinea-pig ileum

gastrointestinal-tract

fluid secretion

escherichia-coli enterotoxins

postsynaptic potentials

submucous plexus

myenteric plexus

transmembrane conductance regulator

distal colon

Author

Shirin Kordasti

University of Gothenburg

Maria Sapnara

University of Gothenburg

Evan A. Thomas

University of Melbourne

Erik Lindstrom

AstraZeneca AB

Mikael Forsman

Chalmers, Product and Production Development, Production Systems

Joel C. Bornstein

University of Melbourne

Henrik Sjövall

University of Gothenburg

American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology

0193-1857 (ISSN) 1522-1547 (eISSN)

Vol. 290 5 G948-G958

Subject Categories

Physiology

Gastroenterology and Hepatology

DOI

10.1152/ajpgi.00267.2005

PubMed

16357061

More information

Latest update

3/21/2018