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Fat and mesenteric blood flow
T C Andersen1, J F Pedersen, T Nordentoft
1Dept of Surgery, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|October 16, 1999
Summary
The carboxy group of oleic acid is key to increasing mesenteric blood flow after eating fat. This study shows oleic acid, but not oleyl alcohol, significantly impacts superior mesenteric artery blood flow.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Dietary fat in the duodenum stimulates mesenteric blood flow.
- The precise mechanism behind this increase remains unclear.
- This study focuses on the role of oleic acid's terminal carboxy group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of oleic acid's terminal carboxy group on superior mesenteric artery blood flow.
- To elucidate the mechanism of postprandial mesenteric hyperemia.
Main Methods:
- Duplex ultrasound was employed in six healthy male volunteers.
- Superior mesenteric artery blood flow and diameter were assessed during duodenal perfusion.
- Oleic acid (48 mmol) and oleyl alcohol (48 mmol) were used as perfusates.
Main Results:
- Oleic acid perfusion significantly increased time-average velocity and maximal diastolic velocity.
- Oleic acid perfusion significantly decreased the resistance index.
- Oleyl alcohol perfusion did not alter blood flow variables or vessel diameter.
Conclusions:
- The terminal carboxy group of oleic acid plays a crucial role in mediating the postprandial increase in superior mesenteric artery blood flow.
- This finding highlights the specific molecular structure responsible for fat-induced hyperemia in the mesenteric vasculature.