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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Rat Mesentery Angiogenesis Assay
Published on: June 18, 2011
Fat and mesenteric blood flow
T C Andersen1, J F Pedersen, T Nordentoft
1Dept of Surgery, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark.
Background:
The introduction of fat to the duodenum leads to an increase in mesenteric blood flow. The exact mechanism, however, is unknown. In this study we investigate the influence of the terminal carboxy group of the oleic acid molecule on superior mesenteric artery blood flow.
Methods:
In six healthy male volunteers duplex ultrasound was used to evaluate the effects of duodenal perfusion of 48 mmol oleic acid and 48 mmol oleyl alcohol on superior mesenteric artery blood flow variables and diameter.
Results:
The blood flow variables time-average velocity and maximal diastolic velocity increased significantly, and the resistance index decreased significantly during perfusion with oleic acid, but during oleyl alcohol perfusion no changes were found. No significant changes in vessel diameter were observed at any time.
Conclusion:
The carboxy group of the oleic acid molecule has an important role in the duodenum in mediating the postprandial increase in superior mesenteric artery blood flow.
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