Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 10, 2026

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)
08:15

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)

Published on: December 1, 2010

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide appears to be one of the mediators in misoprostol-enhanced small intestinal transit

F Y Chang1, M L Doong, T S Chen

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan. changfy@vghtpe.gov.tw

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
|December 6, 2000
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Misoprostol speeds up small intestinal transit (SIT) in rats by inhibiting the release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). This study reveals a novel mechanism for misoprostol

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Prostaglandin analogs, like misoprostol, are known to accelerate small intestinal transit (SIT).
  • The role of gut peptides, specifically vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), in mediating misoprostol's effect on SIT is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of misoprostol on small intestinal transit in rats.
  • To determine the involvement of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) release in misoprostol-induced changes in SIT.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were administered varying oral doses of misoprostol (1-100 microg/kg) and SIT was assessed using charcoal as a marker.
  • Intraperitoneal misoprostol administration was also performed, with SIT measured using radiochromium and an intraduodenal catheter.
  • Plasma VIP levels were quantified using radioimmunoassay.

Main Results:

  • Oral and intraperitoneal misoprostol administration significantly enhanced SIT at higher doses (50 and 100 microg/kg).
  • Concurrently, higher doses of misoprostol led to a significant decrease in plasma VIP levels.
  • A negative correlation was observed between enhanced SIT and diminished VIP levels.

Conclusions:

  • Misoprostol treatment in rats results in accelerated small intestinal transit.
  • Inhibition of VIP release is identified as a key mechanism underlying misoprostol's enhancement of SIT.

More Related Videos

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Motility and Gut Wall Inflammation in Rodents: Analyses in a Standardized Model of Intestinal Manipulation09:44

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Motility and Gut Wall Inflammation in Rodents: Analyses in a Standardized Model of Intestinal Manipulation

Published on: September 11, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Prostaglandin Analogs as Mucosal Protective Agents01:20

Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Prostaglandin Analogs as Mucosal Protective Agents

The gastric mucosa produces prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) and prostacyclin (PGI2), crucial in maintaining gastric health. They exert cytoprotective effects, including increasing bicarbonate secretion, releasing protective mucin, reducing gastric acid output, and preventing harmful vasoconstriction. These effects are mediated through various receptors, such as EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists01:23

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists

Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists01:28

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists

Prokinetic agents are specialized medications that stimulate gastrointestinal (GI) motility, promoting food movement through the GI tract. Dopamine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, plays a significant role in this process, reducing GI motility and indirectly controlling the speed of digestion. Dopamine receptor antagonists, such as metoclopramide and domperidone, offer a unique advantage as prokinetic agents. By blocking the dopamine receptors, these drugs increase GI motility, improving food...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents01:17

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents

Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Intestinal Phase of Digestion01:29

Intestinal Phase of Digestion

The intestinal phase of digestion is the third and final stage of the digestive process, occurring after the cephalic and gastric phases. It begins when chyme, a partially digested mixture of food and digestive enzymes, enters the small intestine from the stomach. This phase is crucial for nutrient absorption and involves complex hormonal and enzymatic interactions.
The arrival of the chyme in the small intestine distends the duodenum, which triggers the enterogastric reflex. This distension...