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Effect of ileocolonic transposition on gut morphology, gene expression, and function
Robert P Thomas1, Srinivasan Rajaraman, B Mark Evers
1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|February 20, 2003
Summary
Transposing the ileum to the colon position did not alter its structure or endocrine gene expression. The ileum maintained normal function and morphology in the new location.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Innovation
- Intestinal Adaptation
Background:
- Intestinal morphology and enzyme activity vary with nutrient content and gut position.
- Endocrine gene expression is generally resistant to positional changes in the intestine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of repositioning the ileum to the colonic environment on its morphology, gene expression, and enzyme activity.
- To determine if the ileum maintains normal function when transplanted into the colon.
Main Methods:
- Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent surgical transposition of an 8-cm distal ileum segment into the colonic position or a sham operation.
- Ileal tissues were analyzed 2 months post-operation for mucosal architecture, endocrine and apoptotic gene expression, and brush border enzyme activity.
Main Results:
- Ileal transposition to the colonic position did not alter mucosal architecture.
- No significant changes were observed in the expression of neurotensin, PYY, or apoptotic genes.
- A non-significant decrease in sucrase-isomaltase activity was noted in the transposed ileum.
Conclusions:
- The ileum can be successfully transposed into the colonic position.
- In the colonic location, the ileum maintains normal villus morphology and gene expression patterns.
- The ileum functions normally in the colonic position despite altered luminal contents and environment.