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Meal-induced jejunal absorption requires intact neural pathways
G J Anthone1, B H Wang, M J Zinner
1Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.
American Journal of Surgery
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Intact intestinal neural pathways are crucial for normal basal jejunal absorption and meal-stimulated signals. However, a nonneural mechanism primarily transmits these absorptive signals to a Thiry-Vella fistula.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
- Neurogastroenterology
Background:
- Meal-induced absorption signals originate in the small intestine.
- The role of intestinal neural pathways in jejunal absorption requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the role of intestinal neural pathways in basal and postprandial jejunal water and electrolyte absorption.
- To investigate the transmission of absorptive signals using a Thiry-Vella fistula model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Thiry-Vella (TV) fistulae in dogs to isolate segments of the proximal jejunum.
- Administered intraluminal topical anesthesia (oxethazaine) to assess neural pathway involvement.
- Employed luminal perfusion with 14C-polyethylene glycol to measure water and electrolyte absorption.
Main Results:
- A jejunal meal significantly increased absorption in the TV fistula.
- Oxethazaine reduced basal absorption via the TV fistula and postprandial absorption via the jejunostomy.
- Anesthesia applied to the TV fistula did not reduce postprandial absorption magnitude.
Conclusions:
- Intact intestinal neurotransmission is essential for basal jejunal absorption and meal-stimulated proabsorptive signals.
- A nonneural mechanism plays a predominant role in transmitting absorptive signals to the TV fistula.
- Neural pathways are necessary for basal absorption, but not the primary conduit for meal-stimulated signals to the isolated segment.