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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)
Published on: December 1, 2010
Effect of emodin on small intestinal peristalsis of mice and relevant mechanism
Hong-Quan Zhang1, Cheng-Hua Zhou, Yu-Qing Wu
1Medical and Pharmacological Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu Province, China. lixin2001@sohu.com
Aim:
To investigate the effect of emodin on small intestinal peristalsis of mice and to explore its relevant mechanisms.
Methods:
The effect of emodin on small intestinal peristalsis of mice was observed by charcoal powder propelling test of small intestine. The contents of motilin and somatostatin in small intestine of mice were determined by radioimmunoassay. The electrical potential difference (PD) related to Na+ and glucose transport was measured across the wall of reverted intestinal sacs. Na+-K+-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa was measured by spectroscopic analysis.
Results:
Different dosages of emodin can improve small intestinal peristalsis of mice. Emodin increased the content of motilin, while reduced the content of somatostatin in small intestine of mice significantly. Emodin 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g/L decreased PD when there was glucose. However, emodin had little effect when glucose was free. The Na+-K+-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa of mice in emodin groups was inhibited obviously.
Conclusion:
Emodin can enhance the function of small intestinal peristalsis of mice by mechanisms of promoting secretion of motilin, lowering the content of somatostatin and inhibiting Na+-K+-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa.
Insights
Emodin enhances small intestinal peristalsis in mice by increasing motilin and decreasing somatostatin. It also inhibits Na+-K+-ATPase activity, impacting nutrient transport.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
Background:
- Small intestinal peristalsis is crucial for digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Motilin and somatostatin are key hormones regulating gastrointestinal motility.
- Emodin, a natural compound, has shown various biological activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of emodin on mouse small intestinal peristalsis.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of emodin's action on gastrointestinal motility.
Main Methods:
- Charcoal powder propulsion test to assess intestinal transit.
- Radioimmunoassay to quantify motilin and somatostatin levels.
- Measurement of electrical potential difference (PD) and Na+-K+-ATPase activity.
Main Results:
- Emodin significantly improved small intestinal peristalsis in a dose-dependent manner.
- Emodin increased motilin and decreased somatostatin concentrations.
- Emodin inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase activity and affected glucose-dependent PD.
Conclusions:
- Emodin enhances small intestinal peristalsis by modulating motilin and somatostatin.
- Inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase activity is a potential mechanism for emodin's effect.
- Emodin shows promise as a therapeutic agent for motility disorders.
