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The effect of capsaicin on gallbladder fluid absorption
S Fitzgerald1, Y G Deshpande, H Q Nguyen
1Department of Surgery, St. Louis University Medical Center, MO 63110-0250.
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|October 1, 1991
Summary
The gallbladder
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurogastroenterology
- Physiology
Background:
- The enteric nervous system (ENS) regulates gallbladder function.
- Neural gallbladder responses are thought to involve peptides and prostanoids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the gallbladder's enteric nervous system in mucosal water absorption.
- To determine the involvement of prostanoids in capsaicin-induced gallbladder responses.
Main Methods:
- Gallbladder perfusion in anesthetized cats using a buffer with 14C polyethylene glycol as a tracer.
- Intraluminal administration of capsaicin (a nerve stimulant) and/or intravenous indomethacin (a prostaglandin inhibitor).
- Measurement of gallbladder absorption, prostaglandin concentrations, and myeloperoxidase for inflammation.
Main Results:
- Gallbladder absorption increased significantly with capsaicin administration (0.6 to 1.6 ml/hr).
- Indomethacin alone decreased gallbladder absorption.
- Capsaicin-induced absorption increase was significantly inhibited by indomethacin.
Conclusions:
- The enteric nervous system, stimulated by capsaicin, enhances gallbladder mucosal water absorption.
- Prostanoids play a crucial role in mediating capsaicin-induced gallbladder water absorption.