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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
08:20
Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: July 12, 2018
Colon in acute intestinal infection
Alfredo Guarino1, Vittoria Buccigrossi, Carla Armellino
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Naples "Federico II," Naples, Italy. alfguari@unina.it
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|March 21, 2009
Summary
This study shows that zinc and racecadotril effectively treat infectious diarrhea by targeting the colon. These drugs reduce fluid loss and inhibit rotavirus, offering new therapeutic options for children.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The colon plays a key role in intestinal infections and is a target for therapeutic interventions.
- The colon exhibits homeostatic mechanisms to increase ion absorption during diarrhea, which can be leveraged for treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of zinc and racecadotril as antidiarrheal agents using a rotavirus-induced diarrhea model in colonic cells.
- To investigate the mechanisms of action of zinc and racecadotril in treating secretory and osmotic diarrhea.
Main Methods:
- Development of a dual model of sequential secretory and osmotic diarrhea using rotavirus (RV) in colonic cells.
- Testing of antidiarrheal drugs, specifically zinc and racecadotril (an enkephalinase inhibitor).
Main Results:
- Zinc reduced enterotoxic activity, inhibited RV's cytotoxic effects, and demonstrated antiviral activity possibly via MAPK activation.
- Racecadotril potently inhibited active secretion, proving effective in the initial phase of RV-induced diarrhea.
- Both agents showed promise in targeting colonic mechanisms for diarrhea treatment.
Conclusions:
- Colonic-targeted therapies, including zinc and racecadotril, offer effective treatment options for childhood infectious diarrhea.
- The findings support the use of pharmacologic interventions acting at the colonic level and highlight the potential of probiotic therapy targeting colonic microflora.
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