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Colon mucosal cell damage by ammonia in rats
1Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801.
The Journal of Nutrition
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Ammonia in the colon damages the mucosa, increasing cell loss and proliferation. This study investigated the effects of ammonium and sodium with acetate or chloride on rat colons, finding significant damage from ammonia-containing solutions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- The colon mucosa is susceptible to damage from luminal contents.
- Ammonia is present in the colon under physiological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ammonium (NH4+) and sodium (Na+) cations, with acetate (CH3COO-) or chloride (Cl-) anions, on colon mucosa integrity.
- To determine the impact of ammonia concentrations on colon cell turnover.
Main Methods:
- In situ perfusion of male Sprague-Dawley rat colons with solutions simulating ileal fluid.
- Experimental groups received control solution, or solutions with ammonium acetate, ammonium chloride, or sodium acetate.
- Second experiment involved perfusion with varying concentrations and pH of ammonium acetate.
Main Results:
- Ammonium-containing solutions, but not sodium, caused significant histological damage, mucus loss, and increased losses of carbohydrate and DNA.
- Higher concentrations of ammonium acetate led to greater carbohydrate and DNA losses.
- Influent pH did not significantly alter the effects of ammonium acetate.
Conclusions:
- Ammonia concentrations found in the colon can shorten colon cell lifespan.
- Ammonia exposure enhances cell proliferation in the colon mucosa.
- These findings suggest a role for ammonia in colon mucosal dynamics.