Reduced mucosal prostaglandin synthesis after massive small bowel resection

Exogenous 16,16-di-methyl-prostaglandin (PG) E2 administration augments mucosal hyperplasia after massive small bowel resection in the rat. We, therefore, evaluated the ability of aspirin to inhibit mucosal PG synthesis in the small intestine and further evaluated the effects of reduced PG synthesis on mucosal adaptation after a 70% jejunoileal resection in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Sixteen of 27 resected and 8 of 16 sham-operated rats were given aspirin 20 mg/kg body wt subcutaneously every 8 h for 12 days; the remainder were given vehicle only. Although mucosal PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and thromboxane B2 synthesis were all reduced by aspirin administration to 20-40% of the control values, mucosal adaptation in resected animals as measured by mucosal weight, DNA, protein, and maltase levels was only inhibited in the distal ileum. Aspirin did not affect these values in the duodenum, the upper jejunum, and the midileum. This study provides evidence for some involvement of endogenous PGs in regulation of the mucosal adaptation process in the distal ileum after massive small bowel resection in the rat. However, lack of inhibition more proximally suggests that factors other than PGs are more important.