Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2025
Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor GIMM
Published on: December 1, 2010
Effects of angiotensin peptides on colonic motility in rats
Gi Won Ha1, Jong Hun Kim1, Suhn Hee Kim2
1Department of Surgery, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea.
Purpose:
Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the pathophysiology of colonic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether small angiotensins (Angs) peptides play a role in the regulation of colonic motility and their roles are modulated in colitis.
Methods:
Experimental colitis was induced by an intake of 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) dissolved in tap water for 7 days in Sprague-Dawley rats. After sacrifice, plasma hormone concentrations and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for RAS were measured. Functional analysis of colonic motility in response to Angs peptides was performed using Taenia coli.
Results:
DSS-treated colon showed an increased necrosis with massive infiltration of inflammatory cells. The mRNA level of colonic angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT2R) in DSS-treated rats was higher than that in control rats whereas the mRNA levels of angiotensin II converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, AT1R, AT4R, and Mars receptor were not different from those in control rats. Ang III, Ang IV, and Ang-(1-9) (1, 3 μM) increased the frequency of basal colonic motility. Ang-(1-7) did not cause any significant changes in frequency and amplitude of basal motility. The order of potency for an increased frequency of basal motility seems to be Ang II>>Ang IV>Ang III=Ang-(1-9). The increased frequency of basal motility by Ang-(1-9) but not Ang IV was significantly enhanced in DSS-treated rat colon.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these data suggest that small Angs peptides are partly involved in the pathophysiological regulation of colonic motility in experimental colitis.
Insights
Small angiotensin peptides influence colonic motility, with Ang-(1-9) effects enhanced in experimental colitis. This suggests a role for these peptides in inflammatory bowel disease pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is implicated in colonic inflammation.
- Small angiotensin peptides' role in colonic motility regulation is not fully understood, especially in colitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of small angiotensin peptides in regulating colonic motility.
- To determine if these roles are altered in experimental colitis.
Main Methods:
- Experimental colitis was induced in rats using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS).
- Colonic motility was assessed in response to various angiotensin peptides using rat Taenia coli.
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for RAS components and hormone concentrations were measured.
Main Results:
- DSS-induced colitis led to increased colonic necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration.
- Colonic angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT2R) mRNA levels were elevated in DSS-treated rats.
- Angiotensin III (Ang III), Angiotensin IV (Ang IV), and Angiotensin-(1-9) (Ang-(1-9)) increased basal colonic motility frequency.
- The effect of Ang-(1-9) on motility was significantly enhanced in DSS-treated rat colons.
Conclusions:
- Small angiotensin peptides play a role in the pathophysiological regulation of colonic motility.
- These peptides, particularly Ang-(1-9), show altered effects in experimental colitis, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
01:30Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors