Thromboxane synthesis inhibition and postprandial intestinal hyperemia and oxygenation

The effects of imidazole and U-63557A (Upjohn), inhibitors of thromboxane synthesis, on food-induced changes in intestinal blood flow and oxygen uptake were determined in the jejunum of anesthetized dogs. Intra-arterial (5.0 mg/min ia) infusions of imidazole had no effect on the postprandial intestinal hyperemia but significantly potentiated food-induced increases in oxygen uptake via enhanced oxygen extraction. Furthermore, imidazole had no effect on intestinal glucose absorption. The selective thromboxane synthesis inhibitor U-63557A (5 mg/kg iv) also enhanced oxygen uptake during nutrient absorption and had no effect on the hyperemia or glucose absorption. Our study indicates that inhibition of thromboxane synthesis has no effect on either resting intestinal blood flow or postprandial intestinal hyperemia but significantly enhances postprandial oxygen extraction and uptake. The potentiation of the food-induced increases in oxygen uptake by imidazole and U-63557A appears not to be related to glucose absorption. Endogenous thromboxane therefore appears to inhibit oxygen uptake more than blood flow, and yet does not affect glucose absorption during nutrient absorption.