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Effect of exorphins on gastrointestinal function, hormonal release, and appetite
Gastroenterology
|June 1, 1983
Summary
Gluten digestion produces exorphins, substances with opiate-like activity. This study found hydrolyzed gluten delays intestinal transit time, an effect reversed by naloxone, suggesting exorphins influence gut function.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurogastroenterology
- Peptide Science
Background:
- Peptic digestion of gluten yields exorphins, compounds exhibiting opiate-like activity.
- Exorphins' role in physiological regulation, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of gluten and hydrolyzed gluten on hormonal parameters, gastrointestinal transit, mucosal integrity, and satiety.
- To determine the involvement of opiate pathways in mediating these effects using the opiate blocker naloxone.
Main Methods:
- Administration of gluten, hydrolyzed gluten, and hydrolyzed gluten with naloxone to assess physiological responses.
- Measurement of hormonal levels (e.g., somatostatin, gastrin), gastrointestinal transit time, and small bowel mucosal integrity.
- Evaluation of caloric intake and satiety perception.
Main Results:
- Hydrolyzed gluten significantly prolonged intestinal transit time.
- This delay in transit was reversed by naloxone, indicating an opiate-mediated mechanism.
- A naloxone-reversible increase in plasma somatostatin-like activity was observed, potentially explaining the delayed transit.
- No significant effects were found on gastrin, cortisol, carbohydrate metabolism, mucosal integrity, caloric intake, or satiety.
Conclusions:
- Exorphins derived from gluten digestion play a role in regulating intestinal function, specifically by influencing transit time.
- Opiate pathways are involved in mediating the effects of gluten-derived exorphins on gastrointestinal motility.
- Current evidence does not support a role for these exorphins in appetite regulation or mucosal integrity.
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