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Spermine-induced precocious intestinal maturation in suckling rats: possible involvement of glucocorticoids
M Kaouass1, J Sulon, P Deloyer
1Laboratory of Biochemistry and General Physiology, Institute of Chemistry, Liège, Belgium.
Insights
Spermine accelerates intestinal maturation in young rats by stimulating the pituitary-adrenal axis. This polyamine likely triggers gastrointestinal hormones, indirectly boosting ACTH and corticosterone levels for enhanced gut development.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Polyamines, such as spermine, play crucial roles in cellular processes.
- Precocious maturation of the gastrointestinal tract is essential for nutrient absorption and development.
- The hormonal regulation of early intestinal development is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying spermine-induced precocious intestinal maturation in unweaned rats.
- To determine the role of the hypophysial-adrenal axis in this developmental process.
- To explore the potential involvement of gastrointestinal hormones in mediating spermine's effects.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of spermine to 11-day-old rats.
- Measurement of serum ACTH and corticosterone levels at various time points.
- Intraperitoneal administration of spermine and various gastrointestinal hormones.
- Assay of intestinal disaccharidase activity.
Main Results:
- Oral spermine significantly increased ACTH and corticosterone secretion in a time-dependent manner.
- Peak levels of ACTH and corticosterone were observed 4-6 hours post-spermine ingestion.
- Intraperitoneal spermine did not affect corticosterone levels, and tested gastrointestinal hormones did not alter disaccharidase activity.
Conclusions:
- The hypophysial-adrenal axis is implicated in spermine-induced postnatal intestinal development.
- Spermine likely stimulates ACTH and corticosterone secretion indirectly, possibly via gastrointestinal hormone release.
- These findings suggest a novel hormonal pathway regulating early intestinal maturation.
Abstract:
The mechanism(s) involved in the spermine-induced precocious postnatal maturation of the intestine in the unweaned rat was examined. Spermine given orally to 11-day-old rats stimulated ACTH and corticosterone secretion. Maximum serum levels of ACTH and corticosterone were observed between 4 and 6 h after spermine ingestion and were five- and sevenfold greater respectively than those of control rats receiving saline alone. Intraperitoneal injection of the polyamine had no effect on corticosterone production. Repeated intraperitoneal administration of gastrin, cholecystokinin, glucagon(1-37) and secretin to 11-day-old rats had no effect on the specific activity of intestinal disaccharidases. These data indicate that (1) the hypophysial-adrenal axis is implicated in the postnatal development of the gastrointestinal tract induced by spermine and (2) spermine affects ACTH and corticosterone secretion indirectly, probably by stimulating the release of gastrointestinal hormone(s).