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Effect of senna is not mediated by platelet-activating factor
F Capasso1, A A Izzo, N Mascolo
1Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
Pharmacology
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Senna treatment did not increase intestinal platelet-activating factor (PAF) or acid phosphatase in animal models. These findings suggest senna is well-tolerated and does not induce laxation via PAF.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is implicated in intestinal motility, secretion, and damage.
- Acid phosphatase serves as a marker for cellular damage in the gut.
- Senna is a widely used laxative, but its mechanism of action requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of senna on intestinal PAF formation and acid phosphatase release in vivo and in vitro.
- To compare senna's effects with other laxatives like phenolphthalein, bile salts, and magnesium sulfate.
- To determine if PAF mediates senna-induced laxation.
Main Methods:
- In vivo oral administration of senna to rats, mice, and guinea pigs.
- Ex vivo assessment of intestinal PAF content and intraluminal acid phosphatase release.
- In vitro perfusion of rat colonic tissue with senna metabolites (rhein, rhein anthrone) and other agents (calcium ionophore A23187).
Main Results:
- Senna administration (oral or in vitro) did not alter intestinal PAF levels or acid phosphatase release.
- Other laxatives (phenolphthalein, bile salts, magnesium sulfate) increased intestinal PAF content.
- Magnesium sulfate also elevated acid phosphatase release, while A23187 stimulated both PAF and acid phosphatase production.
Conclusions:
- Senna appears to be well-tolerated in animal models.
- The study suggests that PAF does not play a role in mediating senna-induced laxation.
- These findings contribute to understanding the safety and mechanism of senna as a laxative.