Interaction between prostanoids, NO, and VIP in modulation of duodenal alkaline secretion and motility

The relation between duodenal motility and duodenal mucosal alkaline secretion (DMAS) was examined in anesthetized rats. The duodenum was perfused with saline, and DMAS was determined by titration. Duodenal motility, assessed by intraluminal pressure measurements, was induced by indomethacin and/or N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and inhibited by iloprost or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Six of 66 rats showed spontaneous duodenal contractions. Basal DMAS was higher in these rats than in those without contractions. Rats treated with indomethacin and L-NAME before abdominal operation exhibited duodenal motility postoperatively and had higher DMAS than in controls. Iloprost abolished both the duodenal motility increase and increase in DMAS induced by indomethacin. L-NAME-induced motility and increase in DMAS were antagonized by L-arginine. VIP increased DMAS without affecting motility. VIP abolished indomethacin-induced motility and augmented indomethacin-stimulated DMAS. VIP reduced L-NAME-induced motility and slightly increased L-NAME-stimulated DMAS. It is concluded that DMAS varies with duodenal motility. Prostaglandins and NO inhibit duodenal motility, thereby indirectly reducing DMAS. VIP may have dual effects on DMAS, an inhibitory action mediated via smooth muscle relaxation and a stimulatory action independent of motility.