The effect of endotoxin on canine jejunal motility and transit

Intestinal transit is rapid during endotoxemia; however, little is known regarding the small intestinal motility changes which produce this rapid intestinal transit. The aim of our study was to determine the degree and duration of disrupted jejunal transit, and changes in jejunal motility following a sublethal dose of endotoxin. Eight dogs underwent construction of jejunal Thiry-Vella fistulas (TVF) with manometry catheters to record motility along the TVF. Following recovery, a 240-kcal liquid meal was given and the TVF was perfused with an isotonic solution. Liquid transit was assessed by bolus of a nonabsorbable marker instilled into the proximal end of the TVF. Recordings of gastrointestinal contractile activity were made digitally to determine postpandial motility. Following completion of the baseline studies, each dog was given a single dose of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (200 micrograms/kg, iv) and the postprandial studies were repeated for the next 3 days. Endotoxin decreased the frequency of jejunal contractions for 2 days while the strength of jejunal contractions was diminished for 1 day. Jejunal transit of liquids was rapid on Postendotoxin Day 1. The rapid transit was associated with a greater percentage of single pressure waves propagating aborally on Postendotoxin Day 1 than the baseline percentages established prior to endotoxin. We conclude that endotoxemia temporarily disrupts postprandial jejunal motility and transit. The rapid liquid intestinal transit seen with endotoxemia may be due to changes in contractile propagation.