Vasoactive intestinal peptide is a neuropeptide mediator of the secretory response to serotonin in rat.

Background: The chloride secretory response to serotonin (5-HT) has nonneural and neural mechanisms, the latter mediated through a 5-HT(3) receptor. We hypothesized that 5-HT(3)-induced C1(-) secretion is partially mediated by VIP as a neurosecretory transmitter. Therefore it should be inhibited by a VIP receptor antagonist, VIP 6-28.

Biochemical alterations in rat Thiry-Vella fistulas.

In order to obtain baseline information on the secretory function of normal rat bowel for our work on intestinal graft ischemia, we studied several biochemical parameters in rat Thiry-Vella fistulas (TVF). TVFs were created in 200-g male Lewis rats (n = 11) using the 25-cm segment of jejunum normally used as a graft in our intestinal transplant model. The stomas were matured primarily and the animals were allowed to recover.

Modification of disaccharidase activity measurement in rat bowel.

This study describes a modification of the existing disaccharidase assay in rat small bowel in which whole bowel, rather than mucosa, is utilized. In addition, the use of total vs. specific activity as a more accurate unit of measurement of disaccharidase activity is discussed.

Secretory event in intestinal grafts during preservation ischemia.

Background: Ischemia triggers secretion of proteins from the intestine, including type II secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). This "secretory event" was studied in intestinal grafts during the first few hours of preservation by measuring total protein, sPLA2, and other enzymes in the UW preservation solution over time. The effect of PX-13, a PLA2 inhibitor, was also studied.