Effects of oxygen radicals and radical scavenging on opossum lower esophageal sphincter.

Nitric oxide mediates esophageal peristalsis and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation. Superoxide produced with inflammation inactivates nitric oxide. Superoxide is cleared in biological systems by superoxide dismutase.

Antioxidant enzymes in intramural nerves of the opossum esophagus.

Superoxide radical (O2-.) combines with nitric oxide (NO) to form peroxynitrite, thereby nullifying the biological activity of NO. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) prevents this reaction by converting O2-.

Effects of rotavirus on epithelial transport in rabbit small intestine.

The present study investigated changes in small intestinal epithelial transport in rabbits infected with rotavirus. The crypt depth-villus height ratio was increased in infected ileal tissue as a result of a significant increase in crypt depth and patchy shortening of the villi. Similar villus damage was seen in the jejunum.