Mesenteric lymph flow in endotoxemic guinea pigs.

Background: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a structural component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. LPS activates the host cells, leading to the production and release of proinflammatory cytokines. Given the induction duration for the release of cytokines, the initial mechanisms that produce LPS action on a timescale of minutes are not fully understood.

Effects of cannabinoids on colonic muscle contractility and tension in guinea pigs.

Objective: While endogenous cannabinoids regulate various physiologic functions, their role in the intestinal tract is unclear. We continuously recorded colonic motility in conscious guinea pigs. Mechanisms of action then were investigated using guinea pig taenia caecum in vitro.