The effect of secretin and cholecystokinin-pancreozymin on the intraluminal pressure of the jejunum in the unanesthetized dog

Ethanol-soluble components in soybean meal influence the digestive physiology, hepatic and intestinal morphologies, and growth performance of the marine fish pompano (Trachinotus blochii)

This study aimed to examine the effects of ethanol-soluble components (Es) in soybean meal (SBM) on gut content transit, bile acid (BA) and pancreatic digestive enzyme secretions, nutrient apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC), liver and intestinal morphologies, and growth performance of pompano (Trachinotus blochii). The SBM was extracted with aqueous ethanol, then the supernatant and residue were separated and dried to produce ethanol-extracted SBM (ESBM) and the Es. Four experimental diets were formulated with fish meal (FM), ESBM and SBM as main dietary protein sources. The diets were denoted as follows: FMD (FM diet), SBMD (SBM diet), ESBMD (ESBM diet) and ESBM + EsD (ESBM plus Es diet). Thirty-five fingerling pompano with an initial body weight (BW) of 18.3 g were allocated to each of 12 polyvinyl chloride tanks (1000-L holding capacity), resulting in triplicate tanks per dietary treatment. For 10 weeks, the fish were hand-fed the experimental diets to apparent satiation twice daily. The results showed that the final BW, weight gain and specific growth rate were significantly lower, while the feed conversion ratio was higher in the SBMD and ESBM + EsD groups than in the ESBMD and FMD groups (p < 0.05). Fish fed SBMD and ESBM + EsD showed accelerated gastric transit, slowed intestinal mobility, and lowered secretions of BAs and pancreatic digestive enzymes as compared to those fed ESBMD and FMD. Morphological abnormalities in mucosal folds of the posterior intestine, but not the liver, were clearly observed in the SBMD and ESBM + EsD groups. These results indicated that the Es in SBM inhibited the digestive system, leading to decreased nutrient digestibility and growth performance in pompano. The findings of the present study suggested that removal of the Es would effectively improve the nutritional quality of SBM and enhance growth performance of pompano fed a SBM-based diet.

Molecular evolution of GPCRs: Secretin/secretin receptors

In mammals, secretin is a 27-amino acid peptide that was first studied in 1902 by Bayliss and Starling from the extracts of the jejunal mucosa for its ability to stimulate pancreatic secretion. To date, secretin has only been identified in tetrapods, with the earliest diverged secretin found in frogs. Despite being the first hormone discovered, secretin's evolutionary origin remains enigmatic, it shows moderate sequence identity in nonmammalian tetrapods but is highly conserved in mammals. Current hypotheses suggest that although secretin has already emerged before the divergence of osteichthyans, it was lost in fish and retained only in land vertebrates. Nevertheless, the cognate receptor of secretin has been identified in both actinopterygian fish (zebrafish) and sarcopterygian fish (lungfish). However, the zebrafish secretin receptor was shown to be nonbioactive. Based on the present information that the earliest diverged bioactive secretin receptor was found in lungfish, and its ability to interact with both vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide potently suggested that secretin receptor was descended from a VPAC-like receptor gene before the Actinopterygii-Sarcopterygii split in the vertebrate lineage. Hence, secretin and secretin receptor have gone through independent evolutionary trajectories despite their concurrent emergence post-2R. A functional secretin-secretin receptor axis has probably emerged in the amphibians. Although the pleiotropic actions of secretin are well documented in the literature, only limited information of its physiological functions in nonmammalian tetrapods have been reported. To decipher the structural and functional divergence of secretin and secretin receptor, functional characterization of the ligand-receptor pair in nonmammals would be the next perspective for investigation.

Ghrelin, cholecystokinin, and peptide YY in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): molecular cloning and tissue expression

Gastrointestinal (GI) peptide hormones, ghrelin (GHRL), cholecystokinin (CCK), and peptide YY (PYY) genes were identified in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar. Full-length cDNAs encoding two isoforms of GHRL (GHRL-1 and GHRL-2), two isoforms of CCK (CCK-L and CCK-N) and peptide YY (PYY) cDNA were obtained. The GHRL-1 and GHRL-2 genes encoded proteins of 111- and 108-amino acids, respectively. Both types of GHRL were mainly expressed in the stomach, but also weakly expressed in the pyloric caeca, mid-gut, adipose tissue, and testis. The CCK-L and CCK-N genes encoded preproproteins of 132- and 140-amino acids, respectively. Both types of CCK were strongly expressed in the brain and comparatively weakly expressed in other tissues, including the digestive tract. In the digestive tract, CCK-L was mainly expressed in the pyloric caeca and hind-gut, while CCK-N was only expressed in the pyloric caeca. The PYY gene encoded for 97-amino acid residues and was mainly expressed in the brain and anterior part of the intestine, including the pyloric caeca. In an experiment, we demonstrated that 6 days starvation led to, increased GHRL-1 mRNA levels in the GI tract (stomach), while there no significant changes in expression levels for the other hormones in the GI tract. This suggests an orexigenic role for GHRL-1 in Atlantic salmon. These data contribute to elucidate the functional relationships among teleost gastrointestinal peptide hormones.

Effects of exogenous cholecystokinin and gastrin on the secretion of trypsin and chymotrypsin from yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) isolated pyloric caeca

The humoral control of secretion of the proteolytic enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin was studied in yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata). In vitro trials were performed to investigate the effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) and two commercially available gastrin peptides. Isolated preparations of pyloric caeca/pancreas release trypsin and chymotrypsin when incubated with cholecystokinin (CCK) at 10 microM and gastrin I (G1) at 50 microM after 15 min of incubation. On the other hand, G1 at 10 microM and gastrin-related peptide (G2) did not enhance trypsin and chymotrypsin secretion. The studies concerning the CCK effects at different incubation temperatures have shown that trypsin and chymotrypsin secretion at 25 degrees C was stimulated by CCK after 15 min, while at 10, 15 and 20 degrees C the stimulatory effects of CCK were observed only after 30 min of incubation. The CCK effects were increased at higher incubation temperatures and longer incubation periods.

Changes in cholecystokinin and peptide Y gene expression with feeding in yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata): relation to pancreatic exocrine regulation

In fish, the regulation of digestive enzyme secretion by hormonal control such as cholecystokinin (CCK) and neuropeptide Y (NPY)-related peptide is not well understood. To investigate the roles of fish CCK and peptide Y (PY) in digestive enzyme secretion, mRNA levels of CCK and PY, pyloric caeca enzyme activities and mRNA levels of pancreatic digestive enzymes (lipase, trypsin and amylase) were measured at pre- and post-prandial stages in yellowtail. Pyloric caeca were sampled at 0, 0.5, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after feeding. The mRNA levels of trypsin and amylase increased after feeding, suggesting that transcription was induced by feed ingestion. Digestive enzyme activities decreased in exocrine pancreas after feeding, suggesting the stored enzyme was secreted from pancreas post-prandially. mRNA levels for CCK displayed a time-dependent increase, peaking between 1.5 and 3 h after-feeding followed by a rapid decrease 3 to 6 h after feeding. The mRNA expression pattern of PY was inverse to the pattern of CCK, decreasing until 1.5 h after feeding and then rising to initial levels by 12 h after feeding. These results suggest that CCK and PY work antagonistically in the exocrine pancreas of yellowtail.

Signaling mechanisms of secretin receptor

Secretin, a 27-amino acid gastrointestinal peptide, was initially discovered based on its activities in stimulating pancreatic juice. In the past 20 years, secretin was demonstrated to exhibit pleiotropic functions in many different tissues and more importantly, its role as a neuropeptide was substantiated. To carry out its activities in the central nervous system and in peripheral organs, secretin interacts specifically with one known receptor. Secretin receptor, a member of guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptor (GPCR) in the secretin/VIP/glucagon subfamily, possesses the characteristics of GPCR with seven conserved transmembrane domains, a relatively large amino-terminal extracellular domain and an intracellular carboxyl terminus. The structural features and signal transduction pathways of the secretin receptor in various tissues are reviewed in this article.

Effect of exogenous cholecystokinin on the discharge of the gallbladder and the secretion of trypsin and chymotrypsin from the pancreas of the Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L

The humoral control of release of the proteases trypsin and chymotrypsin was investigated in the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Intraperitoneal injection of a purified preparation of the peptide cholecystokinin (CCK) from pig into starved fish produces a dose-dependent release of both enzymes from the pyloric caeca/pancreas tissues which accumulate in the intestinal contents (digesta). It also induces release of the contents of the gallbladder. Isolated preparations of pyloric caeca/pancreas when incubated with CCK release trypsin and chymotrypsin. It is concluded that while a possible role for a neuronal component to the control and regulation of these enzymes cannot be ruled out, humoral control by a CCK-like peptide has been established. The fact that a mammalian-derived extract of CCK induces this response in fish indicates an early evolution and subsequent conservation of this control mechanism in the vertebrates.

Secretin receptors in the rat kidney: adenylate cyclase activation and renal effects

In previous studies it has been demonstrated that pharmacological administration of secretin can alter urine output. Whether the effect is due to a direct action on kidney was investigated by examining the effect of secretin on renal output, and determining whether there were secretin receptors and a secretin sensitive adenylate cyclase in the kidney. Secretin had an antidiuretic action on kidney when administered intravenously to anesthetized hydrated rats. In addition, binding sites for (125I)-secretin, and a secretin sensitive adenylate cyclase were identified in rat kidney. Binding was saturable and reversable and was half maximally inhibited by 1 X 10(-7) M synthetic porcine secretin. Autoradiographic studies revealed a high density of secretin binding sites in the outer medulla of the kidney, a region that is composed mainly of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, and is also the major site of action for the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin. The data indicate that a functional secretin receptor system exists in kidney which may have a physiological role in regulating urine output.

Effects of a pharmacological dose of cholecystokinin on bile acid kinetics and biliary cholesterol saturation in man

In order to study the mechanisms influencing bile acid pool size and cholesterol saturation index of fasting gall bladder bile, eight obese volunteers were placed on a low calorie diet for six weeks, and given intramuscular injections of a pharmacological dose of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-OP, 5 micrograms) at mealtimes for half that period (alternating order). During CCK-OP administration, postprandial emptying of the gall bladder (mean +/- SEM) increased from 58 +/- 11% to 82 +/- 5% (p less than 0.005), and small intestinal transit time decreased from 205 +/- 27 to 178 +/- 26 minutes (NS). Bile acid pool size decreased from 4.6 +/- 0.3 to 3.1 +/- 0.3 mmol (p less than 0.001), while fractional turnover rate for chenodeoxycholic acid increased from 0.23 +/- 0.02 to 0.36 +/- 0.03 per day (p less than 0.005), suggesting an increase in recycling frequency of the pool. Synthesis rate was unchanged (0.43 +/- 0.08 vs 0.44 +/- 0.07 mmol/day), suggesting a new steady state. The cholesterol saturation index of fasting gall bladder bile increased in all subjects from 1.3 +/- 0.1 to 1.6 +/- 0.1 (p less than 0.005). Fasting gall bladder volume was reduced from 29 +/- 4 to 20 +/- 7 ml (p less than 0.01). Fractional turnover rate on the two regimens correlated with gall bladder emptying (n = 16, r = 0.61, p less than 0.01), but not with small intestinal transit time (r = 0.07, NS). Bile acid pool size correlated with fractional turnover rate (r = -0.73, p less than 0.005) and with cholesterol saturation index (r = -0.56, p less than 0.025). These findings suggest that CCK influences bile acid kinetics and cholesterol saturation index of fasting gall bladder in man; and that these effects of CCK are mainly mediated via alterations in gall bladder emptying rather than through alterations in small intestinal transit rate.

Actions of cholecystokinin octapeptide on smooth muscle of isolated dog intestine

Adult dogs were anesthetized and segments of small intestine were isolated and perfused via a mesenteric artery with Krebs-bicarbonate solution. Muscle responses along the circular and longitudinal axes were monitored with extraluminal strain gauge transducers. Agonists were administered as intraarterial bolus injections in volumes not exceeding 0.1 ml. Antagonists were dissolved in the Krebs perfusion solution. The C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-OP) produced dose-related tonic and phasic contractions of smooth muscle along the transverse axis and tonic and phasic relaxations along the longitudinal axis of the muscle segments. Smooth muscle responses to CCK-OP were reduced by atropine sulfate (0.1 mug/ml) and minimally affected by hexamethonium (10 mug/ml) perfusion. Tetrodotoxin (TTX, 5 ng/ml) selectively reduced muscle responses to dimethylphenylpiperazinium (0.5 mug) and CCK-OP (0.2 mug) but failed to alter responses to bethanechol (BeCh, 5 mug). Higher concentrations of TTX (10 ng/ml) abolished responses to CCK-OP. Depolarizing doses of nicotine (500 mug) selectively antagonized responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT, 5 mug) and CCK-OP (0.2 mug) but did not alter responses to BeCh (5 mug). Perfusion with tetraethylammonium (1 mg/ml) reduced muscle responses to depolarizing doses of nicotine and abolished the nicotine-induced antagonism of 5HT and CCK-OP. The intestinal smooth muscle response to CCK-OP in the dog is mediated through a neurogenic mechanism. CCK-OP interacts with a nonnicotinic receptor on postganglionic cholinergic neural elements in this preparation.

Effects of cholecystokinin on the motility of the distal duodenum and the proximal jujunum in man

Electrical spike potentials and intraluminal pressure variations were recorded in the distal part of the duodenum and proximal part of the jejunum in 5 normal human subjects before and after a bolus injection of cholecystokinin. A considerable increase in activity was observed in the jejunum after the hormone, whereas there was no response in the distal duodenum. Absence of reaction in the proximal duodenum and an increase in the motility in the distal ileum has previously been demonstrated after cholecystokinin administration. It is concluded that the human duodenum differs from the rest of the small intestine in its reaction to cholecystokinin. The change in reaction appears to occur on a level with the ligament of Treitz.

Effect of cholecystokinin on myoelectric activity of small bowel of the dog

The effect of cholecystokinin on the myoelectric activity of the small intestine was determined in conscious dogs. Six animals were implanted with electrodes along the small intestine, and a cannula was placed in the stomach. A second cannula was inserted into the duodenum in three animals, and a pancreatic fistula was prepared in three animals. Recordings were made in the fasted state, during the intravenous infusion of either saline or cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-OP), during the intraduodenal infusion of either saline or L-tryptophan, and during the fed state. CCK-OP disrupted the fasted pattern of myoelectric activity, caused a dose-dependent increase in spike potentials, and caused a dose-dependent increases in pancreatic protein secretion. Stimulation of myoelectric activity occurred at doses that produced submaximal protein secretion; however, the stimulation was not identical to that seen with feeding. Intraduodenal infusion of L-tryptophan increased pancreatic protein secretion, interrupted the fasted pattern of motility, and induced a pattern similar to that seen with feeding. We conclude that CCK alters small intestinal motility and may play a role in the changes in small-bowel motility caused by the ingestion of food.

The effects of VIP on intestinal motility: study on ex vivo perfused isolated canine jejunal loops

The effects of VIP on intestinal motility were studied on isolated canine jejunal loops ex vivo perfused at normothermia, under pulsatile flow with heparinized, oxygenated and nonrecirculated canine whole blood, by means of an intraluminal balloon. VIP was administered intraarterially either by 1 min injections or by long-time infusions. The results showed that for arterial concentrations of the polypeptide ranging between 25 pg/ml and 300-500 pg/ml a fast but short-lasting relaxant effect was observed. For higher concentrations VIP usually produced a biphasic response: The relaxant effect is followed by an increase of the basal muscular tone often accompanied, for concentrations higher than about 25 ng/ml, by a marked and transient increase in amplitude of the intestinal rhythmic contractions. During long-time infusions a biphasic response was also observed but both effects were of short duration. A cholingeric origin of the secondary contracting phase was expected but could not be demonstrated because, at blood concentrations at which atropine affected the biphasic response, not only was the contractile effect abolished but also the initial relaxing phase. It is suggested that the secondary contraction may be a "rebound excitation" of myogenic nature or a result of noncholingeric excitatory fiber stimulations. The short-lasting relaxant effect observed under the present experimental conditions, even during long-time infusion of the polypeptide, fails to argue for an important physiological role of VIP as an hormonal inhibitor of intestinal motility. The biphasic response, however, might have a physiological significance in so far as the aboral propulsion of the intestinal content requires a muscular inhibition which rapidly changes to contraction.

Hormonal control of gastrointestinal motility

The motor responses of the gastrointestinal tract to a meal are tuned to provide the optimal conditions for digestion and absorption of food. Hormones released from the mucosa of the intestinal tract play an important role in regulating and integrating the various motor events which occur. Complex feedbacks, both nervous and humoral, control the release of intestinal hormones and also modify their actions. Preliminary studies suggest that abnormalities in the secretion or action of various gastrointestinal hormones may play an important role in the production of motor disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.