Corticotropin-releasing factor inhibits gastric emptying in dogs

Impairment of CRH in the intestinal mucosal epithelial barrier of pregnant Bama miniature pig induced by restraint stress

Female, especially for pregnant female, are vulnerable to psychological stress. The morphology and metabolism of the maternal intestine are both obviously changed during pregnancy, thus making intestinal health status more fragile under psychological stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of CRH and CRHR1 in the pregnant maternal intestine under psychological stress, thus exploring the mechanism of psychological stress in the pregnant maternal intestine. Bama miniature pigs were divided into the control and restraint stress groups from the first day of pregnancy. After restraint stress treatment for 18 consecutive days (D18), the plasma, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon were collected for study. Pregnant Bama miniature pigs subjected to restraint stress had significantly elevated CRH, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (COR) levels in plasma. Consistent with the increase in CRH levels, we observed enhanced oxidative stress levels in the intestine, which resulted in intestinal mucosal injury, including impaired intestinal morphology, a reduced number of goblet cells and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells, decreased expression of MUC2 and tight junctions, and elevated expression of CRHR1 and caspase-3. Moreover, exogenous CRH could directly promote IPEC-J2 cell apoptosis and influence its cell cycle (S and G2 phase) through CRHR1, and antalarmin could alleviate this phenomenon. Therefore, our results illustrated that the intestinal dysfunction of pregnant Bama miniature pigs was caused by restraint stress, and these changes were associated with the enhanced expression of CRH and CRHR1 in the intestine.

Corticotropin-releasing factor is present in intestinal tissue of patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction following shock and abdominal surgery

OBJECTIVE

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is implicated in stress-related gastrointestinal dysfunction, possibly causing gut dysfunction following trauma and surgery. We investigated plasma and intestinal tissue CRF levels and gut function in patients with traumatic shock or those undergoing elective abdominal surgery.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

In a prospective, parallel, observational study in a university hospital surgical intensive care unit (ICU), 8 shocked patients (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg and/or acidosis and/or urine output <1 mL/kg/hr and/or requiring >2 L of intravenous fluid resuscitation) undergoing small bowel resection during emergency laparotomy following abdominal injury and 17 stable patients undergoing elective hepatobiliary surgery were included if they required postoperative ICU management. Serial plasma and intestinal CRF was measured and postoperative gastric emptying and intestinal permeability were evaluated.

RESULTS

Plasma CRF was significantly increased in the shocked patients compared with the elective surgery patients at all times. CRF peptide was quantified in intestinal tissue at similar levels in both groups. Intestinal permeability was increased and associated with shock and resuscitation fluid volume. Gastric emptying was retarded and correlated significantly with shock but not with plasma CRF. Delayed gastric emptying in shocked patients was associated with longer ICU stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel finding is the presence of CRF in the small bowel of both elective and emergency gastrointestinal surgery patients with concomitant gastrointestinal dysfunction. Circulating CRF is associated with poor gastric emptying, which prolongs ICU stay, whereas shock significantly impairs gastric emptying and gut permeability.

Activation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 mediates the colonic motor coping response to acute stress in rodents

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-1 (CRF(1)) mediates the stress-induced colonic motor activity. Less is known about the role of CRF(2) in the colonic response to stress.

METHODS

We studied colonic contractile activity in rats and CRF(2)-/-, CRF-overexpressing, and wild-type mice using still manometry; we analyzed defecation induced by acute partial-restraint stress (PRS), and/or intraperitoneal injection of CRF ligands. In rats, we monitored activation of the colonic longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus (LMMP) neurons and localization of CRF(1) and CRF(2) using immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses. We measured phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 by CRF ligands in primary cultures of LMMP neurons (PC-LMMPn) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production in human embryonic kidney-293 cells transfected with CRF(1) and/or CRF(2).

RESULTS

In rats, a selective agonist of CRF(2) (urocortin 2) reduced CRF-induced defecation (>50%), colonic contractile activity, and Fos expression in the colonic LMMP. A selective antagonist of CRF(2) (astressin(2)-B) increased these responses. Urocortin 2 reduced PRS-induced colonic contractile activity in wild-type and CRF-overexpressing mice, whereas disruption of CRF(2) increased PRS-induced colonic contractile activity and CRF-induced defecation. CRF(2) colocalized with CRF(1) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the rat colon, LMMP, and PC-LMMPn. CRF-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in PC-LMMPn; this was inhibited or increased by a selective antagonist of CRF(1) (NBI35965) or astressin(2)-B, respectively. The half maximal effective concentration, EC(50), for the CRF-induced cAMP response was 8.6 nmol/L in human embryonic kidney-293 cells that express only CRF(1); this response was suppressed 10-fold in cells that express CRF(1) and CRF(2).

CONCLUSIONS

In colon tissues of rodents, CRF(2) activation inhibits CRF(1) signaling in myenteric neurons and the stress-induced colonic motor responses. Disruption of CRF(2) function impairs colonic coping responses to stress.

Corticotrophin-releasing factor, related peptides, and receptors in the normal and inflamed gastrointestinal tract

Corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) is mainly known for its role in the stress response in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. However, increasing evidence has revealed that CRF receptor signaling has additional peripheral effects. For instance, activation of CRF receptors in the gastrointestinal tract influences intestinal permeability and motility. These receptors, CRF1 and CRF2, do not only bind CRF, but are also activated by urocortins. Most interestingly, CRF-related signaling also assumes an important role in inflammatory bowel diseases in that it influences inflammatory processes, such as cytokine secretion and immune cell activation. These effects are characterized by an often contrasting function of CRF1 and CRF2. We will review the current data on the expression of CRF and related peptides in the different regions of the gastrointestinal tract, both in normal and inflamed conditions. We next discuss the possible functional roles of CRF signaling in inflammation. The available data clearly indicate that CRF signaling significantly influences inflammatory processes although there are important species and inflammation model differences. Although further research is necessary to elucidate this apparently delicately balanced system, it can be concluded that CRF-related peptides and receptors are (certainly) important candidates in the modulation of gastrointestinal inflammation.

Urocortin prevents indomethacin-induced small intestinal lesions in rats through activation of CRF2 receptors

PURPOSE

The role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the pathogenesis of indomethacin-induced small intestinal lesions was examined in rats.

METHODS

Animals were given indomethacin (10 mg/kg) subcutaneously and killed 24 h later. Urocortin I [a nonselective CRF receptor (CRFR) agonist], astressin (a nonselective CRFR antagonist), NBI-27914 (a CRFR1 antagonist), or astressin-2B (a CRFR2 antagonist) was given intravenously 10 min before the administration of indomethacin.

RESULTS

Indomethacin caused hemorrhagic lesions in the small intestine, accompanied by intestinal hypermotility, mucosal invasion of enterobacteria, up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and an increase of mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Pretreatment of the animals with astressin, a non-selective CRFR antagonist, aggravated the lesions in a dose-dependent manner. Likewise, astressin-2B also exacerbated the intestinal ulcerogenic response induced by indomethacin, while NBI-27914 did not. Urocortin I prevented indomethacin-induced intestinal lesions, together with the suppression of bacterial invasion and an increase in mucosal MPO activity and iNOS expression; these effects were significantly reversed by co-administration of astressin-2B but not NBI-27914. Urocortin I suppressed the hypermotility response to indomethacin, and this effect was also abrogated by astressin-2B but not NBI-27914.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that urocortin 1 prevents indomethacin-induced small intestinal lesions, and that this action is mediated by the activation of CRFR2 and is functionally associated with the suppression of the intestinal hypermotility response caused by indomethacin. It is assumed that endogenous CRF contributes to the maintenance of the mucosal defensive ability of the small intestine against indomethacin through the activation of CRFR2.

Neuroendocrine control of the gut during stress: corticotropin-releasing factor signaling pathways in the spotlight

Stress affects the gastrointestinal tract as part of the visceral response. Various stressors induce similar profiles of gut motor function alterations, including inhibition of gastric emptying, stimulation of colonic propulsive motility, and hypersensitivity to colorectal distension. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of stress's impact on gut function. Activation of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling pathways mediates both the inhibition of upper gastrointestinal (GI) and the stimulation of lower GI motor function through interaction with different CRF receptor subtypes. Here, we review how various stressors affect the gut, with special emphasis on the central and peripheral CRF signaling systems.

Do corticotropin releasing factor-1 receptors influence colonic transit and bowel function in women with irritable bowel syndrome?

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), a mediator of stress response, alters gastrointestinal (GI) functions. Stress-related changes in colonic motility are blocked by selective CRF(1) receptor antagonists. Our aim was to assess whether modulation of central and peripheral CRF(1) receptors affects colonic transit and bowel function in female patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-wk study evaluated the effects of oral pexacerfont (BMS-562086), a selective CRF(1) receptor antagonist, 25 and 100 mg qd, on GI and colonic transit of solids [by validated scintigraphy with primary end point colonic geometric center (GC) at 24 h] and bowel function (by validated daily diaries) in 39 women with D-IBS. The 100-mg dose was comparable to a dose that inhibited colonic motility in stressed rats. Treatment effects were compared by analysis of covariance with baseline colonic transit as covariate. The study had 80% power (alpha = 0.05) to detect clinically meaningful (26%) differences in colonic transit. Thirty-nine of 55 patients fulfilled eligibility criteria (9 screen failures, 5 baseline GC24 outside prespecified range). At baseline, three treatment groups had comparable age, body mass index, and GC 24 h. Significant effects of pexacerfont relative to placebo were not detected on colonic GC24 (P = 0.53), gastric emptying, orocecal transit, ascending colon emptying half-time, and stool frequency, consistency, and ease of passage. No safety issues were identified. We conclude that in women with D-IBS, pexacerfont, 25 or 100 mg qd, does not significantly alter colonic or other regional transit or bowel function. The role of central and peripheral CRF(1) receptors in bowel function in D-IBS requires further study.

Gastric Vagal Efferent Inhibition Evoked by Intravenous CRF Is Unrelated to Simultaneously Recorded Vagal Afferent Activity in Urethane-Anesthetized Rats

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) injected peripherally or released in response to stressful challenges to the organism reduces gastric tone and contractility, in part by vagal pathways. However, information on the changes in gastric vagal impulse activity evoked by peripheral CRF administration is entirely lacking. Using a novel “dual recording” method in urethane-anesthetized rats, vagal efferent (VE) and afferent (VA) impulse activities were recorded simultaneously from separate, fine bundles dissected from the ventral gastric vagus nerve branch innervating the glandular stomach. Activity records for 38 VA single units (SUs) and 33 VE SUs were sorted from multiunit records obtained from 13 preparations. Intravenous (iv) administration of saline had no effect on multiunit VE activity, whereas CRF (1 μg/kg, iv) immediately inhibited VE activity, reaching a nadir of 54 ± 8.0% of preinjection levels at 3.0 min postinjection. CRF (1 μg/kg, iv) inhibited 25/33 (75.8%) VE SUs and excited three of 33 (9.1%) VE SUs. In contrast to potent effects on VE activity, iv CRF did not alter multiunit VA activity. Single-unit analysis, however, revealed five of 38 (13.1%) VA SUs excited by iv CRF at widely varying latencies (suggesting an indirect mode of action) and one inhibited VA SU. VA SUs excited after iv CRF did not respond during gastric distention and vice versa. These experiments are the first to use simultaneous recording of gastric VA and VE units. The data demonstrate a predominantly inhibitory influence of iv CRF on VE outflow to the hindstomach, not driven by gastric vagovagal reflex activity.

Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors and stress-related alterations of gut motor function

Over the past few decades, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling pathways have been shown to be the main coordinators of the endocrine, behavioral, and immune responses to stress. Emerging evidence also links the activation of CRF receptors type 1 and type 2 with stress-related alterations of gut motor function. Here, we review the role of CRF receptors in both the brain and the gut as part of key mechanisms through which various stressors impact propulsive activity of the gastrointestinal system. We also examine how these mechanisms translate into the development of new approaches for irritable bowel syndrome, a multifactorial disorder for which stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology.

Endogenous expression and in vitro study of CRF-related peptides and CRF receptors in the rat gastric antrum

In vivo studies suggest that corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and CRF-like peptides, urocortin 1 (UCN 1) and UCN 2, inhibit gastric emptying and stimulate colonic motility through CRF2 and CRF1 receptors, respectively. We evaluated expression and functions of CRF, UCN 1, UCN 2 and CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in the rat gastric antrum. Tissues were processed for immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In vitro studies were performed to test the functional significance of CRF, UCN 1 and UCN 2. Some experiments were realized in the presence of specific CRF1 or CRF2 receptors antagonists. CRF1 and CRF2 receptors-like immunoreactivity (CRF1 and CRF2 receptors-LI) was localized in fibers and neurons of the myenteric ganglia. CRF1 and CRF2 receptors-LI was also found in nerve fibers distributed in the muscle layers. CRF- and UCN 1-LI was observed in neuronal cell bodies of the myenteric ganglia and in numerous nerve fibers running parallel to smooth muscle cells. Quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated UCN 2, CRF1 and CRF2 receptors expressions in both muscle layers and mucosa of the gastric antrum. Functional studies showed that CRF, UCN 1 and UCN 2 decreased antral phasic contractions. CRF(1) receptor antagonist (CP-154,526) did not block CRF-like peptides-induced inhibition of antral motility. In contrast, a CRF2 receptor antagonist (Astressin2-B) blocked the effects of CRF-like peptides on the antral muscle contractions. These results demonstrate (1) the presence of CRF, UCN and CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in the rat gastric antrum; (2) that, in vitro, CRF-like peptides inhibit phasic contractions of the antrum through CRF2 receptor. These results strongly suggest that CRF-like peptides play a major role in the regulatory mechanisms that underlie the neural control of gastric motility through CRF2 receptor.

Expression and effects of metabotropic CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in rat small intestine

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-like peptides mediate their effects via two receptor subtypes, CRF1 and CRF2; these receptors have functional implication in the motility of the stomach and colon in rats. We evaluated expression and functions of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in the rat small intestine (i.e., duodenum and ileum). CRF(1-2)-like immunoreactivity (CRF(1-2)-LI) was localized in fibers and neurons of the myenteric and submucosal ganglia. CRF(1-2)-LI was found in nerve fibers of the longitudinal and circular muscle layers, in the mucosa, and in mucosal cells. Quantitative RT-PCR showed a stronger expression of CRF2 than CRF1 in the ileum, whereas CRF1 expression was higher than CRF2 expression in the duodenum. Functional studies showed that CRF-like peptides increased duodenal phasic contractions and reduced ileal contractions. CRF1 antagonists (CP-154,526 and SSR125543Q) blocked CRF-like peptide-induced activation of duodenal motility but did not block CRF-like peptide-induced inhibition of ileal motility. In contrast, a CRF2 inhibitor (astressin2-B) blocked the effects of CRF-like peptides on ileal muscle contractions but did not influence CRF-like peptide-induced activation of duodenal motility. These results demonstrate the presence of CRF(1-2) in the intestine and demonstrate that, in vitro, CRF-like peptides stimulate the contractile activity of the duodenum through CRF1 receptor while inhibiting phasic contractions of the ileum through CRF2 receptor. These results strongly suggest that CRF-like peptides play a major role in the regulatory mechanisms that underlie the neural control of small intestinal motility through CRF receptors.

Role of peripheral CRF signalling pathways in stress-related alterations of gut motility and mucosal function

Central corticotrophin releasing-factor (CRF) signalling pathways are involved in the endocrine, behavioural and visceral responses to stress. Recent studies indicate that peripheral CRF-related mechanisms also contribute to stress-induced changes in gut motility and intestinal mucosal function. Peripheral injection of CRF or urocortin inhibits gastric emptying and motility through interaction with CRF2 receptors and stimulates colonic transit, motility, Fos expression in myenteric neurones and defecation through activation of CRF1 receptors. With regard to intestinal epithelial cell function, intraperitoneal CRF increases ion secretion and mucosal permeability to macromolecules. The motility and mucosal changes induced by peripheral CRF mimic those induced by acute stress. In addition, CRF receptor antagonists given peripherally prevent acute restraint and water avoidance stress-induced delayed gastric emptying, stimulation of colonic motor function and mucosal permeability. Similarly, early trauma enhanced intestinal mucosal dysfunction to an acute stressor in adult rats and the response is prevented by peripheral injection of CRF antagonist. Chronic psychological stress results in reduced host defence and initiates intestinal inflammation through mast cell-dependent mechanisms. These findings provide convergent evidence that activation of peripheral CRF receptors and mast cells are important mechanisms involved in stress-related alterations of gut physiology.

Differential actions of peripheral corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), urocortin II, and urocortin III on gastric emptying and colonic transit in mice: role of CRF receptor subtypes 1 and 2

Peripheral CRF inhibits gastric emptying and stimulates colonic motor function in rats. We investigated the role of CRF(1) and CRF(2) receptors in i.p. CRF-induced alterations of gut transit in conscious mice using selective CRF(1) and CRF(2) ligands injected i.p. Gastric emptying 2 h after ingestion of a solid chow meal and colonic transit (time to expel a bead inserted into the distal colon) were determined simultaneously. Rat/human (r/h)CRF, which has CRF(1) > CRF(2) binding affinity, decreased distal colonic transit time at lower doses (6-12 microg/kg) than those inhibiting gastric emptying (20-60 microg/kg). Ovine CRF, a preferential CRF(1) receptor agonist (6-60 microg/kg), reduced significantly the colonic transit time without altering gastric emptying, whereas the selective CRF(2) receptor agonists mouse urocortin II (20-60 microg/kg) and urocortin III (120 microg/kg) inhibited significantly gastric emptying without modifying colonic transit. The CRF(1)/CRF(2) receptor antagonist, astressin (30-120 microg/kg), dose dependently prevented r/hCRF (20 microg/kg)-induced inhibition of gastric emptying and reduction of colonic transit time. The selective CRF(1) receptor antagonists, NBI-27914 (C(18)H(20)Cl(4)N(4)C(7)H(8)O(3)S) and CP-154,526 (butyl-[2,5-dimethyl-7-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl]ethylamine) (5-30 mg/kg), dose dependently blocked r/hCRF action on the colon without influencing the gastric response, whereas the CRF(2) receptor antagonist, antisauvagine-30 (30-100 microg/kg), dose dependently abolished r/hCRF-induced delayed gastric emptying and had no effect on colonic response. These data show that i.p. r/hCRF-induced opposite actions on upper and lower gut transit in conscious mice are mediated by different CRF receptor subtypes: the activation of CRF(1) receptors stimulates colonic propulsive activity, whereas activation of CRF(2) receptors inhibits gastric emptying.

Intra- and inter-individual correlations between cholecystokinin and corticotropin-releasing hormone concentrations in human cerebrospinal fluid

Despite strong evidence of a physiologic relationship between cholecystokinin (CCK) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the rat central nervous system (CNS), evidence of such a relationship between the two hormones in the human CNS is lacking. A post hoc analysis of serial concentrations of immunoreactive CCK and CRH, obtained every ten minutes from CSF continuously collected over six hours, was performed. A total of 30 subjects were studied: 15 normal volunteers, 10 patients with major depression, and 5 recently-abstinent, alcohol-dependent patients. Overall, we observed an average intra-subject correlation of +.273 (P < 0.001) between CSF CRH and CCK. Inter-subject correlations between mean CSF levels of CRH and CCK were +.948 (P = 0.0001) and +.959 (P = 0.005) in the depressed and abstinent alcoholic patients, respectively. These inter-individual correlations were significantly greater than that seen within the group of normal volunteers (r = +.318, n.s.). The present data suggest that interactions between CCK and CRH are significant in the human CNS, particularly perhaps in depressed and alcoholic patients, and that CSF samples may be used to assess elements of the relationship between these hormones.

Constrained corticotropin releasing factor antagonists (astressin analogues) with long duration of action in the rat

In an earlier report we identified specific modifications and substitutions of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) that led to the discovery of antagonists with extended duration of action as compared to that of astressin {cyclo(30-33)[DPhe(12),Nle(21),Glu(30), Lys(33),Nle(38)]hCRF((12)(-)(41))}. These additional modifications included elongation of the peptide chain by three residues at the N-terminus, its acetylation, and the [CalphaMeLeu(27)] substitution to yield cyclo(30-33)[DPhe(12), Nle(21),CalphaMeLeu(27),Glu(30), Lys(33),Nle(38)]Ac-hCRF((9)(-)(41)), which was found to be longer acting than astressin (Rivier, J.; et al. J. Med. Chem. 1998, 41, 5012-5019). To further increase the efficiency (potency, duration of action, and bioavailability) of this family of antagonists, we introduced two or more CalphaMe-leucine residues at positions shown in earlier studies to be favorable (Hernandez, J.-F.; et al. J. Med. Chem. 1993, 36, 2860-2867). Whereas the introduction of CalphaMe-leucine residues at positions 27 and either 18 (11), 37 (17), or 40 (19) resulted in dramatic increases in duration of inhibitory action in the adrenalectomized (adx) rat after intravenous injection, the same substitution at positions 27 and either 15 (7, 8), 17 (9), 19 (12, 13), or 41 (20) led to short acting analogues. Other substitutions by CalphaMeLeu at positions 27 and either 10 (4), 13 (5), 14 (6), 21 (14), 24 (15), 36 (16), or 38 (18) yielded analogues with duration of action intermediate between those mentioned above. Cyclo(30-33)[DPhe(12), Nle(21), CalphaMeLeu(27),Glu(30),Lys(33),Nle(38), CalphaMeLeu(40)]Ac-hCRF((9)(-)(41)) (astressin B, 19) was one of the most efficacious analogues of this series (>4 h inhibition of ACTH secretion at 25 microgram/adx rat). It was found to be even longer acting via subcutaneous administration in either an aqueous (>24 h inhibition of ACTH secretion at 100 microgram/adx rat) or lipid milieu (DMSO/peanut oil, >24 h inhibition of ACTH secretion at 30 microgram/adx rat) than after intravenous administration (<12 h inhibition of ACTH secretion at 100 microgram/adx rat). We concluded that Calpha-methylation at some positions may favor a bioactive conformation while also preventing degradation and/or elimination, resulting in significant extension of duration of action.

Peripheral urocortin delays gastric emptying: role of CRF receptor 2

Urocortin, a new mammalian member of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family has been proposed to be the endogenous ligand for CRF receptor 2 (CRF-R2). We studied the influence of intravenous urocortin on gastric emptying and the role of CRF-R2 in peptide action and postoperative gastric ileus in conscious rats. The intravenous doses of rat CRF and rat urocortin producing 50% inhibition of gastric emptying were 2.5 and 1.1 microgram/kg, respectively. At these intravenous doses, CRF and urocortin have their actions fully reversed by the CRF-R1/CRF-R2 antagonist astressin at antagonist/agonist ratios of 5:1 and 67:1, respectively. Astressin (12 microgram/kg iv) completely prevented abdominal surgery-induced 54% inhibition of gastric emptying 3 h after surgery while having no effect on basal gastric emptying. The selective nonpeptide CRF-R1 antagonists antalarmin (20 mg/kg ip) and NBI-27914 (400 microgram/kg iv) did not influence intravenous CRF-, urocortin- or surgery-induced gastric stasis. These results as well as earlier ones showing that alpha-helical CRF9-41 (a CRF-R2 more selective antagonist) partly prevented postoperative ileus indicate that peripheral CRF-R2 may be primarily involved in intravenous urocortin-, CRF-, and abdominal surgery-induced gastric stasis.

Role of CRF in stress-related alterations of gastric and colonic motor function

Major advances have been made in the understanding of the pathophysiology of stress-related alteration of gut function. A wealth of information indicates that CRF is involved in the central mechanisms by which stress inhibits gastric emptying while stimulating colonic motor function. CRF acts in the PVN to trigger both the inhibition of gastric emptying and the stimulation of colonic motor function in response to stress, in addition to previously established endocrine and behavioral responses. Preliminary evidence exists that CRF acts in the locus coeruleus to induce a selective stimulation of colonic transit without influencing gastric emptying. The central actions of CRF to alter gastric and colonic motor function are conveyed by autonomic pathways and are unrelated to the associated stimulation of pituitary hormone secretion. The demonstration that central CRF plays a role in mediating gastric stasis resulting from surgery, peritonitis or high levels of central interleukin-1 provides new insight into the mechanisms involved in gastric ileus induced postoperatively or by infectious disease. Likewise, the demonstration that CRF in the PVN and locus coeruleus induce the anxiogenic and colonic motor responses to stress and that colonic distention activates neurons in the locus coeruleus opens new avenues for the understanding of the pathogenesis of a subset of IBS patients with colonic hypersensitivity associated with psychopathological disturbance and diarrhea-predominant symptoms.

A simple method for determining the rate of gastrointestinal transit in the rat

A method is presented for the determination of gastric emptying and transit after a meal in the rat. It involves the administration of radioactive inulin, an undigestible, non-absorbable sugar.

Gastrointestinal motor effects of corticotropin-releasing factor in mice

The present investigation examined the effects of centrally and peripherally administered corticotropin-releasing factor on gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit in mice. Corticotropin-releasing factor, given either intracerebroventricularly or intrathecally, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of gastric emptyping and gastrointestinal transit. Intravenous or intraperitoneal administration of corticotropin-releasing factor, while 5- to 7-fold less potent than after central injection, produced an equivalent level of effect. alpha-Helical corticotropin-releasing factor, a corticotropin-releasing factor receptor antagonist, blocked the effects of intracerebroventricularly administered corticotropin-releasing factor when the antagonist was given concurrently by the intracerebroventricular, but not by the intraperitoneal, route. Conversely, corticotropin-releasing factor, when given peripherally, was antagonized equally well by intracerebroventricular or intraperitoneal administration of the antagonist. The inhibition of gastric emptying induced by corticotropin-releasing factor was reduced by pretreatment with the ganglionic blocking agent, chlorisondamine, and in adrenalectomized mice, but this effect was not antagonized by naloxone. These findings provide evidence for an action of corticotropin-releasing factor within the central nervous system, as well as a peripheral site of action, to inhibit gastric emptying in the mouse. The gastrointestinal motor effects of corticotropin-releasing factor are not mediated through opioid mechanisms although their full expression may require intact autonomic innervation and adrenal function.

Stress-induced changes in gastric emptying, postprandial motility, and plasma gut hormone levels in dogs

The influence of acoustic stress on postprandial gastrointestinal motility, gastric emptying, and plasma gastrin, pancreatic polypeptide, motilin, and somatostatin was evaluated in conscious dogs. Six dogs were equipped with strain-gauge transducers and were exposed from 1-3 h after the meal to prerecorded music (80-90 dB broad frequency noise), which produced a significant (p less than or equal to 0.05) lengthening of the gastric (31.2%) and jejunal (37.0%) postprandial pattern. In 4 other dogs with gastric cannula, a 2-h session of acoustic stress beginning just after eating a radiolabeled standard meal induced a slowing of gastric emptying of both liquid (45.7%) and solid (47.1%) phases of the test meal when measured 0.5 h after feeding. In contrast, when measured 2 h after feeding, similar values of gastric emptying of liquids and solids were observed in stressed and control animals. Compared with controls, the postprandial increases of plasma gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide levels were significantly enhanced in stressed animals and occurred early (15 min after the meal). Although postprandial decrease in plasma motilin was unchanged by acoustic stress, the rise in plasma somatostatin level was significantly (p less than or equal to 0.05) prolonged in stressed dogs. These results indicate that acoustic stress affects gastric and intestinal postprandial motility in dogs, delaying the recovery of the migrating motor complex pattern, inducing a transient slowing of gastric emptying, and enhancing the feeding-induced release of gastrin, pancreatic polypeptide, and somatostatin. Such hormonal changes might be due to a direct effect of stress rather than being the consequence of acoustic stress-induced slowing of gastric emptying.

Corticotropin-releasing factor inhibits gastric emptying in dogs: studies on its mechanism of action

The effects of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) on gastric emptying of a saline solution was further investigated in six dogs prepared with gastric fistulas and chronic cerebroventricular guides and in four other dogs with chronic gastric fistulas and pancreatic (Herrera) cannulas. Intravenous infusion of CRF significantly inhibited gastric emptying whereas intracerebroventricular injection of CRF had no effect. Pharmacologic blockade of beta-adrenergic system by propranolol did not modify intravenous CRF induced delay in gastric emptying. Intravenous CRF did not influence basal pancreatic secretion whereas secretin infused stimulated bicarbonate secretion. These results indicate that intravenous but not intracerebroventricular administration of CRF inhibited gastric emptying of a saline solution in dogs. The inhibitory effect of intravenous CRF on gastric emptying is not mediated by the beta-adrenergic nervous system, and not secondary to the release of other peptides that affect both pancreatic secretion and gastric emptying such as cholecystokinin and peptide YY.