Modification of small bowel mechanosensitivity by intestinal fat. Issue 5 (1st May 2001)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Accarino, A M; Azpiroz, F; Malagelada, J-R
• Is Part Of: Gut. Volume 48:Issue 5(2001)
• Page Start: 690
• Page End: 695
• Publication Date: 2001-05-01
• Subjects: intestinal sensitivity -- intestinal distension -- intestinal electrical nerve stimulation -- intestinal afferents -- abdominal symptoms; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1136/gut.48.5.690
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-5749

Abstract

Abstract : BACKGROUND: Lipids may exacerbate symptoms induced by gut stimuli. AIM: To determine the mechanism whereby fat exerts this effect. SUBJECTS: Twenty four healthy subjects were studied during fasting. METHODS: We measured perception (0–6 scale) in response to jejunal balloon distension and transmucosal electrical nerve stimulation; phasic stimuli (one minute) were randomly applied at five minute intervals during intestinal infusion (2 ml/min) of saline and then Intralipid 2 kcal/min (high fat; n=8 subjects), Intralipid 0.5 kcal/min (low fat; n=8), or saline (n=8). RESULTS: Intestinal lipids increased the perception of jejunal distension regardless of concentration (by 53% with high fat, 49% with low fat, and 17% with saline; p<0.05 for both fat loads). This effect could not be attributed to changes in intestinal compliance as intraballoon pressures remained unchanged during lipid infusion (2% change; NS). Sensitisation induced by lipids seemed to be specifically related to intestinal mechanoreceptors because electrical stimulation, which non-specifically activates gut afferents, was perceived equally during saline and lipid administration (10%, 11%, and 15% change during high fat, low fat, and saline, respectively; NS). CONCLUSION: Physiological amounts of lipids heighten intestinal sensitivity by modulating intestinal mechanoreceptor response.