RESUMO
The pattern of intestinal motility in different segments of the small and large intestine as well as plasma VIP level were studied in young, adult, old and senescent male albino rats. Results obtained in this study showed that aging has a suppressive effect on the different intestinal motility parameters and this intestinal motility dysfunction was more manifest in the senescent rats than in the old ones. The frequency of contractions of the duodenum and descending colon was significantly reduced with marked prolongation in the average duration of contractions in old and senescent rats compared to the young rats. Regarding the motility index in the duodenum, ileum and descending colon, it was reduced in old and senescent rats compared to the adults. This decrease was more pronounced and statistically significant in the senescent group. There was. Insignificant decrease in the plasma VIP levels with the advance of age and it was not related to the dysmotility of aging. Intramuscular injection of vitamin E for two successive months significantly increased the average force of contraction and motility index of both the small and large intestinal regions especially the caecum and descending colon. This improvement was more evident in senescent than old rats