The role of mechanical forces and adenosine in the regulation of intestinal enterochromaffin cell serotonin secretion.

Enterochromaffin (EC) cells of the diffuse neuroendocrine cell system secrete serotonin (5-HT) with activation of gut motility, secretion, and pain. These cells express adenosine (ADORA) receptors and are considered to function as mechanosensors. Physiological pathways mediating mechanosensitivity and adenosine responsiveness remain to be fully elucidated, as do their roles in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and neoplasia. Pure (98-99%) FACS-sorted normal and IBD human EC cells and neoplastic EC cells (KRJ-I) were studied. IBD-EC cells and KRJ-I overexpressed ADORA2B. NECA, a general ADORA receptor agonist, stimulated, whereas the A2B receptor antagonist MRS1754 inhibited, 5-HT release (EC50 = 1.8 × 10-6 M; IC50 = 3.7 × 10-8 M), which was associated with corresponding alterations in intracellular cAMP levels and pCREB (Ser133). Mechanical stimulation using a rhythmic flex model induced transcription and activation of Tph1 (tryptophan hydroxylase) and VMAT1 (vesicular monoamine transporter 1) and the release of 5-HT, which could be inhibited by MRS1754 and amplified by NECA. Secretion was also inhibited by H-89 (PKA inhibitor) while Tph1 and VMAT1 transcription was regulated by PKA/MAPK and PI3K-mediated signaling. Normal and IBD-EC cells also responded to NECA and mechanical stimulation with PKA activation, cAMP production, and 5-HT release, effects reversible by MRS1754. EC cells express stimulatory ADORA2B, and rhythmic stretch induces A2B activation, PKA/MAPK/IP3-dependent transcription, and PKA-dependent secretion of 5-HT synthesis and secretion. Receptor expression is amplified in IBD and neoplasia, and 5-HT release is increased. Determination of factors that regulate EC cell function are necessary for understanding its role as a mechanosensory cell and to facilitate the development of agents that can selectively target cell function in EC cell-associated disease.

Adipocytes express a functional system for serotonin synthesis, reuptake and receptor activation.

AIMS: Serotonergic pathways in the central nervous system (CNS) are activated in the regulation of food intake and body weight. We hypothesized that adipocytes, like other cells of mesenchymal origin, possess serotonin receptors and thus could be regulated by peripherally circulating serotonin. METHODS: In vivo studies: four Sprague-Dawley rats were given daily serotonin (5HT) injections subcutaneously (s.c., 25 mg/kg) for 5 days; four controls received saline. In a long-term study, 12 rats were given serotonin s.c. for 4 months, 10 controls received saline. Body weight was registered throughout the studies, and visceral adipose tissue and plasma were collected and analysed. Adipocytes were isolated from normal rat visceral abdominal adipose tissue and analysed for the expression of serotonin receptors, the serotonin transporter (5HTT/SERT), activation of serotonin synthesis (tryptophan hydroxylase 1, Tph1) and secretion and serotonin-induced leptin regulation by RT-PCR and protein analyses. RESULTS: Hyperserotoninergic rats had significantly lower body weight (-7.4 and -6.8%) and plasma leptin levels (-44 and -38%) than controls, after both short- and long-term serotonin treatment, respectively, whereas plasma ghrelin levels were unaffected. Compared to controls, serotonin induced a 40-fold upregulation of 5HTT mRNA in visceral adipose tissue after 5 days of treatment. In vitro experiments showed that adipocytes express serotonin receptors, Tph1 and 5HTT, synthesize and secrete serotonin and that serotonin regulates leptin in mature adipocytes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that serotonin may regulate adipocyte function in a direct manner via the blood circulation and/or paracrine and autocrine mechanisms, and not only indirectly via the CNS as previously assumed.

The CCK(2) receptor antagonist, YF476, inhibits Mastomys ECL cell hyperplasia and gastric carcinoid tumor development.

YF476 is a potent and highly selective cholecystokin 2 (CCK(2)) receptor antagonist of the benzodiazepine class. It inhibits gastric neuroendocrine enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell secretion, proliferation and spontaneous formation of gastric neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoids) in cotton rats. The Mastomys rodent species exhibits a genetic predisposition to gastric ECL neuroendocrine tumor formation which can be accelerated by acid suppression and induction of hypergastrinemia. In this respect, it mimics the human condition of atrophic gastritis, hypergastrinemia and gastric carcinoid development. We investigated whether YF476 could inhibit acid suppression-induced ECL cell hyperplasia and neoplasia in this model. In addition, we examined whether YF476 could reverse established ECL cell hyperplasia and neoplasia. Targeting the CCK(2) receptor during Loxtidine-induced hypergastrinemia resulted in a reduction in ECL cell secretion (plasma and mucosal histamine, and histidine decarboxylase (HDC) transcripts, p<0.05) and proliferation (numbers of HDC-positive cells, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and cyclin D1 transcription). This was associated with a decrease in ECL cell hyperplasia and a 60% reduction in gastric ECL cell microcarcinoid (tumors <0.3mm in size) formation. YF476 inhibited ECL cell neoplasia (gastric carcinoid) in animals with hyperplasia, inhibited the formation of ECL cell tumors when co-administered with Loxtidine and reversed the growth and developement of gastric ECL cell carcinoids in long-term acid suppressed Mastomys. Variable importance analysis using a logistic multinomial regression model indicated the effects of YF476 were specific to the ECL cell and alterations in ECL cell function reflected inhibition of transcripts for HDC, Chromogranin A (CgA), CCK(2) and the autocrine growth factor, CTGF. We conclude that specifically targeting the CCK(2) receptor inhibits gastrin-mediated ECL cell secretion and ECL cell proliferation and tumor development in vivo.

Review article: somatostatin analogues in the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumours.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of somatostatin (SST) and the synthesis of a variety of analogues constituted a major therapeutic advance in the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumours (GEP-NETs). They currently provide the most efficient treatment to achieve symptomatic relief and have recently been demonstrated to inhibit tumour growth. AIM: To review 35 years of experience regarding the clinical application and efficacy of SST analogues. METHODS: The PubMed database (1972-2009) was searched using somatostatin as a search term with combinations of terms including 'treatment'; 'neuroendocrine'; 'carcinoid'; 'tumor'; 'octreotide'; 'lanreotide' and 'pasireotide'. RESULTS: In a review of 15 studies including 481 patients, the slow-release formulations Sandostatin LAR and Somatuline SR/Autogel achieved symptomatic relief in 74.2% (61.9-92.8%) and 67.5% (40.0-100%), biochemical response in 51.4% (31.5-100%) and 39.0% (17.9-58%), and tumour response in 69.8% (47.0-87.5%) and 64.4% (48.0-87.0%) respectively. Novel SST analogues like SOM230 (pasireotide) that exhibit pan SST receptor activity and analogues with high affinity to specific somatostatin receptor (sstr) subtypes may further advance the field, but efficacy studies are lacking. CONCLUSION: As more precise understanding of NET cell biology evolves and molecular biological tools advance, more accurate identification of individual tumours sstr profile will probably facilitate a more precise delineation of SST analogue treatment.

Sympathetic nerves do not affect experimental ischemia-reperfusion injury of rat liver.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether sympathetic, noradrenergic nerves participate in experimental acute ischemia-reperfusion injury of the rat liver. METHODS: Female Wistar rats (200-250 g body weight) were anesthetized with pentobarbital. After tracheotomy, we cannulated a carotid artery and jugular vein. The rats were divided in 2 groups (n = 8 per group). The control group received NaCl IV and the test group received the sympatholytic agent, guanethidine (3 mg/kg, IV). After 30 minutes of drug equilibration, laparotomy was performed to arrange the liver for temporary occlusion (by a ligature) of its vascular supply, corresponding with 70% reduction in hepatic blood flow. The rats were then allowed 60 minutes of equilibration. Thereafter, regional ischemia was induced for 30 minutes. The animals were then monitored for 2 hours of reperfusion. Blood samples for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) estimation (as a measure of injury to the parenchyma) were drawn immediately before ischemia, as well as 60 and 120 minutes after reperfusion. Readings of mean arterial pressure were taken during these times. RESULTS: After 2 hours of reperfusion, there were no significant differences between the groups with regard to ALT or mean arterial pressure. CONCLUSION: Sympathetic, noradrenergic nerves did not affect experimental ischemia-reperfusion injury of rat liver in the current model.

IL1beta- and LPS-induced serotonin secretion is increased in EC cells derived from Crohn's disease.

Gut mucosal enterochromaffin (EC) cells are regarded as key regulators of intestinal motility and fluid secretion via secretion of serotonin (5HT), are increased in numbers in mucosal inflammation and located in close proximity to immune cells. We examined whether interleukin (IL)1beta and Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced EC cell 5HT release through Toll-like/IL-1 (TIL) receptor activation, nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and evaluated whether somatostatin could inhibit this phenomenon. Pure (>98%) human intestinal EC cells were isolated by fluorescent activated cell sorting from preparations of normal (n = 5) and Crohn's colitis (n = 6) mucosa. 5HT release was measured (ELISA), and NFkappaB and ERK phosphorylation quantitated (ELISA) in response to IL1beta and LPS. 5HT secretion was increased by both E. coli LPS (EC(50) = 5 ng mL(-1)) and IL1beta (EC(50) = 0.05 pmol L(-1)) >2-fold (P < 0.05) in Crohn's EC cells compared with normal EC cells. Secretion was reversible by the TLR4 antagonist, E. coli K12 LPS (IC(50) = 12 ng mL(-1)) and the IL1beta receptor antagonist (ILRA; IC(50) = 3.4 ng mL(-1)). IL1beta caused significant (P < 0.05) NFkappaB and MAPK phosphorylation (40-55%). The somatostatin analogue, lanreotide inhibited IL1beta-stimulated secretion in Crohn's (IC(50) = 0.61 nmol L(-1)) and normal EC cells (IC(50) = 1.8 nmol L(-1)). Interleukins (IL1beta) and bacterial products (E. coli LPS) stimulated 5HT secretion from Crohn's EC cells via TIL receptor activation (TLR4 and IL1beta). Immune-mediated alterations in EC cell secretion of 5HT may represent a component of the pathogenesis of abnormal bowel function in Crohn's disease. Inhibition of EC cell-mediated 5HT secretion may be an alternative therapeutic strategy in the amelioration of inflammatory bowel disease symptomatology.

Pharmacotherapy of neuroendocrine cancers.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the diffuse neuroendocrine cell system often present a considerable diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. METHODS: We have reviewed the literature on NET treatment between 1979 and 2008 (PubMed search: carcinoid or neuroendocrine tumor/tumour + treatment or management), and summarized current therapeutic options and recommendations. RESULTS: The majority of tumors are diagnosed at a stage that the only curative treatment, radical surgical intervention, is no longer an option. Biotherapy with somatostatin analogs is currently the most efficient treatment to achieve palliation. The interferon class of agents may have a role in selected individuals but substantial adverse events often limit their use. Conventional chemotherapy has minimal efficacy but may have some utility in undifferentiated or highly proliferating neuroendocrine carcinomas and pancreatic NETs. Hepatic metastases, depending on size, location and number, may be amenable to surgical resection, embolization or radio-frequency ablation. Peptide receptor targeted radiotherapy may lead to reduction in tumor size but in most circumstances has a tumor-stabilizing effect. A variety of antiangiogenesis and growth factor-targeted agents have been evaluated but to date the results have failed to meet expectations. Thus, long-acting somatostatin analogs remain the only effective pharmacotherapeutic option that improves symptomatology and quality of life with minimal adverse effects.

Carcinoid heart disease.

The carcinoid syndrome is usually evident when enterochromaffin (EC) cell-derived neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoids) metastasize to the liver. In addition to carcinoid symptomatology, about 40% of patients exhibit carcinoid heart disease (CHD) with fibrotic endocardial plaques and associated heart valve dysfunction. The mechanism behind CHD development is not fully understood, but serotonin (5-HT) is considered to be a major initiator of the fibrotic process. Most patients present with right-sided heart valve dysfunction since pulmonary and tricuspid valves lesions are the most common (>95%) cardiac pathology. Left-sided valvular involvement, and angina associated with coronary vasospasm occur in ~10% of subjects with CHD. Pathognomonic echocardiograpic features include immobility of valve leaflets and thickening and retraction of the cusps most commonly resulting in tricuspid valve regurgitation and pulmonary stenosis. Therapeutic options include cardioactive pharmacotherapy for heart failure and, in selected individuals, cardiac valve replacement. Previously valve replacement was reserved for advanced disease due to a perioperative mortality of >20% however in the last decade, technical advances as well as an earlier diagnosis have decreased surgical mortality to <10% and valve replacements are undertaken more frequently. A recent analysis of 200 cases demonstrated an increase in median survival from 1.5 years to 4.4 years in the last two decades. Although the improved prognosis might also reflect the increased use of surgical cytoreduction, hepatic metastatic ablative therapies and somatostatin analogs a robust correlation between diminution of circulating tumor products and an increased long-term survival in CHD has not been rigorously demonstrated.

Long slender cytoplasmic extensions: a common feature of neuroendocrine cells?

We have recently developed a new method for visualisation of gut mucosal cells and demonstrated that enterochromaffin (EC) and enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells possess cytoplasmic extensions. The aim of the present study was to characterise the morphology of D- and G-cells. The D-cells in the stomach differed morphologically from intestinal D-cells, suggesting two distinct subpopulations of D-cells. Some D-cells appeared to be interconnected. No cell-to-cell contact between parietal and D-cells was found. Both D- and G-cells possessed long cytoplasmic extensions corresponding with our previous descriptions of EC and ECL cells. We propose that all neuroendocrine cells have the ability to develop cytoplasmic extensions, enabling them to signal to their target cells in a neurocrine manner.

Long-term fluoxetine administration does not result in major changes in bone architecture and strength in growing rats.

Many studies have indicated that serotonin and its transporter play a role in bone metabolism. In this study we investigated the effect of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine (Prozac) on bone architecture and quality in growing female rats. We therefore administrated rats with clinically relevant doses of fluoxetine for a period of 6 months. DXA scans were performed during the treatment period in order to follow parameters as body weight, fat percentage and BMD. After 6 months of treatment, femurs were used to analyze bone architecture and bone strength, by means of microCT scans and three-point bending assays, respectively. We found a slightly diminished bone quality, reflected in a lower bone tissue strength, which was compensated by changes in bone geometry. As leptin and adiponectin could be possible factors in the serotonergic regulation of bone metabolism, we also determined the levels of these factors in plasma samples of all animals. Leptin and adiponectin levels were not different between the control group and fluoxetine-treated group, indicating that these factors were not involved in the observed changes in bone geometry and quality.

Increase in organ donation rate in a Swedish region after implementing a new angle of approach.

In the Swedish Västra Götaland region (1.65 million inhabitants), we have implemented, as from January 1, 2006, a new concept to improve the organ donation rate, which in 2005 was 13.9 per million population (PMP). There are two cornerstones in the project: a new, active role for the transplant coordinators and the establishment of a uniform policy for the care of potential donors as well as criteria for the decision to offer intensive care in various critical conditions. The coordinator is now contacted at an early stage and is in place when the brain death diagnosis is underway or completed. The coordinator is thereafter a resource for all aspects of the care of the potential donor/donor, and also in the contact with the relatives. To date (May 2006) the donation rate has reached 23.6 PMP annually (a 70% increase).

Pharmacological preconditioning of rat liver by up-regulation of heme oxygenase 1.

PURPOSE: We investigated whether pharmacologically induced up-regulation of heme oxygenase 1 by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) conferred protection against subsequent ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) to the rat liver after temporary vascular occlusion of 70% of the organ. METHODS: Female Wistar rats (200 to 250 g body weight) anesthetized with pentobarbitone were cannulated in the carotid artery and jugular vein. After laparotomy, a rubber band was applied around the entire vascular supply to the median and left lateral lobes, enabling vascular occlusion of 70% of the liver. A laser Doppler miniprobe was placed on the left lateral lobe to monitor peripheral liver blood flow (PLBF). Immediately upon completion of the surgery, the rats were administered either PDTC (50 mg/kg intravenously; n = 8) or its solvent (isotonic NaCl; n = 8). After 60 minutes, regional ischemia was induced for 30 minutes. The animals were then monitored for 2 hours of reperfusion. Blood samples for alanine transferase (ALT) estimation (as a measure of parenchymal injury) were drawn immediately prior to ischemia and reperfusion, as well as 60 and 120 minutes after reperfusion; PLBF was calculated at these times. RESULTS: ALT increased in the course of the experiments but there was no difference between the groups. The reduction in PBLF due to ischemia-reperfusion was significantly lower in the PDTC group: about 16% versus 40%, after 2 hours of reperfusion. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with PDTC attenuated the disturbance of hepatic microcirculation, but not parenchymal injury, in the early phase of IRI.

Effect of remote preconditioning on mild or severe ischemia-reperfusion injury to rat liver.

UNLABELLED: In this study we examined the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Anesthetized Wistar rats (200 to 250 g body weight, n = 32) had the right femoral artery (FA) dissected. Protocol I. The hepatic artery (HA) was clamped for 60 minutes; peripheral liver blood flow (PLBF) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured prior to clamping as well as 60 minutes after reperfusion. The cohorts were group 1 (no RIPC; n = 10) and group 2 (RIPC; n = 10) 35 minutes after surgery, the FA was clamped for 10 minutes. After 15 minutes, the HA was clamped as in group 1. In protocol II, a rubber band was applied around the entire vascular supply to about 70% of the liver, yielding group 3 (no RIPC; n = 6) that 60 minutes after surgery, had vascular occlusion performed for 30 minutes and group 4 (RIPC; n = 6) with the FA clamped as above, in a procedure otherwise identical to that of group 3. RESULTS: In protocol I, there was no significant difference in PLBF between the two groups after reperfusion, but the increased ALT levels in the RIPC group were reduced (.70 +/- .05 vs. 1.0 +/- .15 microkat/L, P = .049). In protocol II, we observed no significant differences in ALT levels or PLBF between the two groups. Thus, a beneficial effect of RIPC was demonstrated in protocol I with relative hypoxemia to the liver. However, the effect could not be demonstrated in protocol II, which induced a more severe IR injury.

Retransplantation of the liver.

Retransplantation (re-TX) is the only available therapy for irreversible liver graft dysfunction. The outcome of a second procedure depends upon several factors, some of which are not defined at the time of the decision to retransplant. This study is an analysis of all re-TX of the liver performed at our unit between January 1995 and January 2004. Among the 474 liver TX were 55 (11.6%) re-TX in 47 patients. We studied (1) diagnosis at first TX; (2) indication for re-TX and time lapse; (3) donor age and cold ischemia time (CIT); (4) duration of operation, peroperative bleeding, and complications; (5) ICU and ward periods; and (6) patient and graft survivals. Patients who underwent re-TX did not differ from those transplanted once with regard to age, gender, or diagnosis. The indications for re-TX were roughly one-third biliary tract complications/chronic rejection, one-third hepatic artery thrombosis, and one-third others, including primary nonfunction, acute rejection, portal vein thrombosis, sepsis, and B/C hepatitis. The re-TX were "urgent" in 29 and "elective" in 26 cases. Complications were common; about half of the patients were reoperated due to bleeding or biliary problems. To date (May 2004), 15 patients have died (12 "urgent" and 3 "elective"), of whom 5 had well functioning grafts. In summary, liver re-TX is a complicated procedure associated with significant mortality and morbidity, but considering that the actual patient group has a poor prognosis without re-TX, the results are nevertheless encouraging.

Serotonin and fluoxetine modulate bone cell function in vitro.

Recent studies have proposed a role for serotonin and its transporter in regulation of bone cell function. In the present study, we examined the in vitro effects of serotonin and the serotonin transporter inhibitor fluoxetine "Prozac" on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Human mononuclear cells were differentiated into osteoclasts in the presence of serotonin or fluoxetine. Both compounds affected the total number of differentiated osteoclasts as well as bone resorption in a bell-shaped manner. RT-PCR on the human osteoclasts demonstrated several serotonin receptors, the serotonin transporter, and the rate-limiting enzyme in serotonin synthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1). Tph1 expression was also found in murine osteoblasts and osteoclasts, indicating an ability to produce serotonin. In murine pre-osteoclasts (RAW264.7), serotonin as well as fluoxetine affected proliferation and NFkappaB activity in a biphasic manner. Proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and primary osteoblasts (NHO), and 5-HT2A receptor expression was enhanced by serotonin. Fluoxetine stimulated proliferation of MSC and murine preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) in nM concentrations, microM concentrations were inhibitory. The effect of fluoxetine seemed direct, probably through 5-HT2 receptors. Serotonin-induced proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells was inhibited by the PKC inhibitor (GF109203) and was also markedly reduced when antagonists of the serotonin receptors 5-HT2B/C or 5-HT2A/C were added. Serotonin increased osteoprotegerin (OPG) and decreased receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) secretion from osteoblasts, suggesting a role in osteoblast-induced inhibition of osteoclast differentiation, whereas fluoxetine had the opposite effect. This study further describes possible mechanisms by which serotonin and the serotonin transporter can affect bone cell function.

Nitric oxide-mediated effects on liver blood flow.

We investigated whether blockade of nitric oxide synthase by the arginine analog l- NAME could affect peripheral liver blood flow (PLBF) or hepatocyte integrity (serum ALT) in either a control series or in a series subjected to mild reduction of liver blood flow by temporary clamping of the hepatic artery (HA). Anesthetized rats were arranged for mean arterial pressure (MAP) recordings via a carotid artery, drug injections, and blood sampling via a jugular vein, and monitoring of PLBF using a laser Doppler flowmeter. In series 1, the rats received either l-NAME (30 mg/kg i.v.) or NaCl. l-NAME caused a significant decrease in PLBF and an increase in MAP compared to NaCl; ALT did not differ. In series 2, l-NAME (30 mg/kg i.v.) or NaCl was administered at the beginning of the experiment. After 60 minutes of equilibration, the HA was clamped for 60 minutes then unclamped for another 60 minutes. As in series 1, the l-NAME group had significantly lower PLBF and higher MAP than the NaCl group. Occlusion of the HA resulted in significantly greater reduction in PLBF in the NaCl versus the l-NAME group. Upon unclamping, there was no difference in ALT levels, PLBF, or MAP. To conclude, NO displayed a positive tonic effect on liver blood flow, reduction of which with l-NAME did not aggravate mild ischemia/reperfusion injury in this model.

Preconditioning protects against ischemia/reperfusion injury of the liver.

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) of an organ may induce protection against the injury caused by longer duration of ischemia and subsequent reperfusion. In a standardized model of such injury in the rat liver, we used the following protocol to investigate whether adenosine played a role in IPC by preventing its enzymatic degradation by dipyridamole pretreatment according to the following protocol: group 1, nonischemic control rats; group 2, ischemic control rats subjected to 60 minutes of ischemia by clamping of the common hepatic artery followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion; group 3, IPC with 10 minutes of ischemia followed by 15 minutes of reperfusion, prior to the ischemia/reperfusion period as in group 2; group 4, pharmacologic preconditioning with administration of dipyridamole prior to the ischemia/reperfusion period as in group 2. Peripheral liver blood flow was significantly reduced during clamping (groups 2 to 4). After unclamping, blood flow was still reduced in the ischemic rats (group 2) but had returned to preclamp values in the animals that had been subjected to ischemic (group 3) or pharmacologic (group 4) preconditioning. Liver cell injury was significantly increased in the ischemia group (group 2) only. In our experimental model of ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat liver, we found an equally beneficial effect with ischemic and pharmacologic preconditioning. Adenosine appears to be a crucial factor in IPC.

Vagal influence on the motility of the feline jejunum.

1. The effects of electrical stimulation of the peripheral end of the cervical vagal nerve on jejunal motility were investigated in anaesthetized cats, pretreated with guanethidine, with sectioned splanchnic nerves and ligated adrenal vessels. Motility was monitored as volume changes of an intraluminal balloon. 2. Vagal stimulation elicited frequency-dependent hypermotility with a short latency. Relaxatory events were also observed, which could indicate the presence of a non-adrenergic inhibitory pathway. 3. After atropine treatment, contractions and relaxations could still be elicited. The former were compared to cholinergic contractions and showed a lower maximal amplitude and a longer latency to onset. Moreover, they were antagonized by 80-100% by the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone. 4. Vagal stimulation after hemicholinium, given in order to deplete the preganglionic acetylcholine content, elicited naloxone-sensitive contractions. This suggests that a subpopulation of the vagal preganglionic fibres is non-cholinergic. 5. Isolation of the balloon-containing segment did not qualitatively alter the responses, indicating that the vagal fibres reach the small intestine via the paravascular mesenteric nerves. 6. It is concluded that cholinergic and non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) contractions, as well as relaxations, could be elicited by efferent vagal stimulation. The NANC contractions seem to result from the activation of opioid receptors causing disinhibition of a tonic neurogenic restraint on the gut muscle.