Effect of Rifaximin on Visceral Sensitivity via TRPV1-VGLUT2/3 Pathway in Rats / 胃肠病学

ABSTRACT

Background: Rifaximin has obvious effect on relieving abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, but the mechanism is not clear. Aims: To investigate the effect and mechanism of rifaximin on visceral sensitivity in rats. Methods: Chronic water avoidance stress (WAS) model was established in rats, and rats were divided into control group, WAS group and rifaximin group. Electromyogram was used to evaluate the visceral sensitivity. Immunological activities of TRPV1 and VGLUT2/3 in L6S1 DRG were determined by immunofluorescence, protein expressions of TRPV1 and VGLUT2/3 in L6S1 spinal cord were determined by Western blotting. Bacterial 16S rDNA sequencing analysis for intestinal flora was performed. Results: WAS could induce visceral hyperalgesia in rats, immunological activities of TRPV1 and VGLUT2/3 in L6S1 DRG were significantly increased, protein expressions of TRPV1 and VGLUT2/3 in L6S1 spinal cord were significantly increased, and imbalance of intestinal flora was induced. Rifaximin could ameliorate visceral hyperalgesia; immunological activities of TRPV1 and VGLUT2/3 in L6S1 DRG and protein expressions of TRPV1 and VGLUT2/3 in L6S1 spinal cord were significantly decreased; imbalance of intestinal flora was ameliorated. TRPV1 antagonist could significantly decrease the immunological activities of VGLUT2/3. Conclusions: Rifaximin can ameliorate the visceral hyperalgesia induced by WAS via intestinal flora and TRPV1-VGLUT2/3 pathway.