Short chain fatty acids stimulate feline colonic smooth muscle contraction

Abstract

The effect of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) on feline colonic smooth muscle contraction was evaluated in vitro. Colonic tissue was obtained from seven healthy male and female adult cats and seven healthy male and female kittens. Longitudinal and circular colonic smooth muscle strips from proximal and distal colon were incubated with SCFA (acetate, butyrate and propionate; 1-100mM). SCFA-induced contractions were compared to responses obtained using maximal concentrations (10(-4)M) of acetylcholine (ACh). The calcium dependence of the SCFA response was investigated by incubating with nifedipine (1 microM) or verapamil (1 microM). Acetate, butyrate and propionate elicited isometric stress responses (0.25-1.98 x 10(4)N/m(2)) in longitudinal, but not circular, smooth muscle from both the proximal and distal colon of adult cats. Maximal responses were attained at 50 and 100mM SCFA. Maximal butyrate and propionate responses were 29 and 19% of the maximal ACh response (10(-4)M), respectively. Acetate was least effective in stimulating contractile responses. Nifedipine and verapamil abolished all responses. Contractile responses in kittens were similar to those observed in adult cats, but were smaller in amplitude. Results of these studies have shown that SCFA stimulate longitudinal colonic smooth muscle contractions in kittens and adult cats in vitro. These SCFA-induced contractions involve activation of calcium influx. These in vitro findings may account for some of the effects of dietary fiber on feline colonic motility in vivo.

Interactive Effects of Dietary Resistant Starch and Fish Oil on Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production and Agonist-Induced Contractility in Ileum of Young Rats

“…The increase in carbachol-induced ileal contractility with dietary RS as HAMS and the production of SCFA is not easy to explain. However, in vitro experiments have shown that SCFA stimulate canine and feline colonic longitudinal muscle, which involves the influx of extracellular calcium (26,27). The mechanism may also involve polypeptide YY (28), but the discovery of SCFA receptors may help to solve part of the uncertainty (29).…”

COMPANION ANIMALS SYMPOSIUM: Microbes and gastrointestinal health of dogs and cats1

“…Physiological concentrations of SCFA stimulated intestinal motility in the canine ileum, emphasizing the importance of microbial fermentation products on host health (Kamath et al, 1987). In vitro studies in dogs and cats revealed that physiological concentrations of SCFA stimulate contraction of longitudinal, but not circular smooth muscles in the canine and feline colon, indicating that SCFA may also contribute to in vivo colonie motility (McManus et al, 2002;Rondeau et al, 2003). However, no effects of SCFA on canine colonie motility were observed in in vivo studies (Flourie et al, 1989).…”

Probiotic Supplementation and Its Effect on Weight and Feed tolerance in Preterm Low Birth Weight Newborns: A Clinical Trial

“…11 Intestinal sensory and motor functions are also maintained by fermentation products and neuroendocrine factors released by intestinal microflora. 18,19 Therefore it promotes feed tolerance, favours growth, offers protection against sepsis and NEC.…”