Background/aims: Mediators released by mast cell degranulation contribute to digestive motility disturbances. According to the role of serotonin and the close proximity of mast cells to nerves, the aim of this study was to assess the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) receptors, capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibers, and some of their neuropeptides (substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide) in colonic motor alterations induced by degranulation of mast cells by the compound BrX-537A.
Methods: The effects of BrX-537A (2 mg/kg intraperitoneally) were determined by electromyography in conscious rats implanted with electrodes in the cecocolonic wall.
Results: BrX-537A inhibited cecocolonic myoelectric activity for 7-8 hours. A primary and dramatic reduction of spike burst frequency, lasting 30 minutes, was affected by none of the pretreatments tested. The following inhibition was fully antagonized by ketotifen (mast cell stabilizer), granisetron and ondansetron (5-HT3 antagonists), RP-67,580 (NK1 antagonist), and perivagal capsaicin pretreatment. A temporary blockade was observed after administration of CP-96,345 (NK1 antagonist) and in rats systemically treated by capsaicin. The calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist hCGRP(8-37) did not modify the BrX-537A-induced inhibition.
Conclusions: 5-HT3 receptors, sensory afferent fibers reaching the vagus nerves, and substance P are major components of the colonic motor inhibition induced by mast cell degranulation.