Prostaglandin I2 sensory input into the enteric nervous system during distension‐induced colonic chloride secretion in rat colon

Aim:  Intestinal pressure differences or experimental distension induce ion secretion via the enteric nervous system, the sensorial origin of which is only poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate sensorial inputs and the role of afferent and interneurones in mechanically activated submucosal secretory reflex circuits. Methods:  Distension-induced rheogenic chloride secretion was measured as increase in short-circuit current 10 min after distension (ΔISC10; distension parameters ± 100 μL, 2 Hz, 20 s) in partially stripped rat distal colon in the Ussing-chamber in vitro. PGE2 and PGI2 were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results:  ΔISC10 was 2.0 ± 0.2 μmol h−1 cm−2 and could be attenuated by lobeline, mecamylamine and dimethylphenylpiperazine, indicating an influence of nicotinergic interneurones. Additionally, a contribution of afferent neurones was indicated from the short-term potentiation of ΔISC10 by capsaicin (1 μm). As evidence for its initial event, indomethacin (1 μm) inhibited distension-induced secretion and the release of PGI2 was directly detected after distension. Furthermore, serotoninergic mediation was confirmed by granisetron (100 μm) which was functionally localized distally to PGI2 in this reflex circuit, as granisetron inhibited an iloprost-induced ISC, while indomethacin did not affect serotonin-activated ion secretion. Conclusions:  Distension-induced active electrogenic chloride secretion in rat colon is mediated by a neuronal reflex circuit which includes afferent neurones and nicotinergic interneurones. It is initiated by distension-induced PGI2 release from subepithelial cells triggering this reflex via serotoninergic 5-HT3 receptor transmission. Functionally, this mechanism may help to protect against intestinal stasis but could also contribute to luminal fluid loss, e.g. during intestinal obstruction.