0000000000343961
AUTHOR
Carolina Pellegrini
Involvement of the P2X7 purinergic receptor in colonic motor dysfunction associated with bowel inflammation in rats
Background and Purpose Recent evidence indicates an involvement of P2X7 purinergic receptor (P2X7R) in the fine tuning of immune functions, as well as in driving enteric neuron apoptosis under intestinal inflammation. However, the participation of this receptor in the regulation of enteric neuromuscular functions remains undetermined. This study was aimed at investigating the role of P2X7Rs in the control of colonic motility in experimental colitis. Experimental Approach Colitis was induced in rats by 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. P2X7R distribution was examined by immunofluorescence analysis. The effects of A804598 (selective P2X7R antagonist) and BzATP (P2X7R agonist) were tested on co…
Role of cyclooxygenase pathways in bowel fibrotic remodelling in a murine model of experimental colitis
Abstract Objective Gut fibrosis occurs under chronic inflammation. This study examined the effects of different cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors on fibrosis in the inflamed colon. Methods Colitis was induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS) in albino male Sprague–Dawley rats. After 6, 12 and 18 days, macroscopic and microscopic damage, collagen and elastic fibre content were examined. At day 6, pro-fibrotic factors (collagen I and III, hydroxyproline, fibronectin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signalling [TGF-β, Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA), phosphorylated small mother against decapentaplegic (pSMAD)-2 and -6] and peristalsis …