THE EFFECTS OF HANGE-SHASHIN-TO ON THE CONTENT OF PROSTAGLANDIN E-2 AND WATER-ABSORPTION IN THE LARGE-INTESTINE OF RATS

The effects of Hange-shashin-to (TJ-14) were examined regarding the am ount of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) and the water absorbing capacity in the large intestine of rats. Repeated oral administration of TJ-14 at doses of 125 to 1000 mg/kg revealed a significant decrease in PGE(2) content in the colonic mucosa and also the promotion of colonic water absorption in a dose dependent manner. However, there was no remarkabl e influence on the concentrations of aldosterone and electrolytes in t he serum, even at 1000 mg/kg. From these results, it was considered th at some of the anti-diarrheal effects of TJ-14 might be based on a rep ression of the increase in the amount of PGE(2) as well as promotion o f the water absorbing capacity of the large intestine. Moreover, it wa s also suggested that it is possible, by the application of TJ-14, to prevent the loss of water content caused by diarrhea.