ROLE OF 5-HT3 RECEPTORS AND AFFERENT-FIBERS IN THE EFFECTS OF MAST-CELL DEGRANULATION ON COLONIC MOTILITY IN RATS

Background/Aims: Mediators released by mast cell degranulation contrib ute to digestive motility disturbances. According to the role of serot onin and the close proximity of mast cells to nerves, the aim of this study was to assess the role of 5-hydroxytrptamine 3 (5-HT3) receptors , capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibers, and some of their neuropeptides (substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide) in colonic motor al terations induced by degranulation of mast cells by the compound BrX-5 37A. Methods: The effects of BrX-537A (2 mg/kg intraperitoneally) were determined by electromyography in conscious rats implanted with elect rodes 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 antagoniz ed by ketotifen (mast cell stabilizer), granisetron and ondansetron (5 HT(3) antagonists), RP-67,580 (NK1 antagonist), and perivagal capsaici n pretreatment. A temporary blockade was observed after administration of CP-96,345 (NK1 antagonist) and in rats systemically treated by cap saicin. The calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist, hCGRP(8-37) di d not modify the BrX-537A-induced inhibition. Conclusions: 5HT(3) rece ptors, sensory afferent fibers reaching the vagus nerves, and substanc e P are major components of the colonic motor inhibition induced by ma st cell degranulation.