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Distribution of the neurokinin‐1 receptor in equine intestinal smooth muscle
Author(s) -
SOLINGER N.,
SONEA I. M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.2746/042516408x278184
Subject(s) - receptor , tachykinin receptor , biology , gastrointestinal tract , motility , substance p , neurokinin a , small intestine , messenger rna , vasoactive intestinal peptide , tachykinin receptor 1 , anatomy , neuropeptide , medicine , endocrinology , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , gene
Summary Reason for performing study : Tachykinins have profound effects on equine intestinal motility, but the distribution of the neurokinin receptors (NKRs) through which they act is unknown. This study reports the distribution of one of these receptors, the neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK1R), in smooth muscle throughout the equine intestinal tract. Objectives : To quantify the distribution of the NK1R, based upon mRNA expression, in smooth muscle of different regions of the equine intestinal tract. Methods : Nine regions of the intestinal tract were sampled in 5 mature horses. Total RNA was isolated from smooth muscle and reverse transcribed; NK1R mRNA was then quantified using real‐time PCR. Results : NK1R mRNA was found at all levels of the sampled intestinal tract. The smooth muscle of the proximal small intestine and the ventral colon exhibited the highest level of NK1R mRNA expression in the equine intestinal tract. Conclusions : Tachykinins probably affect intestinal contractility and propulsion in the proximal small intestine and in the ventral colon. Potential relevance : Understanding the distribution of the receptors for these peptides allows the design of experiments using tachykinin analogues or antagonists to modulate intestinal motility in disorders such as ileus.