Clostridium difficile and Colonic Motility
Author Information
Author(s): A. Nassif, W. E. Longo, R. Sexe, M. Stratton, J. Standeven, A. M. Vernava, D. L. Kaminski
Primary Institution: The Surgical Research Institute, St. Louis University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Does Clostridium difficile toxin alter colonic tissue levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide and affect colonic motility?
Conclusion
Clostridium difficile toxin suppresses tissue levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide, which may contribute to colonic dysmotility during inflammation.
Supporting Evidence
- C. difficile administration produced histologic changes consistent with epithelial damage.
- Tissue levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide were significantly reduced.
- Colonic motility increased with more contractions per minute and greater force of contractions.
Takeaway
When rabbits were given a toxin from Clostridium difficile, it made their intestines work differently by lowering a special chemical that helps with movement.
Methodology
The study involved inducing colonic inflammation in isolated rabbit colon and measuring motility and tissue levels of various substances.
Participant Demographics
Isolated rabbit colon
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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