Effect of ethanol on jejunal regional blood flow in the rabbit
Buell, M.G.; Beck, I.T.
Gastroenterology 84(1): 81-89
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-5085 PMID: 6847857 Document Number: 208564
The effects of intraluminal ethanol perfusion (3.0% and 6.0% w:v) on mucosal morphology, water transport and regional blood flow were examined in vivo in jejunal segments of pentobarbital-anaesthetized rabbits. Compared with control segments, ethanol-perfused segments showed morphological changes of the mucosa consisting of subepithelial fluid accumulation (bleb formation), exfoliation of enterocytes and vascular congestion. The prevalence of epithelial damage was significantly increased in the segments perfused with 6% ethanol. Net water transport was significantly depressed in segments perfused with 3.0% and 6.0% w:v ethanol. In rabbits in which the control segment was absorbing water, ethanol depressed net water absorption or reversed absorption to net secretion. In rabbits in which the control segment showed secretion, ethanol increased net secretion. Blood flow through the total jejunal wall and through the luminal layer (consisting of mucosa plus submucosa) was significantly increased by 3.0% and 6.0% w:v ethanol in the intestinal lumen. Blood flow in the external layer of the jejunum (consisting of muscularis plus serosa) did not change significantly.