Effects of angiotensin peptides on colonic motility in rats

PURPOSE: Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the pathophysiology of colonic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether small angiotensins (Angs) peptides play a role in the regulation of colonic motility and their roles are modulated in colitis. METHODS: Experimental colitis was induced by an intake of 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) dissolved in tap water for 7 days in Sprague-Dawley rats. After sacrifice, plasma hormone concentrations and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for RAS were measured. Functional analysis of colonic motility in response to Angs peptides was performed using Taenia coli. RESULTS: DSS-treated colon showed an increased necrosis with massive infiltration of inflammatory cells. The mRNA level of colonic angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT(2)R) in DSS-treated rats was higher than that in control rats whereas the mRNA levels of angiotensin II converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, AT(1)R, AT(4)R, and Mars receptor were not different from those in control rats. Ang III, Ang IV, and Ang-(1-9) (1, 3 μM) increased the frequency of basal colonic motility. Ang-(1-7) did not cause any significant changes in frequency and amplitude of basal motility. The order of potency for an increased frequency of basal motility seems to be Ang II>>Ang IV>Ang III=Ang-(1-9). The increased frequency of basal motility by Ang-(1-9) but not Ang IV was significantly enhanced in DSS-treated rat colon. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these data suggest that small Angs peptides are partly involved in the pathophysiological regulation of colonic motility in experimental colitis.