Published online Sep 14, 2017. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i34.6339
Peer-review started: April 1, 2017
First decision: April 26, 2017
Revised: May 15, 2017
Accepted: June 19, 2017
Article in press: June 19, 2017
Published online: September 14, 2017
Processing time: 169 Days and 18.3 Hours
To evaluate the role of P2Y1R in visceral hypersensitivity in rats with experimental irritable bowel syndrome.
A rat model of irritable bowel syndrome was generated by intra-colonic administration of acetic acid (AA) and assessed by histology and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assay. Then P2Y1R expression in the colonic tissue was detected by Western blot. In order to explore the regulatory role of P2Y1R in visceral hypersensitivity, an agonist (MRS2365) and an antagonist (MRS2179) of P2Y1R were intra-colonically administered and effects were tested through a colorectal distension test. The abdominal withdrawal reflex and abdominal electromyography were tested during the course.
Model assessment tests showed an obvious inflammatory reaction that appeared on the 2nd d after the AA injection, and the inflammatory reaction gradually recovered and almost disappeared on the 7th d. The model finished on day 8 and showed a clear feature of IBS that had no organic lesion. The average expression of P2Y1R was significantly higher in the AA group than in the naïve group (0.319 ± 0.02 vs 0.094 ± 0.016, P < 0.001). MRS2365 could effectively raise the colonic hypersensitivity status at intervention doses of 10 (AUC value from 0.30 ± 0.089 to 1.973 ± 0.127 mv·s, P < 0.01) and 100 μmol/L (AUC value from 0.290 ± 0.079 to 1.983 ± 0.195 mv·s, P < 0.01); MRS2179 could effectively reduce the hypersensitivity status at intervention dose of 100 μmol/L (from a mean baseline AUC value of 1.587 ± 0.099 mv·s to 0.140 ± 0.089 mv·s, P < 0.0001). Differences between the MRS2179 group (1.88 ± 1.45) and either the MRS2365 group (3.96 ± 0.19) or the combined treatment (MRS2179 and MRS2365) group (3.28 ± 0.11) were significant (P < 0.01).
P2Y1R plays a regulatory role in visceral hypersensitivity in rats with experimental IBS. Specific antagonists of P2Y1R may have potential therapeutic value in treating abdominal pain in IBS.
Core tip: P2Y1R is believed to be part of a high-sensitivity response to mechanical stimulation but whether it is involved in visceral hypersensitivity of irritable bowel syndrome is discussing. We detected its expression in the colon of a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome, and explored its regulatory role in visceral hypersensitivity with a specific agonist and an antagonist. The abdominal withdrawal reflex and electromyography tests showed effective changes after intervention. It was interesting to note that in case of combined treatment of the two drugs, the antagonist showed higher effects, which indicated that other P2 receptors might be involved in the hypersensitivity of irritable bowel syndrome.