Inflammation reduces mucosal secretion of hydrogen ions and impairs concentrating function and luminal acidification in feline gallbladder.
BACKGROUND
The gallbladder mucosa normally absorbs fluid and secretes H+ ions. The fluid secretion in inflamed gallbladders is induced by prostaglandins and mediated by intramural vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-ergic nerves.


METHODS
The influence of inflammation on gallblader contents due to secretion of H+ into the lumen. In animals with inflamed gallbladder this acid secretion was reduced; there was secretion of HCO3- and no evident acidification of the gallbladder contents. Injection of VIP antiserum or indomethacin restored H+ secretion and inhibited HCO3- and fluid secretion by the inflamed gallbladder mucosa. An impaired acidification of the gallbladder contents due to mucosal inflammation may reduce the solubility of calcium salts in gallbladder bile and increase the risk of their precipitation in the lumen.


CONCLUSIONS
Mucosal inflammation reduces H+ secretion and impairs acidification of the gallbladder contents.
Dept. of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
B
B
Nilsson
S
S
Friman
A
A
Thune
L
L
Jivegård
J
J
Svanvik
D000584:Amiloride / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000378:metabolism; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000378:metabolism; D002415:Cats; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000378:metabolism*; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D004232:Diuretics / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D011522:Protons; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000502:physiology
D001639:Bicarbonates; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D004232:Diuretics; D011522:Protons; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D000584:Amiloride; D007213:Indomethacin