Binding of radiolabeled porcine motilin and erythromycin lactobionate to smooth muscle membranes in various segments of the equine gastrointestinal tract.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and characterize motilin receptors in equine duodenum, jejunum, cecum, and large colon and to determine whether erythromycin lactobionate competes with porcine motilin for binding to these receptors.


METHODS
Specimens of various segments of the intestinal tracts of 4 adult horses euthanatized for reasons unrelated to gastrointestinal tract disease.


METHODS
Cellular membranes were prepared from smooth muscle tissues of the duodenum, jejunum, pelvic flexure, and cecum. Affinity and distribution of motilin binding on membrane preparations were determined by use of 125I-labeled synthetic porcine motilin. Displacement studies were used to investigate competition between 125I-labeled synthetic porcine motilin and erythromycin lactobionate for binding to motilin receptors in various segments of bowel.


RESULTS
Affinity of 125I-labeled synthetic porcine motilin for the equine motilin receptor was estimated to be 6.1nM. A significantly higher number of motilin receptors was found in the duodenum than in the pelvic flexure and cecum. The jejunum had a significantly higher number of motilin receptors than the cecum. Erythromycin lactobionate displacement of 125I-labeled porcine motilin from the equine motilin receptor did not differ significantly among various segments of bowel.


CONCLUSIONS
Motilin receptors were found in the duodenum, jejunum, pelvic flexure, and cecum of horses. The highest number of motilin receptors was in the duodenum, and it decreased in more distal segments of bowel. Erythromycin lactobionate competed with motilin binding in the equine gastrointestinal tract. This suggests that 1 of the prokinetic actions of erythromycin in horses is likely to be secondary to binding on motilin receptors.
Koenig
Judith B
JB
Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada.
Cote
Nathalie
N
LaMarre
Jonathan
J
Harris
William H
WH
Trout
Donald R
DR
Kenney
Daniel G
DG
Monteith
Gabrielle
G
D000818:Animals; D001667:Binding, Competitive; D004064:Digestive System / Q000378:metabolism*; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006736:Horses / Q000378:metabolism*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009037:Motilin / Q000378:metabolism*; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000502:physiology*; D011964:Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide / Q000378:metabolism
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D011964:Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide; C050802:motilin receptor; C010948:erythromycin lactobionate; D009037:Motilin; D004917:Erythromycin