Botulinum toxin in gastric submucosa reduces stimulated HCl production in rats.
BACKGROUND
Botulinum toxin blocks acetylcholine release from nerve endings and acts as a long term, reversible inhibitor of muscle contraction as well as of salivary, sweat gland, adrenal and prostatic secretions. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether gastric submucosal injection of botulinum toxin type A reduces stimulated gastric production of HCl.


METHODS
Sixty-four rats were randomized in two groups and laparotomized. One group was treated with botulinum toxin-A 10 U by multiple submucosal gastric injections, while the second group was injected with saline. Two weeks later, acid secretion was stimulated by pyloric ligation and acid output was measured. Body weight, food and water intake were also recorded daily.


RESULTS
HCl production after pyloric ligation was found to be significantly lower in botulinum toxin-treated rats (657 +/- 90.25 micromol HCl vs. 1247 +/- 152. P = 0.0017). Botulinum toxin-treated rats also showed significantly lower food intake and weight gain.


CONCLUSIONS
Botulinum toxin type A reduces stimulated gastric acidity. This is likely due either to inhibition of the cholinergic stimulation of gastric parietal cells, or to an action on the myenteric nervous plexuses. Reduction of growth and food intake may reflect both impaired digestion and decreased gastric motility.
Runfola
Matteo
M
Department of Surgery, Catholic University, Rome, Italy. runfola@tiscali.it
Rossi
Simone
S
Panunzi
Simona
S
Spada
Pier Luigi
PL
Gui
Daniele
D
D000818:Animals; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005744:Gastric Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects*; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A