A Botanical-Based Equine Nutraceutical Reduces Gastric Smooth Muscle Contractile Force In Vitro.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a botanical-based equine nutraceutical on contractility of gastric smooth muscle in vitro. Gastric ulcers are prevalent in performance horses and negatively impact horse welfare. Gastric hypermotility has been positively associated with the development of gastric ulceration in nonequine species, and reduction of hypermotility may be protective against their development. Stomachs from 12 pigs processed for food at a provincially inspected abattoir were collected within 1 hour of slaughter. Explants of nonglandular gastric tissue were prepared and suspended in a tissue bath, attached to a force transducer, in the presence or absence of a simulated digest extract of the nutraceutical. Tissue was stimulated to contract using increasing doses of acetylcholine. Peak and mean contractile force over 1 and 2 minutes after exposure to acetylcholine were measured. Exposure of gastric smooth muscle to the nutraceutical significantly reduced contractility of the tissue. These data provide support for the use of this nutraceutical to reduce contractility of nonglandular gastric smooth muscle and may indicate a protective effect of this nutraceutical in horses with mechanically induced gastric ulcers. Future studies are needed to clarify the role of gastric hypermotility on development of equine gastric ulcers and to determine the effect of this nutraceutical on equine gastric contractility and ulcerogenesis in vivo.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2019-11-11 PubMed ID: 31864457DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102836Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article explores the impact of a botanical-based equine nutraceutical on the contraction of gastric smooth muscles in pigs, in a laboratory environment. The study finds that the presence of this nutraceutical significantly reduces the contractility of the tissue which could indicate a protective use against the development of gastric ulcers in horses.
Objective of the Research
- The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of a botanical-based equine nutraceutical on the contractility of gastric smooth muscles using an in vitro method.
- The research aims to explore potential treatments for gastric ulcers which negatively influence the welfare of performance horses.
Research Methodology
- Stomachs from 12 pigs were acquired within 1 hour of their slaughter and nonglandular gastric tissue samples were prepared.
- The tissue samples were subjected to a simulated digestion process in a bath tissue, with some exposed to the extract of the nutraceutical and some without exposure.
- The tissues were stimulated with increasing doses of acetylcholine, a chemical that triggers muscle contractions.
- Measurements of Peak and mean contractile forces were taken 1 and 2 minutes following exposure to acetylcholine.
Findings of the Research
- Exposure of the gastric smooth muscles to the botanical-based equine nutraceutical resulted in a significant reduction of muscle contractility.
- The study’s findings support the prospective use of the nutraceutical to decrease contractility of nonglandular gastric smooth muscle, indicating a potential protective effect against mechanically induced gastric ulcers in horses.
Implications and Future Research
- The role of gastric hypermotility or increased gastric movements in the development of equine gastric ulcers and the specific effect of the nutraceutical on equine gastric contractility and ulcerogenesis—for instance, ulcer development—in live horses is yet to be clarified and suggests the need for more focused studies.
Cite This Article
APA
Reed L, MacNicol JL, Charchoglyan A, Brewer D, Murrant C, Pearson W.
(2019).
A Botanical-Based Equine Nutraceutical Reduces Gastric Smooth Muscle Contractile Force In Vitro.
J Equine Vet Sci, 84, 102836.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102836 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agriculture College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agriculture College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
- Advanced Analysis Centre, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
- Advanced Analysis Centre, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agriculture College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: wpearson@uoguelph.ca.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Dietary Supplements
- Horse Diseases
- Horses
- Muscle Contraction
- Muscle, Smooth
- Stomach Ulcer / veterinary
- Swine
- Swine Diseases
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