[Effect of ascorbic acid on the intestinal motor activity in domestic animals].

The research investigates how ascorbic acid (vitamin C) influences the movement of the intestines in various domestic animals, proposing a link to the adrenogenic system. The study found that ascorbic acid significantly impacts intestinal motility, with effects being stronger in smaller intestine sections and likely mediated by adrenergic receptors.

Methodology

• The researchers used five types of domestic animals for the study – rabbits, pigs, cows, sheep, and horses.
• They studied the motoric activity of various sections of the animals’ intestines – duodenum, jejunum, caecum, and colon – after administering ascorbic acid, using the Magnus method to record motility.
• To determine the mechanism of diastolic reaction induced by ascorbic acid, the researchers tested the substance before and after blocking cholinergic and adrenergic receptors in the animals’ jejunum.
• Chronic experiments were also conducted on rabbits to confirm the initial findings.

Findings

• All animals showed diastolic reactions when ascorbic acid was administered, with responses noticeably higher in small intestines than in large ones.
• The changes in intestinal motility were likely not associated with cholinergic receptors. However, ascorbic acid’s inhibiting action appeared to be mediated by adrenergic receptors.
• The ascorbic acid levels in different parts of the intestine were measured using a colorimetric method. A direct relationship was revealed between the intestines’ sensitivity to ascorbic acid and its concentration in the intestinal wall.
• The segments of the intestine richest in vitamin C demonstrated the highest diastolic reaction to ascorbic acid.

Control Experiments

• Control experiments were carried out to ascertain that the intestinal diastolic reactions observed after the application of ascorbic acid were not due to a reduction in pH.

Conclusion

• The research concludes that ascorbic acid considerably affects the motoric activity of the intestines in domestic animals. This effect is stronger in smaller intestines and seems to be connected to the adrenogenic system.