Ethyl alcohol (EtOH) is a commonly used and abused drug. One of the many parts of the body affected by EtOH is the gastrointestinal tract. Although some of the gastrointestinal disorders associated with alcohol use have been widely investigated, studies of its effects on gastrointestinal motility have been largely neglected. It is known that EtOH interferes with the ability of the stomach to empty, and there have been studies showing effects on small and large intestinal motility. But these studies, for the most part, have not investigated the mechanisms responsible for motor disorders. In the last grant period we investigated the direct effects of EtOH on gastric muscles, and found that, at concentrations achieved in blood, EtOH reduces the force and frequency of gastric contractions. These effects appear to be due to the ability of EtOH to interfere with the electrical excitability mechanisms of the smooth muscle cells. Preliminary data shows that EtOH also affects dudodenal and colonic muscles. Mechanical and intracellular electrophysiological experiments are planned to characterize the effects of EtOH in these organs. By comparing the responses of muscles from several sites, we hope to develop a general theory of the electrical and mechanical effects of EtOH in GI smooth muscles. Mechanistic studies are also planned to test the hypothesis that EtOH alters these parameters by altering the conductance of specific ionic channels in the cell membranes of smooth muscles.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01AA005883-04
Application #
3109152
Study Section
Alcohol Biomedical Research Review Committee (ALCB)
Project Start
1982-09-29
Project End
1988-08-31
Budget Start
1985-09-27
Budget End
1986-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Nevada Reno
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
146515460
City
Reno
State
NV
Country
United States
Zip Code
89557
Gass, Justin T; Jenkins, William J; Marino, Melissa D et al. (2007) Alcohol exposure during development: analysis of effects on female sexual behavior. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 31:2065-72
Sanders, K M; Reed, J B; Berry, R G (1989) Gradient in the effects of ethyl alcohol on canine gastric antral circular muscles. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 248:202-7
Gerthoffer, W T; Shafer, P G; Taylor, S (1987) Selectivity of phenytoin and dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers for relaxation of the basilar artery. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 10:9-15
Smith, T K; Reed, J B; Sanders, K M (1987) Origin and propagation of electrical slow waves in circular muscle of canine proximal colon. Am J Physiol 252:C215-24
Sanders, K M; Smith, T K (1986) Motoneurones of the submucous plexus regulate electrical activity of the circular muscle of canine proximal colon. J Physiol 380:293-310
Bauer, A J; Sanders, K M (1986) Passive and active membrane properties of canine gastric antral circular muscles. Am J Physiol 251:C268-73
Publicover, N G; Sanders, K M (1986) Effects of frequency on the wave form of propagated slow waves in canine gastric antral muscle. J Physiol 371:179-89
Sanders, K M; Smith, T K (1986) Enteric neural regulation of slow waves in circular muscle of the canine proximal colon. J Physiol 377:297-313
Publicover, N G; Sanders, K M (1985) Myogenic regulation of propagation in gastric smooth muscle. Am J Physiol 248:G512-20
Bauer, A J; Publicover, N G; Sanders, K M (1985) Origin and spread of slow waves in canine gastric antral circular muscle. Am J Physiol 249:G800-6

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