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Alterations inl-arginine availability and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in the intestinal muscularis may contribute to disturbed small intestinal motility that is observed during endotoxaemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect ofl-arginine infusion on visceral NO production and jejunal motility in hyperdynamic compensated endotoxaemic pigs. Fasted and saline-resuscitated pigs were intravenously infused for 24 h with endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, 50 ng kg−1 min−1) or saline (n = 6). Endotoxaemic pigs received either intravenousl-arginine (n = 6, 5.3 μmol kg−1 min−1) orl-alanine (isocaloric,n = 6). After 24 h, intravenousl-arginine orl-alanine infusion was continued intragastrically for 32-h in an enteral meal. During (0–24 h) and 1 day postendotoxaemia (48–56 h), jejunal motility was recorded by manometry and analysed for migrating motor complex (MMC) characteristics. Visceral NO production was measured at 24 and 48 h by15 N2-arginine-to-15 N-citrulline conversion. Visceral NO production was increased during endotoxaemia and was higher inl-arginine than inl-alanine-treated pigs. One day postendotoxaemia, visceral NO synthesis was still increased inl-arginine but not inl-alanine-treated animals. Endotoxaemia shortened the MMC cycle duration and accelerated the MMC propagation velocity. Both were restored byl-arginine. Similar motility disturbances were observed one day postendotoxaemia and were also compensated byl-arginine infusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The lactulose/rhamnose (L/R) intestinal permeability test is widely used. However, different quantities and proportions of lactulose and rhamnose are used. The aim of this study was to determine whether a low dosage of lactulose is able to discriminate between normal and increased permeability. Materials and methods Two groups of 10 healthy subjects were studied. In group 1, three different iso-osmolar test solutions were administered on 3 days. The solutions consisted of 10 g of L with 1 g of R, 5 g of L with 0.5 g of R and 1 g of L with 0.1 g of R in 65 mL of water. Group 2 ingested these solutions 1 h after ingestion of 750 mg of chenodeoxycholeic acid (CDCA), which is known to increase permeability. The urinary L/R ratio was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Data are presented as medians (range). Results In group 1, no differences were observed between the three solutions. In Group 2, there was a significant difference (P = 0.045) between the three solutions. The L/R ratios were 0.0079 (0.0024–0.0152) (1L to 0.1R), 0.0138 (0.0066–0.0192) (5L to 0.5R) and 0.0144 (0.0074–0.0374) (10L to 1R). The L/R ratio differed significantly between Groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.001) using the 5L to 0.5R and 10L to 1R solutions respectively. Conclusion If the permeability is increased, the urinary L/R ratio depends on the quantity of lactulose and rhamnose administered in equal proportion. 5L to 0.5R is sufficient to discriminate between a normal and a moderately increased permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]