Development of an experimental system for evaluation of the effect of stress on intestinal motility using a radionuclide, 51Cr, in the rat.

We attempted to develop an experimental system for evaluation of the influence of stress on small intestinal motility using a radionuclide, 51Cr, and an acute restraint stress model. Each rat was immobilized in an adjustable restraint device for 1 to 5 h. The rat was given 51Cr immediately after the end of stress loading through a catheter inserted into the duodenum, and sacrificed 20 min after administration. The small intestine was removed and the 51Cr radioactivity was continuously monitored with an NaI-scintillation survey meter. The small intestinal motility was estimated by the distance of the radioactive peak from the top of the duodenum. The small intestinal motility was significantly inhibited by 3 h-restraint stress. This experimental system is easy, rapid, and simple for the evaluation of the effect of stress on small intestinal motility.