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The Ewha Medical Journal
Ewha Womans University School of Medicine

Ewha Med J 2004; 27(1):3-9

pISSN: 1598-7450

DOI: https://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2004.27.1.3

Original Article

Evaluation of Colonic Physiologic Properties in Old Rats using in vitro and in vivo Techniques

Seong Eun Kim, Sung-Ae Jung

Copyright ⓒ 2004. Ewha Womans University School of Medicine. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Published Online: Mar 30, 2004

Abstract

Objectives

As the lifespan of men have been extended, the interest in functional aging process of each organs is increasing. The aim of this study was to investigate lbjectively several physiological changes in aged colon, using rats.

Methods

We used old healthy Sprage-Dawley rats(n=33, over 17months), and young rats(n=28, 8 - 10weeks). Glass bead expulsion tests were done in vivo, and colon transit and muscle tension were measured in vitro.

Results

For glass bead expulsion, more time was needed significantly in young rat group (p=0.028). The speed of colon transit was accelerated in distal colon significantly regardless of age, but the number of rats with complete transt was superior in young rat group. Development of tension in respose to Carbachol was not different significantly between two groups (p=0.345).

Conclusion

Colonic functional decline with age was observed through in vivo and in vitro study. Further studies are required to determine the real influences on a living body and the mechanisms involved in this motor change.

Keywords: Age; Colonic function; Rat