Neurohormonal regulation of ion transport in the porcine distal jejunum. Actions of neurotensin and its natural homologs.

The tridecapeptide neurotensin (NT) is present at high concentrations within the mammalian gut, although its physiological function is undefined. In this study, the actions of NT and structurally related peptides neuromedin N (NM-N) and xenopsin were characterized on ion transport in the porcine distal jejunal mucosa in vitro. The serosal-side administration of these peptides elicited rapid changes in transmural potential difference and short-circuit current (Isc) which were greater in mesenteric than in antimesenteric segments. NT-induced elevations in Isc were dependent upon external permeant anions and were associated with net Cl transport in both segments. In mesenteric segments, NT and its homologs increased Isc with the order of potency: NT greater than NM-N greater than xenopsin. NT produced tachyphylaxis to its own actions and to those of NM-N; NM-N was ineffective in producing tachyphylaxis. Isc elevations produced by NT were inhibited by the neuronal conduction blocker tetrodotoxin (0.1 microM) or the Ca++-channel blocker dl-verapamil (100 microM) and reduced in Ca++-free media. Antagonists to the enteric transmitters acetylcholine, ATP, 5-hydroxytryptamine, substance P and histamine did not alter Isc responses of mesenteric segments to NT. Serosal administration of vasoactive intestinal peptide (10 nM) did not resemble the effects of NT. The magnitude of Isc responses to these agonists was smaller in antimesenteric segments. These results indicate that NT-related peptides present in mucosal endocrine cells or nerves of the porcine jejunum may modulate Cl transport through mechanisms that involve the Ca++-dependent release of unknown enteric neurotransmitters. Moreover, there appear to exist within the distal jejunum circumferential differences in mucosal responses to NT and other neurohumoral factors.