Figure 7.
Effect of low-grade colitis on (A) the myeloperoxidase (MPO) content of the colonic wall, (B) the disease activity index (DAI), and the effect of i.v.-administered cilansetron (0.3 mg·kg−1) on (C) colonic blood flow (CBF) measured by laser Doppler flowmetry and (D) colonic vascular conductance (CVC). Low-grade colitis was induced by adding dextran sulphate sodium (3%) to the drinking water for 7 days. The control animals received normal tap water. CBF and CVC were recorded and averaged during the 15–0 min period pre injection and the 5–20 min and 35–50 min periods post injection. It should be noted that the DAI for the control group in panel B was 0. Means ± SEM, n= 10–11. ++P < 0.01 versus control (Student's t-test). PU, perfusion unit.