Dietary protein level affects in vitro peristaltic reflex in the small intestine of young pigs

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of dietary protein level on contractility of the small intestine in young pigs. Animals (about 15 kg BW initially) were fed during 40 days with isoenergetic diets containing 16, 18, or 20% of crude protein. Higher protein levels in the diets as well as similar concentration of essential amino acids were attained by substitution of corn starch with wheat gluten and crystalline amino acids. At about 40 kg BW, the animals were sacrificed and the longitudinal strips of duodenum and mid-jejunum were taken for analysis of smooth muscle mechanical activity in vitro. Spontaneous activity, responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS), and responses to acetylcholine (ACh) were recorded. Frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions were similar in all groups, both in the duodenum and the mid-jejunum. In the duodenum, responses to EFS and ACh were the same irrespective of the dietary protein level. Responses to EFS in the mid-jejunum were significantly enhanced in the animals receiving the diet with 20% protein; however, the response to ACh was not changed. The mechanism of neuronal response may involve primary afferent pathways “sensing” contents in the lumen of the intestine through enterochromaffin cells. The enteric neuronal pathways may also be activated by a higher level of free amino acid(s) or by dietary peptides and proteins.