Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea is associated with changes in the luminal environment in the DA rat (original) (raw)

2007, Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.)

The microflora of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are a complex ecosystem, performing a number of beneficial functions. Irinotecan causes both early and late diarrhea, the latter possibly caused, in part, by changes in the microflora of the GIT. Female DA rats were given atropine subcutaneously, prior to a single 200 mg/kg intraperitoneal dose of irinotecan. Animals were monitored for diarrhea and killed at 30 and 60 mins, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hrs after chemotherapy administration. Control rats received no treatment. Fecal samples and stomach, jejunum, and colon samples were collected and stored at -70 degrees C until required. Standard microbiological culture techniques were used to grow and isolate the flora. Biochemical tests were used to identify the bacteria. The level of growth was noted for relative comparison between time points and graded accordingly. Early diarrhea was observed in the rats from 2-6 hrs after treatment, after which time the diarrhea resolved. Late onse...