Increased small intestinal motility is associated with decreased nitrergic myenteric neuronal density in chronic alcohol-treated rats

The effects of chronic alcohol exposure on the enteric nitrergic neurons with reference to the alteration of the small bowel motility have not been studied. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of chronic alcohol administration on NOS activity and on the distribution of nitrergic myenteric neurons in the small intestine in relation to the small bowel transit (SBT). Materials and methods: Rats received 15% ethanol for drinking for 2 months. SBT were estimated by the phenol red assay 30 minutes after intragastric administration. The distribution of the nitrergic neurons was evaluated by NOS immunohi…