Simotang enhances gastrointestinal motility,motilin and cholecystokinin expression in chronically stressed mice

AIM:To investigate the effect of Simotang(Decoction of Four Powered Drugs) on gastrointestinal motility,motilin and cholecystokinin expression in chronically stressed mice.METHODS:Forty mice were randomly divided into control group,stress group(model group),mosapride group and Simotang group,10 in each group.A variety of unpredictable stimulations were used to induce chronic stress in mice.Then,the mice were treated with distilled water,mosapride or Simotang for 7 d.Gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion function were detected.Serum level of motilin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Expression of cholecystokinin(CCK) in intestine,spinal cord and brain of mice was detected by immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,respectively.RESULTS:Simotang improved the gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion in chronically stressed mice.Furthermore,the serum motilin level was significantly higher and the expression levels of CCK-positive cells and genes were significantly lower in intestine,spinal cord and brain of Simotang group than in those of model group(P<0.05).No significant difference was found in serum motilin level and expression levels of CCK-positive cells and genes between the mosapride and Simotang groups.CONCLUSION:Simotang enhances the gastrointestinal motility in chronically stressed mice by regulating the serum motilin level and the expression of cholecystokinin.