The c-kit gene expression in gastrointestinal tract of slow transit constipation model rats

Objective To evaluate the c-kit gene expression in gastrointestinal tract of slow transit constipation(STC) model rats.Methods 24 healthy Wistar rats were divided randomly into constipated group and control group.In the constipated group,the rats were daily administered with diphenoxylate(8 mg/kg) to develop STC model,while the control rats were fed with normal saline.The number and the weight of fecal granule and the body weight of rats were recorded every 5 days.Transit functions of gastrointestinal movement were examined by an activated charcoal suspension pushing test one week after stopping the administration of diphenoxylate for 60 days and 90 days.After rats'dessection,gastric antrum,small intestine,colon tissue were selected.The c-kit gene expression was observed by RT-PCR.Results The daily number of fecal granule in the constipated group was significantly less than that in the control group.The mean weight of each fecal granule in the constipated group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P0.05).The discharge time of the first granule of black faeces in the constipated group was significantly longer than that in the control group(P0.05).The c-kit gene expression in the distal colonic in the constipated group was significantly reduced compared with control group(P0.05),but not in stomach and small intestine.Conclusion In the model of STC,the c-kit gene expression in stomach in the constipated group was not significantly reduced compared with control group.There was a decreasing trend of the c-kit gene expression in the small intestine.The visible reduction of c-kit gene expression in the distal colon may be contributed to the pathogenesis of STC in rats.