Stimulation of intestinal apolipoprotein A-IV by lipid is independent of capsaicin-sensitive afferent signals.

We tested the hypothesis that stimulation of synthesis and secretion of intestinal apolipoprotein A-IV (apo A-IV) by intestinally infused lipid is mediated by capsaicin-sensitive afferent signals. Vehicle or capsaicin (125 mg/kg) was systemically administered to rats; then the effects of intestinal infusion of lipid emulsions on lymph lipid and apo A-IV transport were determined in rats equipped with duodenal infusion cannulas and mesenteric lymph fistulas. Capsaicin treatment did not significantly affect lymph outputs of triglyceride, phospholipid, and apo A-IV during duodenal infusion of triglyceride emulsion. In separate studies the effect of capsaicin treatment on ileal lipid-elicited stimulation of intestinal mucosal apo A-IV synthesis was also examined. Ileal lipid infusion increased apo A-IV synthesis in distal ileum, proximal jejunum, and jejunal Thirty-Vella fistulas; this finding was unaffected by capsaicin pretreatment. However, capsaicin treatment significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of duodenal acid and fat on gastric emptying. These results do not support a role for capsaicin-sensitive, sensory afferent nerves in the stimulation of intestinal apo A-IV by dietary lipid.