Stimulatory effect of short-chain fatty acids on epithelial cell proliferation of isolated and denervated jejunal segment of the rat.

Involvement of the mesenteric nerve in the efferent transmission of the trophic effect of short-chain fatty acids was tested in rats. A short segment of jejunum was translocated under the skin with or without its mesenteric connection maintained. A mixture of acetic, propionic, and n-butyric acids (100, 20, and 60 mM, respectively) or 0.9% NaCl (control) was injected into the caecum via an ileostomy twice a day for 14 days. Trophic effects of short-chain fatty acids were observed in jejunal and caecal segments and in the translocated jejunal segments both with and without mesenteric connection. The results suggest that short-chain fatty acids given into the hindgut lumen can indirectly stimulate the epithelial cell proliferation of a distant intestinal segment without luminal continuation to the site of administration, and this trophic effect does not require efferent transmission by nerves in the mesentery. Blood-born mediation is likely.