Effect of ileo-jejunal transposition on the growth of the GI tract and pancreas in young and aged rats

Background. Ileo-jejunal transposition (IJT; transposition of the distal quarter of the small intestine into the proximal jejunum) is known to stimulate mucosal growth of the transposed ileum, but the effects on other parts of the small intestine are controversial. The effect of aging on the trophic action of IJT is not known. Methods. We examined the trophic effect of IJT (3 weeks post-operation) on the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, and on plasma levels of neurotensin and gastrin in three different aged groups of Fischer 344 rats (4, 12, and 24 months old). Results. Three weeks after IJT, the mucosal mass, villus height, and crypt depth increased significantly in the transposed ileum as well as in the remainder of the small intestine. The weights of the colon and pancreas increased significantly after IJT. These responses were not affected by aging. In each of the three age groups. IJT did not affect plasma gastrin level, but significantly increased plasma level of neurotensin. Conclusions. The distal ileum appears to play an important role in the regulation of growth in the intestine and pancreas; this role is preserved in aged rats. Neurotensin may play an important role in this mechanism.