Caffeine impairs gastrointestinal function in newborn rats

Abstract

Background: Feeding intolerance is commonly documented in premature infants. Caffeine is routinely utilized for apnea of prematurity treatment and known to reduce the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle tone, but the caffeine effect on the newborn gastrointestinal function is unknown. We hypothesized that caffeine impairs esophageal and gastrointestinal motor function. As such, we investigated the drug effect on the tissue's mechanical properties and the newborn rat's in vivo gastric emptying rate. Methods: The effects of caffeine on LES, gastric fundal and antrum, as well as ileal and colonic muscle force potential and relaxation response, were measured in newborn and adult rats. The caffeine-induced (10 mg/kg i.p.) newborn gastric emptying rate changes were evaluated following 3 h of fasting. results: Caffeine relaxed the precontracted LES and fundal muscle (P < 0.01), reduced the gastric and intestinal muscle contraction (P < 0.01), and delayed the pups' gastric emptying time (P < 0.01). The caffeine-induced muscle relaxant effect was independent of age and mediated via ryanodine receptors. conclusion: Caffeine administration to newborn rats at a dose comparable to the one therapeutically used for preterm neonates impairs LES and gastrointestinal motor function. Further clinical investigation on the possible contribution of caffeine to neonatal feeding intolerance is warranted.

Caffeine and Gastric Emptying Time in Very Preterm Neonates

“…In another recent study, Fazeli W et al [ 8 ] showed detrimental effects of caffeine exposure to rodent brain development. Caffeine administration to newborn rats at a dose comparable to the one therapeutically used for preterm neonates impairs lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and gastrointestinal motor function [ 9 ].…”

Kafein sıçan yavrularında bağırsak hasarı gelişiminde predispozan bir risk faktörü mü?

“…In a recent experimental study which investigated the effects of caffeine (administered 10 mg/kg intra peritoneal) on gastrointestinal function, investigators documented that caffeine significantly reduced lower esophageal sphincter, gastric, and bowel smooth muscle tone, and induced delayed gastric emptying in newborn rats [7]. Also, same investigators reported that the mechanism responsible for the caffeine-induced gastrointestinal muscle tone was mediated via smooth muscle cell ryanodine receptors [7]. There are a few studies evaluated the effects of caffeine on intestinal blood flow in preterm neonates in the literature [6,[24][25][26].…”

“…Although, the meta-analysis reported by Park et al [3] suggested that early caffeine usage in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants did not increased the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), recently published studies showed that there was a potential association between caffeine usage and the development of NEC in premature infants [5,6]. Moreover, a recent experimental study showed that caffeine administration to newborn rats impaired lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and gastrointestinal motor function [7].…”

Evaluation of caffeine and the development of necrotizing enterocolitis

“…Another mechanism for caffeine's potential association with NEC may result from recent findings of its impairment on gastrointestinal function, including decreases in muscle tone, gastric and intestinal muscle contractions, and gastric emptying time [41]. While feeding intolerance would not directly impact mesenteric blood flow, a delay in feeding and inability to provide gastric nutrition can impair overall intestinal function, nutrition, and require the use of gut pHaltering medications, each potentially increasing the risk of NEC.…”