Sex Differences in Ileal Somatostatin-Response after Stress Conditioning in Rats

Abstract

Abstract:We investigated the effects of somatostatin on the ileal movements after gravity stress and compared these effects between male and female rats. Using an in vitro preparation, measurements of ileal movements evoked by somatostatin application were done at 1, 3, 15 and 30 days after 3G gravity loading-conditioning. Mixed phasic and tonic patterns were observed in the ileal muscle activities. Gravity-stress decreased or antagonized somatostatin inhibitory effects on tonic ileal contraction at an early stage (at day 3) in females, but not in males, indicating that sex differences exist in the way that changes of somatostatin sensitivity is modulated by stress conditioning.