The role of hypothalamic Orexin‐A in stress‐induced gastric dysmotility: An agonistic interplay with corticotropin releasing factor

Abstract Background Central Orexin‐A (OXA) modulates gastrointestinal (GI) functions and stress response. This study aimed to investigate whether OXA and CRF interact at hypothalamic level. Methods Solid gastric emptying (GE), fecal output (FO), plasma corticosterone (CORT), and postprandial antro‐pyloric motility were assessed in rats that underwent acute restraint stress (ARS) and pretreated with central OX1R and/or CRF receptor antagonists SB‐334867 and alpha‐helical CRF 9,41 . Microdialysis was performed to assess ARS‐induced release of OXA and CRF in PVN and LHA, respectively. Immunofluorescence labeling was performed to detect the stress‐induced changes in OXA and to assess the hypothalamic distribution of OX1R and CRF1/2 receptors. ARS‐induced c‐Fos immunoreactivity was evaluated in PVN and LHA of rats received OX1R and CRF receptor antagonists. Key Results ARS delayed GE by disturbing the coordination of antro‐pyloric contractions while stimulating FO and CORT secretion. ARS‐induced alterations in GE, FO, plasma CORT, and antro‐pyloric motility were attenuated by OX1R and/or CRF receptor antagonists, however, these changes were completely restored in rats received both antagonists. ARS stimulated release of OXA and CRF which were significantly attenuated by α‐CRF 9,41 and SB‐334867, respectively. The OX1R was detected in CRF‐immunoreactive cells, whereas dense expression of CRF2 receptor but not CRF1 was observed in LHA. ARS remarkably increased OXA immunoreactivity in LHA. ARS‐induced c‐Fos expression in LHA and PVN was abolished by α‐CRF 9,41 and SB‐334867, respectively. Conclusions & Inferences Our findings suggest a reciprocal contribution of OXA and CRF which seems to be involved in the mediation of stress‐induced alterations in neuroendocrine and GI motor functions.