positive regulation of small intestinal transit

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that increases the frequency, rate or extent of any small intestinal transit process, the migration of ingested material along the length of the small intestine. [GOC:sl, PMID:15890336]

Positive regulation of small intestinal transit is a complex biological process that controls the rate at which food moves through the small intestine. This process is tightly regulated by various factors, including hormonal signals, neural activity, and the physical properties of the intestinal contents.

**Hormonal Regulation:**
* **Motilin:** Released from the duodenum, motilin stimulates the migrating motor complex (MMC), a series of rhythmic contractions that sweep the small intestine clean between meals.
* **Cholecystokinin (CCK):** Secreted by the duodenum in response to fatty food, CCK slows down intestinal transit to allow for proper digestion and absorption of fats.
* **Gastrin:** Released from the stomach, gastrin promotes gastric emptying and stimulates intestinal motility.
* **Secretin:** Released from the duodenum in response to acidic chyme, secretin stimulates pancreatic and biliary secretions and may also influence intestinal motility.

**Neural Regulation:**
* **Enteric Nervous System (ENS):** The ENS is a complex network of neurons within the intestinal wall that controls local motility.
* **Parasympathetic Nervous System:** Stimulation of the vagus nerve increases intestinal motility.
* **Sympathetic Nervous System:** Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system generally decreases intestinal motility.

**Physical Factors:**
* **Intestinal Contents:** The volume, viscosity, and composition of the chyme (partially digested food) can influence transit time.
* **Intestinal Motility:** The coordinated contractions of intestinal smooth muscle (peristalsis) propel the chyme along the digestive tract.

**Other Factors:**
* **Gut Microbiota:** The composition and activity of the gut microbiota can influence intestinal motility.
* **Gastrointestinal Hormones:** Various hormones, such as serotonin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and peptide YY (PYY), can also influence intestinal transit.

**Overall, positive regulation of small intestinal transit ensures efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients, and it is crucial for maintaining gut health and overall well-being.'
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Compounds (15)