ABSTRACT
Disorders of motor function characterize virtually every form of inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, including inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcer disease and peptic esophagitis. Despite this association, surprisingly little is known of the direct or indirect effects of inflammation on smooth muscle function. It has been suggested that inflammation might alter gastrointestinal motility through direct effects on smooth muscle as well as through effects on extrinsic and intrinsic innervation of the gut. Mast cells within the lamina propria are the source of numerous mediators of inflammation and anaphylaxis. The release of peptido-leukotrienes from activated mast cells and the profile of their biological actions are consistent with their original description as the slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis. Platelet-activating factor shares many of the biological properties of the leukotrienes. It has potent chemotactic properties for neutrophils and eosinophils and can stimulate smooth muscle contraction.
