Effect of nitric oxide modulators on nutrient absorption in broiler chicken

Nitric oxide (NO), a major paracrine-signaling molecule plays a decisive role in regulating multiple functions in the body. To study the role of nitric oxide in nutrient uptake in broiler chicken, 30 male birds (11 weeks of age) were divided into three equal groups and were administered intravenously with a NO donor (Sodium nitropruside @ 3mg/kg BW), an NO inhibitor (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester @ 400mg/kg BW) and normal saline (control) and in vivo nutrient uptake studies for calcium, phosphorus and glucose were carried out after 15, 30 and 45 minutes of administration. Results indicated that NO donor produced a significant (P<0.05) increase in uptake of calcium, phosphorus and glucose uptake while NO inhibitors resulted in significant (P<0.05) decrease in of absorption of these nutrients suggesting that NO has a favourable effect on nutrient absorption.