NALOXONE REVERSAL OF DRUG-INDUCED DIARRHEA IN MICE

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 240  (2) , 340-350
Abstract
The potential role of endogenous opiates in the mediation of the diarrheal actions of prostaglandin-F2.alpha. (PGF2.alpha.), 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and methacholine was investigated. The interaction of the antidiarrheal agents morphine, propantheline bromide and cyproheptadine on the course of PGF2.alpha.-induced diarrhea in mice was studied, as were the effects of naloxone on PGF2.alpha.-, methacholine- and 5-HTP-induced diarrhea. The 3 diarrheal agents, administered i.p., showed dose-dependent and parallel dose-response curves with the following order of decreasing potency: PGF2.alpha., methacholine and 5-HTP. Naloxone significantly inhibited the diarrhea induced by these agents. The diarrheal action of PGF2.alpha. was also significantly attenuated with morphine, propantheline and cyproheptadine. PGF2.alpha. methacholine and 5-HTP apparently induced diarrhea via a common pharmacological mechanism(s) which may involve an interaction with endgenous opiate receptors. The antagonism of diarrhea with agents having diverse pharmacological actions suggests that factors unrelated to an interaction with endogenous opiates may also be involved in the production of diarrhea by these diarrheagenic agents.

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