THE EFFECT OF ALTERATIONS IN INTESTINAL MOTILITY INDUCED BY MORPHINE AND ATROPINE ON FAT ABSORPTION IN THE RAT

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Emulsified coconut oil was given by intraduodenal infusion to unanaesthetized, restrained rats, producing a steady state of fat absorption. The output of absorbed fat was measured by thoracic duct fistulae and, in other groups, disappearance of fat from the intestinal lumen and rate of movement along the small intestine of an unabsorbable, water miscible marker were measured by intestinal recoveries.Morphine, 32 mg./kg. in a single dose intraduodenally, decreased lymph flow, lymphatic output of fat and removal from the intestinal lumen. This was due to regurgitation of fat into the stomach by intestinal spasm, but intestinal absorption itself was not affected. Atropine, 1·0 mg./kg./hr. added to the infusion, diminished motility and slowed propulsion but had no consistent effect on absorption. By different mechanisms, both drugs slowed passage through the proximal small intestine and more fat was absorbed proximally than in normal rats.
Funding Information
  • University of Western Australia