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Related Experiment Videos

Endogenous nitric oxide modulates morphine-induced constipation.

A Calignano1, S Moncada, M Di Rosa

  • 1Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|December 16, 1991
PubMed
Summary
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L-arginine effectively reverses morphine-induced constipation in mice through peripheral actions, suggesting a potential treatment for opioid-related constipation.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Opioid analgesics like morphine commonly cause constipation.
  • The mechanisms underlying opioid-induced constipation are not fully understood.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) actions are implicated in morphine-induced gastrointestinal effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of L-arginine in modulating opioid-induced constipation.
  • To determine the site of action (central vs. peripheral) for L-arginine's effects.
  • To explore the potential therapeutic application of L-arginine for constipation.

Main Methods:

  • Morphine and its quaternary analogue, N-methyl morphine, were administered to mice.
  • Constipation was assessed by measuring gastrointestinal charcoal transit.

Related Experiment Videos

  • L-arginine and D-arginine were administered intraperitoneally or intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.).
  • Atropine-induced constipation was used as a control.

    • Main Results:

    • Morphine inhibited gastrointestinal transit in mice.
    • N-methyl morphine only inhibited transit when administered i.c.v., suggesting a CNS role for morphine.
    • L-arginine, but not D-arginine, reversed morphine-induced constipation when given peripherally.
    • L-arginine was ineffective when given i.c.v. and did not affect atropine-induced constipation.

    Conclusions:

    • L-arginine shows stereospecific, peripheral activity in reversing opioid-induced constipation.
    • L-arginine may act by enhancing nitric oxide release from gut nerves.
    • L-arginine is a potential therapeutic agent for managing constipation caused by narcotic analgesics.