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Streptozotocin-diabetes attenuates alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist-induced delay in small intestinal transit in mice

K Ramabadran1, M Bansinath, H Turndorf

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, New York University Medical Center, New York 10016.

Journal of Autonomic Pharmacology
|June 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists reduce gut motility in normal and hyperglycemic mice. However, this effect is weakened in diabetic mice, suggesting peripheral mechanisms may be involved in diabetic diarrhea.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists are known to affect gastrointestinal (GI) motility.
  • Diabetic complications, such as diabetic diarrhea, can significantly impact quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists on GI motility in normoglycaemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.
  • To explore the potential mechanisms underlying the altered response in diabetic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of various alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists (clonidine, azepexole, tizanidine, ST-91) to normoglycaemic, acutely hyperglycaemic, and chronically hyperglycaemic (streptozotocin-induced diabetic) mice.
  • Quantification of gut motility using the charcoal meal test.

Main Results:

  • Alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists significantly inhibited meal transit in normoglycaemic and acutely hyperglycaemic mice.
  • The anti-transit effect of these agonists was attenuated in streptozotocin-diabetic mice.
  • The attenuation was observed with both centrally and peripherally acting agonists, suggesting peripheral mechanisms are involved and not solely related to elevated blood sugar levels.

Conclusions:

  • The efficacy of alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists in reducing GI transit is diminished in a model of chronic diabetes.
  • Peripheral mechanisms appear to play a role in this attenuation.
  • Further evaluation of alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists is warranted for the management of diabetic diarrhea.

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