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Barbiturate poisoning and gastrointestinal propulsion
P Holzer1, E Beubler, R Dirnhofer
1Institut für experimentelle und klinische Pharmakologie, Universität Graz, Austria.
Archives of Toxicology
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Anesthetic doses of barbiturates, like pentobarbitone and phenobarbitone, significantly slow down gastrointestinal motility in rats. This suggests a direct effect on the digestive tract, impacting gastric emptying and transit.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants with known physiological effects.
- The impact of anesthetic doses of barbiturates on gastrointestinal function requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pentobarbitone and phenobarbitone on gastrointestinal motility in rats.
- To determine if the observed effects are due to a direct action on the digestive tract.
Main Methods:
- Administration of anesthetic doses of pentobarbitone (50 mg/kg) and phenobarbitone (150 mg/kg) to rats.
- Assessment of gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit.
- Evaluation of the effect of barbiturates on the peristaltic reflex in isolated guinea-pig small intestine.
Main Results:
- Anesthetic doses of pentobarbitone and phenobarbitone significantly inhibited gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit in rats.
- Gastric emptying was more profoundly affected than gastrointestinal transit.
- Barbiturates blocked the peristaltic reflex in isolated guinea-pig small intestine, indicating a direct effect.
Conclusions:
- The inhibitory effect of anesthetic barbiturates on gastrointestinal motility is primarily mediated by a direct action on the digestive tract.
- These findings suggest that gastric lavage may be a consideration in managing prolonged barbiturate poisoning, given the drug's persistence in the stomach.