GABAA- and GABAB-receptor-mediated modification of intestinal motility

The actions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its analogues, 3-amino-1-propanesulphonic acid (3APS) and baclofen, have been investigated using isolated segments of the guinea-pig ileum and distal colon. GABA and 3APS, but not baclofen, induced GABAA-receptor mediated effects; prompt, dose-dependent contractions of the ileum which were antagonised by bicuculline, picrotoxinin, piretanide, tetramethylenedisulphotetramine, atropine and tetrodotoxin. Baclofen and GABA, but not 3APS, induced a dose-dependent GABAB-receptor mediated depression of electrically elicited twitch contractions of the ileum, unaffected by the GABAA-receptor antagonists or by antagonism of adenosine, adrenergic, opiate or nicotinic receptors. In the distal colon, baclofen and GABA caused a bicuculline- and picrotoxinin-insensitive depression of spontaneous cholinergic contractions. Desensitization to GABA and baclofen, and cross-desensitization to both agonists was observed. Combined antagonism of GABAA-receptors and desensitization to baclofen slowed pellet expulsion to the same extent as GABA desensitization alone, indicating that both GABAA- and GABAB-receptor sites are involved in this modification of peristalsis by GABA.