Inhibition by loperamide of deoxycholic acid induced intestinal secretion

The effect of loperamide on deoxycholic acid (DOC)-induced secretion was studied in ligated loops of the rat jejunum and colon in vivo. In controls, loperamide slightly augmented fluid absorption. 3 mmol DOC caused net fluid secretion. Loperamide reduced this secretion in the colon and reversed it to absorption in the jejunum. Na-K-ATPase specific activity and cAMP levels were measured in the jejunum, and [14C]erythritol clearance as an index of mucosal permeability in the colon. In the jejunum this opiate analogue affected neither basal or DOC-depressed Na-K-ATPase, nor mucosal cAMP. In the colon it reduced a large increase of the erythritol clearance caused by DOC. It is suggested that loperamide interferes with DOC-induced intestinal secretion in part by lowering mucosal permeability.