A possible interaction between serotonin and cholecystokinin-8 in the ileo-colonic motor responses to feeding in rats

The effects of cholecystokinin (CCK)-A, CCK-B, and 5-hydroxytryptamine-2 (5-HT2) receptor antagonists on the postprandial myoelectric activity of the ileum and the proximal and distal colon in rats were studied. After L364,718, a CCK-A receptor antagonist, or ritanserin, 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, the duration of the ileal postprandial motor pattern was reduced by 60%. In contrast, L365,260, a CCK-B receptor antagonist, had no effect. In the distal colon, the postprandial response was inhibited by CCK-A, CCK-B, and 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, whereas they were inactive in the proximal colon. CCK-8 administered at the end of the meal suppressed the inhibitory effect of ritanserin on the ileum and the distal colon. These results suggest that, in rats, CCK-8 is involved in the control of the ileal motor response to feeding through CCK-A receptors and in that of the distal colon through both CCK-A and CCK-B receptors. Serotonin seems to play a role in CCK-8 control through 5-HT2 receptors.