Gastrointestinal actions of metoclopramide. An experimental study.

Abstract

Summary The gastrointestinal actions of metoclopramide [ N -(diethylaminoethyl)-2-methoxy-4-amino-5-chlorobenz amide] have been investigated in experimental animals. This compound was found to stimulate gastric contractile activity in anesthetized and unanesthetized dogs and to accelerate stomach emptying in rats and monkeys. No significant increase in gastric acid secretion could be demonstrated in either rat or dog. The gastric motor stimulation was antagonized by anti cholinergics and morphine, but was not blocked by vagotomy or a ganglionic blocking drug. The action of metoclopramide appears to involve activation of intramural cholinergic neurons respon sible for modifying gastric motility but notacid secretion, either by a direct stimulation or by removal of inhibitory influences.