Action of caerulein on intestinal motility in man.

Abstract

Caerulein was tested for its stimulant activity on the gut in 42 healthy volunteers. The study comprised both manometric observations in limited segments of duodenum or jejunum and radiological studies which allowed the observation of the effect of caerulein on the whole gastrointestinal tract. Manometric studies showed that the peptide exerted an inhibitory action on the first half of the duodenum and a stimulant action on the distal duodenum and upper jejunum. Threshold stimulant doses were 1 to 2 ng per kg by intravenous injection and 10 to 20 ng per kg by intramuscular injection. With 750 ng per kg the effect lasted approximately 30 min. Radiological study showed that caerulein markedly accelerated the transit of the contrast medium. With 500 or 750 ng per kg the radio-opaque material reached the cecum in 20 to 40 min. Only 1 subject, treated with 750 ng per kg of caerulein, experienced nausea and noticeable abdominal discomfort. We suggested that caerulein may be found useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases associated with alteration of motility.