In vitro investigation of the effect of prostaglandins and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on contractile activity of the equine smooth muscle of the dorsal colon, ventral colon, and pelvic flexure

Abstract

In the equine large intestine, exogenous prostaglandins had a variable effect on contractile activity, depending on the location in the colon and orientation of the smooth muscle. The administration of NSAID inhibited contractility, with flunixin meglumine generally inducing the most profound inhibition relative to the other NSAID evaluated in substance P-stimulated smooth muscle of the large intestine. The results of this study indicate that prolonged use of NSAID may potentially predispose horses to develop gastrointestinal tract stasis and subsequent impaction.