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.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the in vitro effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), PGF2alpha, PGI2; and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID; ie, flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, carprofen, and phenylbutazone) on contractile activity of the equine dorsal colon, ventral colon, and pelvic flexure circular and longitudinal smooth muscle.

ANIMALS

26 healthy horses.

PROCEDURE

Tissue collected from the ventral colon, dorsal colon, and pelvic flexure was cut into strips and mounted in a tissue bath system where contractile strength was determined. Incremental doses of PGE2, PGF2alpha,, PGI2, flunixin meglumine, carprofen, ketoprofen, and phenylbutazone were added to the baths, and the contractile activity was recorded for each location and orientation of smooth muscle.

RESULTS

In substance P-stimulated tissues, PGE2 and PGF2alpha enhanced contractility in the longitudinal smooth muscle with a decrease or no effect on circular smooth muscle activity. Prostaglandin I2 inhibited the circular smooth muscle response with no effect on the longitudinal muscle. The activity of NSAID was predominantly inhibitory regardless of location or muscle orientation.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

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.