[Difference in the action of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on longitudinal circular muscle contractions of the colon. Experimental study in dogs].

The effect of prostaglandin E2 (PgE2) on the circular and longitudinal contractions of the canine colon was studied in chronic conditions. A mechanical transducer developed in our laboratory and implanted on the canine colon collected simultaneously and separately the variations of length in two perpendicular directions. The recordings started at the 6 postoperative day. The colonic motility was recorded two hours before (as control period) and two hours after the intravenous injection of PgE2 at three different doses: 0.1-1.0 and 10 micrograms/kg. PgE2, at the three doses, induced, progressively over time, a significant decrease in duration and amplitude of the circular contractions, while the amplitude of longitudinal contractions remained unchanged. 10 micrograms/kg of PgE2 immediately induced a significant increase in the duration of longitudinal contractions followed by a decrease in this value during the 2nd hour after PgE2 administration. Each dose of PgE2 shortened the period of recurrence of longitudinal contractions, inducing rapid or immediate bursts of contractions. This effect was moderate or absent for the circular contractions. It is concluded, that PgE2 has different actions on circular and longitudinal contractions of the colon. According to the dose used, it induces hypokinesia (relaxation) in the circular muscle and premature strong contractions in the longitudinal motor activity.