Serotonin increases the velocity of propagation and frequency of the migrating myoelectric complexes.

The effect of serotonin on the myoelectric activity of the gastrointestinal tract was evaluated in seven opossums. Continuous intravenous administration of serotonin reduced the cycle duration of the migrating myoelectric complex and increased the velocity of propagation of the phase III. These changes were dose-dependent and were observed only with high doses of serotonin of 0.1 mg kg-1 h-1 or more. Infusion of 0.01 mg kd-1 h-1 had no effect on the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. The motility changes occurred in all segments of the gastrointestinal tract studied and were characterized by a continuous and organized increase in the velocity of propagation of the activity front (phase III) of the migrating myoelectric complex from the antrum to the terminal ileum. The cycle duration of the two migrating myoelectric complexes following administration of methysergide at 1.0 mg kg-1 was similar to the control migrating myoelectric complexes. We concluded that continuous infusion of serotonin in the opossum increases the velocity of propagation of the phase III of the migrating myoelectric complex from the antrum to the terminal ileum.