Prokinetic effects of and extract with/without using multistress-induced delayed gastric emptying models.

CONTEXT

L (Rutaceae) (Au) and Blanco (Rutaceae) (Ci) are commonly used as couplet prokinetics and DC. (Umbelliferae) (Bup) is an herbal antidepressant in traditional Chinese medicine.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the synergistic prokinetic effects of Bup with Au and Ci in mice suffering from multistress-induced delayed gastric emptying (DGE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Kunming mice were divided into four groups: control, DGE, AuCi and AuCiBup. Mice were gavaged with AuCi (14.25 g/kg) or AuCiBup (22.13 g/kg) extract for 12 days. Gastric reminder rate, intestinal driving ratio, sucrose preference and open field test were examined, and serotonin (5-HT), motilin (MTL), substance P (SP), 5-HTR and c-kit were assayed. Intracellular Ca levels in primary cultured gastric smooth muscle cells (GSMCs) were determined.

RESULTS

Both AuCi and AuCiBup treatment significantly reduced gastric residual rate (39.5% and 67.7%,  < 0.01). Higher serum levels of 5-HT, MTL and SP were observed in treatment groups (AuCi: 0.060 mg/L, AuCiBup: 0.089 mg/L, DGE: 0.025 mg/L,  < 0.01). The expression of 5-HTR and c-kit in the antrum and duodenum was upregulated after treatment (AuCi and AuCiBup, 4.3-times, 2.8-times to DGE,  < 0.01). Medicated serums of AuCi and AuCiBup effectively increased the influx of Ca into GSMCs (1.8-times,  < 0.01). In terms of 5-HTR expression, circulatory contents of 5-HT and SP and Ca influx, AuCiBup demonstrated better prokinetic effects than AuCi.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate the potential for developing combination therapy with antidepressants and prokinetics in gastrointestinal dysmotility management.