A study of the effect of vinca alkaloid 'vinblastine' on gastrointestinal motility in rats.

Vinblastine an alkaloid of the periwinkleplant (Vinca), produced marked alterations in the motility of gastrointestinal tract in rats. The alkaloid reduced the rate of gastric emptying and slowed the transit of test substance through the small intestine. The effect of the drug on gastric emptying appeared to be dose-dependent. The latency of drug action on gut motility was found to be 5--10 min, when injected through the jugular vein.