Endotoxin-induced inhibition of gastric emptying rate in the rat. The effect of repeated administration and the influence of some antipyretic agents.

Intravenous injection of endotoxin from E. coli O (111)B(4) caused inhibition of gastric emptying rate in conscious Wistar rats. Tolerance induced by repetitive daily intraperitoneal administration of the endotoxin, resulted in a complete abolition of this effect. Insulin, administered subcutaneously, stimulated gastric emptying rate. Pretreatment with this drug opposed the endotoxin-induced inhibitory effect completely. Pretreatment with indomethacin only had a partial antagonistic influence, while other drugs such as flurbiprofen, suprofen and novaminsulphonum had no significant effect upon endotoxin-induced inhibition of gastric emptying rate. Previous studies suggested that some effect of endotoxin other than stimulation of the biosynthesis of prostaglandins should be considered. The results of the present study suggest a similar conclusion. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents used, did not modify the normal course of gastric emptying in the control rats.