Effect of sauvagine on gastric emptying in conscious rats.

Sauvagine, a linear peptide with forty amino acid residues isolated from the skin of Phyllomedusa sauvagei, was injected s.c. and i.c.v. in conscious rats to determine its effect on gastric emptying (G.E.). Both i.c.v. and s.c. administration of the peptide produced a significant decrease in G.E. time. This effect was dose-related and lasted for 4 h following the injection. The potency of the peptide and its presence in the central nervous system suggest a physiological role in the mediation of gastrointestinal motility.