Short report: effect of two prokinetic drugs on the electrical and motor activity of the small bowel in dogs.

The effects of trimebutine and domperidone, on the electrical and motor activity of the upper small bowel in dogs, were studied simultaneously by means of a suction electrode and a manometric catheter. Trimebutine, given during phases I and II of the migratory motor complex, was followed by a period of regular spike potentials and contractions; the increased motor activity was significantly greater when the drug was given during phase II. Domperidone, when injected in phase I, was followed by an irregular pattern of spike potentials and contractions of low amplitude. By contrast, activity was not augmented when the drug was given during phase II. We conclude that the effects of drugs, such as trimebutine and domperidone, on the canine small bowel are influenced by the phase of the migratory motor complex.