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Tegaserod (HTF 919) stimulates gut motility in normal horses
Author(s) -
LIPPOLD B. S.,
HILDEBRAND J.,
STRAUB R.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.2746/0425164044864543
Subject(s) - tegaserod , motility , medicine , gastroenterology , constipation , biology , genetics
Summary Reasons for performing study : It has been shown that the selective 5‐HT4 receptor agonist tegaserod induces an increase in frequency and amplitude of contractions in isolated muscle preparations of equine ileum and pelvic flexure. Objectives : To investigate the effects of tegaserod on gut motility and transit of spheres in normal horses. Methods : Six mature Freiberger horses were kept under standardised conditions. Effects of tegaserod (0.02 mg/kg bwt i.v. b.i.d. for 2 days) or vehicle on intestinal transit of barium‐filled spheres, defaecation and gut sounds were studied in a cross‐over design. Spheres were given via stomach tube prior to the first dosing of tegaserod or vehicle. Faeces were collected every 3 h and spheres eliminated were identified radiologically in the faeces. Results : Tegaserod significantly accelerated the gastrointestinal (GI) transit time of spheres and increased the frequency of defaecation and scores of gut sounds compared to vehicle. The compound was well tolerated; no effects on behaviour, body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and clinical laboratory data were observed. Conclusions : Tegaserod efficaciously stimulated motility and accelerate GI transit in healthy horses. Potential relevance : Tegaserod may offer therapeutic potential in horses suffering from impaction or paralytic ileus.