The effect of drug-induced hypermotility on the gastrointestinal tract of dogs
Moeller, H.C.; Kirsner, J.B.
Gastroenterology 26(2): 303-315
1954
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-5085 PMID: 13128236 Accession: 025748103
Pitressin, castor oil and magnesium sulfate, administered in massive quantities over a period of 200 days, did not produce demonstrable gross or microscopic changes in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. The parasympatheticomimetic drugs, prostigmine, mecholyl or doryl, administered for long periods of time induced hyperemia, hemmorhage and ulceration of the gastrointestinal mucosa. A group of 27 dogs maintained on daily intramusc. injns. of mecholyl chloride over periods up to 2 yrs. developed acute and subacute ulcerative colitis, characterized clinically by bloody diarrhea and proctoscopically by hyperemia, hemorrhage and an edematous, friable mucosa. The colitis subsided promptly after the withdrawal of mecholyl; chronic colitis was not observed. The findings at autopsy in animals receiving mecholyl to the time of death consisted of hyperemia of the gastrointestinal tract, and superficial erosions and focal areas of necrosis in the small intestine and colon. Erosions and ulcerations were present in the antrum of the stomach in 50% of the animals. These findings are in accord with but do not establish the concept of para-sympathetic overstimulation and hyperactivity of the colon in the pathogenisis or chronicity of ulcerative colitis.