AJP - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, Vol 245, Issue 2 196-G200, Copyright © 1983 by American Physiological Society
Effects of Met-enkephalin and naloxone on gastric emptying and secretion in rhesus monkeys
P. T. Shea-Donohue, N. Adams, J. Arnold and A. Dubois
Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of enkephalins in gastric
neurons and endocrine cells; however, their role in the regulation of
gastric function is unknown. The effect of Met-enkephalin (MET), the stable
analogue of Met-enkephalin [D-Ala2]Met-enkephalinamide (DMET), and the
opiate receptor antagonist naloxone were studied in five chair-adapted
rhesus monkeys. A dye-dilution technique was used to determine
simultaneously fractional emptying rate, hydrogen, sodium, potassium, and
chloride ion output, and fluid output. Both MET and DMET significantly
inhibited fractional emptying rate and H+ secretion following an 80-ml
water meal. Only MET, however, significantly altered fluid and sodium ion
output. Naloxone had no effect on gastric function following the water
meal.
