Role of opiate receptors in the regulation of colonic transit

The current status of opioid research on gastrointestinal motility

Apparently conflicting data on opioid effects on gastrointestinal motility have been reported in the literature. The current status is reviewed and an attempt is made to find a common denominator to discrepant results by suggesting functionally contrasting opioid systems modulating the same physiological functions. Upon superimposition, these contrasting systems might result in opposite opioid effects dependent on the actual functional balance between the systems at the time of drug administration. Inhibitory neuromodulation at multiple sites leading to either inhibition or disinhibition by opioids may serve as a common basis of their contrasting effects. This interpretation, though consistent with most of the currently available data, is still a working hypothesis.

Effects of morphine and naloxone on feline colonic transit

The effects of endogenous and exogenous opioid substances on feline colonic transit were evaluated using colonic transit scintigraphy. Naloxone (0.3 mg/kg, i.m.) accelerated emptying of the cecum and ascending colon, and filling of the transverse colon. Endogenous opioid peptides thus appear to play a significant role in the regulation of colonic transit. At a moderate dose of morphine (0.1 mg/kg, i.m.), cecum and ascending colon transit was accelerated, while at a larger dose (1.0 mg/kg, i.m.) morphine had no effect. Since naloxone, a relatively nonspecific opioid antagonist, and morphine, a principally mu opioid receptor agonist, both accelerate proximal colonic transit, a decelerating role for at least one of the other opioid receptors is inferred.