Abomasal function following injections of elfazepam and 9-aza-cannabinol.
The feed intake stimulants elfazepam (E), a benzodiazepine, and 9-aza-cannabinol (9-AC) decrease rumen contractions and abomasal acid content in sheep and E increases rumen fluid volume, digestibility and overall nutrient availability. E has been hypothesized to decrease the propulsive activity of the entire GI tract. To further examine the effects of E and 9-AC on gastric function, 4 ewes were prepared with abomasal cannulas and 3 silver/silver chloride monopolar electrodes alternated with 2 strain gauges on the distal one-third of the abomasal serosa. Electromyographical (slow waves and action potentials) and contractile (rates and forces) activities and abomasal pH were measured. Treatment of 8 and 16 mg E had no effect on slow wave frequency, action potential rate, contraction rate, or contraction force. Abomasal content pH was decreased with 8 mg E. Treatments of 125 and 250 microgram 9-AC depressed action potential and contraction rates and contraction force but had no effect on slow wave frequency or pH.
D000018:Abomasum / Q000187:drug effects*; D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D001570:Benzodiazepinones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002187:Cannabinol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects; D012756:Sheep
D001570:Benzodiazepinones; D002186:Cannabinoids; D002187:Cannabinol; C019364:elfazepam