Intestinal Motility as Influenced Through Extrinsic Nerves as a Result of Central Stimulation by Bulbocapnine

Abstract

Conclusions

1. Although bulbocapnine acts centrally and stimulates both sympathetic and parasympathetic mechanisms, in dogs it showed qualitative and quantitative differences between its effects upon the level of blood sugar and upon intestinal activity. 2. In normal dogs under bulbocapnine either mechanism may predominate in respect to blood sugar levels. Sympathetic effects were most important for intestinal motility. Amplitude of contraction was diminished. 3. In vagotomized dogs loops of intestine placed just below the duodenum showed augmented amplitude of contraction after bulbocapnine, those placed just above the ileo-cecal valve were inhibited. Blood sugar was elevated in most cases. 4. In splanchnicotomized dogs the vagus mechanism is activated by bulbocapnine in respect to amplitude of intestinal contractions but not for blood sugar levels. 5. Bulbocapnine does not change the rate of intestinal contractions.