Cannabinoid modulation of intestinal propulsion in mice

The effect of cannabinoid receptor activation and blockade on the propulsive activity in the mouse small intestine was assessed in the present study by measuring the transit of an orally administered, non-absorbable marker. The cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (R(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3(morpholinyl)methyl]pyrrolo[1,2,3-de-1, 4benzoxin-yl]-(1-naphthalenyl)methanone mesylate) inhibited, while the selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist SR 141716A (N-piperidino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-3-pyrazole-carboxamide) stimulated the marker transit. Furthermore, a per se non-effective dose of SR 141716A reversed WIN 55,212-2-induced reduction of the transit. The results of the present study suggest a role for cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the control of propulsive activity in the mouse small intestine. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.