Cholinergic interactions between donepezil and prucalopride in human colon: potential to treat severe intestinal dysmotility.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Cholinesterase inhibitors such as neostigmine are used for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, but cardio-bronchial side-effects limit use. To minimize side-effects, lower doses could be combined with a 5-HT4 receptor agonist, which also facilitates intestinal cholinergic activity. However, safety concerns, especially in the elderly, require drugs with good selectivity of action. These include the AChE inhibitor donepezil (used for Alzheimer's disease, with reduced cardio-bronchial liability) and prucalopride, the first selective, clinically available 5-HT4 receptor agonist. This study examined their individual and potential synergistic activities in human colon.

Experimental approach

Neuronally mediated muscle contractions and relaxations of human colon

SUBMITTER: Broad J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3838700 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature