Publication:

Effect of fluoxetine and paroxetine on intestinal motility

Background Serotonin (5-HT) is a biogenic amine that functions as a neurotransmitter of sensorimotor functions in the digestive tract. Te role of 5-HT agents in the modulation of lower gastrointestinal function. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are of potential benefit in functional gastrointestinal diseases although formal evidence is lacking. Apart from central effects, they may have peripheral. The present study was carried out to find out the possible effects of fluoxetine and paroxetine on gastrointestinal smooth muscles of rabbit as they cause severe nausea and vomiting initially.

Methods Experimental study design. Power lab (USA) for recording the contractions of ileal smooth muscle of rabbit in response to serotonin, fluoxetine and paroxetine.

Results The percent responses with serotonin, fluoxetine and paroxetine were 100, 10.53, and 4.75 percent respectively.

Conclusions SSRIs (fluoxetine and paroxetine) were unable to enhance the serotonergic transmission in vitro inturn decreases the qualitative response.