The effect of orally administered cisapride on intestinal motility in conscious horses.

This study examines the impact of oral cisapride, a type of medication, on the digestion movements in horses, finding that higher doses increased the contraction frequency in a part of the intestine.

Objective of the Study

The study was designed to investigate the potential impact of orally administered cisapride on intestinal activity – specifically proximal jejunal and cecal motility – in conscious Thoroughbred horses. The goal was to determine whether cisapride administration could enhance the digestive tract’s function and how different doses influenced these results.

Methodology

• Seven Thoroughbred horses were selected for the study, and underwent a surgical procedure (laparotomy) where Force Transducers were attached to the surface (serosa) of their proximal jejunum (a section of the small intestine) and cecum (a part of the large intestine).
• After the procedure, the digestive tract’s contractions were monitored in the conscious horses to establish a baseline activity assessment.
• Upon baseline establishment, the horses were orally administered varying doses of cisapride – 0, 0.5, 0.75, or 1 mg/kg.

Results

• In horses that received 0.75 mg/kg or 1.0 mg/kg doses of cisapride, there was a significant increase in the frequency of migrating contractions (MCs) of the jejunum. Migrating contractions are wave-like movements that transport food along the intestines.
• No significant changes were reported for the baseline or lower dosage groups, indicating that the impact of cisapride on intestinal motility is dose-dependent.

Conclusion

• The findings suggest that cisapride, at the dosages of 0.75 and 1.0 mg/kg, notably increased the frequency of jejunal migrating contractions in Thoroughbred horses. Therefore, cisapride may potentially benefit digestive function, perhaps by aiding in the proper transport of food through the intestine.

This research is significant as it opens the possibility of using cisapride as a therapeutic tool for horses experiencing digestive tract issues, however, further studies are warranted to demonstrate the clinical efficacy and safety of cisapride in equine populations.