Ecabapide, a novel gastroprokinetic agent, ameliorates gastric emptying of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP)

The effect of ecabapide, a novel gastroprokinetic agent, on gastric emptying was examined in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP), which are known to exhibit gastric malfunctions as a result of autonomic nervous system disorder. Ecabapide was administered orally to SHRSP in various dose-regimens. Gastric emptying was evaluated by the acetaminophen (APAP) method using semi-solid meal under the conscious conditions. Ecabapide significantly enhanced gastric emptying of SHRSP at 1 mg/kg in single administration, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg in 2-week treatment and 7.7 mg/kg in 4-week (diet) exposure. These results suggest that the effect of ecabapide is exerted without showing tachyphylaxis.