Effects of Adrenocortical Steroids on the Propulsive Motility of Small Intestine

¹ From the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Adrenal cortex extract in low concentrations (1:1400–1:250) increases the peristaltic contractions of small intestine and restores to fatigued intestinal segments normal peristaltic activity and the ability to propel fluid against a pressure gradient, in vitro (modified Trendelenburg technique). Adrenal cortex extract in high concentrations (1:150–1:25) reversibly inhibits or abolishes peristalsis in vitro. In adrenalectomized rats in vivo, adrenal cortex extract increases the rate of propulsion of dyes along the small intestine in moderate doses (1 ml b.i.d.), and decreases propulsion in large doses (5 ml b.i.d.). Cortisone, hydrocortisone and corticosterone in the amounts present in stimulant doses of adrenal cortex extract had no effect on intestinal propulsion, in vivo. Doses of aldosterone (0.1 and 0.5 µg b.i.d.) comparable with the amounts contained in the extract used and large doses of the electrolyte-controlling steroids, desoxycorticosterone (2.5 and 5 mg) and corticosterone (2.5 mg), reproduced the stimulant effects of the extract, in vivo. It is possible that the effects of aldosterone may be of significance in controlling intestinal motility under physiological and some pathological conditions.