Pharmacology. 1988 ; 36 Suppl 1(): 66-72.

Combined manometric and radiological study of the changes in colonic motility induced by sennosides in rats.

Spiessens C, Ceuterick L, Ponette E, Janssens J, Lemli J.

Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytopharmacology, K.U. Leuven, Belgium.

Colonic motility changes induced by sennosides in rats were studied by an original method, which permits the simultaneous projection of manometric and fluoroscopic registrations on a single monitor. The results of this study allowed us to confirm the laxative effect of sennosides by inducing mass movements within 60-80 min after intracecal administration leading to a complete emptying of the whole colon. These mass movements were preceded by hypotonia of cecum and colon and impeded pellet formation.