Pharmacological modulation of gut mucosal and large vessel blood flow

Abstract

Background: Constipation, diminished gut blood flow, ischaemic colitis and drug therapy may be associated. Aim: To study the effect of constipating medication on, and the regulation of, gut blood flow. Methods: 24 healthy females (mean age 30) received, in a double-blind, three-way crossover study: (i) placebo, (ii) ipratropium 40 μg by inhalation (positive control known to reduce rectal mucosal blood flow) and (iii) oral loperamide 4 mg. Mucosal blood flow was measured at the splenic flexure and rectum using laser Doppler flowmetry. Blood flow in the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries was measured by trans-abdominal Doppler ultrasound. Results: Ipratropium decreased rectal mucosal bl..