Stimulation of defecation in spinal cord-injured rats by a centrally acting ghrelin receptor agonist

Abstract

Study design: Animal proof of principle study.Objectives: To determine whether capromorelin, a compound that causes defecation by stimulating ghrelin receptors within the lumbosacral defecation centers, is effective after spinal cord injury (SCI), and whether SCI significantly alters sensitivity to the compound.Setting: University of Melbourne and Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Methods: Rats were subjected to spinal cord contusion injury or were sham-operated. At 6 weeks after surgery, effects of capromorelin on blood pressure, heart rate and propulsive contractions of the colorectum were investigated. Results: Capromorelin caused robust propulsive activity in the colorectum soon aft..