Intestinal Motor Effects of a Unique Analgesic Agent

The effects of 2,3,5,6,11,11b-hexahydro-11,11b-dimethyl-14-indolizino(8,7,b)indole hydrochloride on intestinal motility were investigated. The indole derivative altered contractile activity in each preparation studied. Intestinal contractions in situ in anesthetized dogs were stimulated, but variable mild stimulatory or inhibitory effects occurred in cats and monkeys. Spontaneous contractions of monkey intestine were inhibited in vitro. Dose-related increases in motility were produced in dog intestine in vitro, although the experimental compound was considerably less potent than morphine as an intestinal stimulant. The stimulatory effects of the indole derivative in dog intestine were antagonized by atropine and by cyproheptadine. Indolazinoindole also inhibited propulsion of a test meal in mice in vivo.