EN
The study investigated the influence of diltiazem on the negative effects of duodenal distension (performed with balloon water 40 ml, DD40) in sheep. The following effects were noted: atony of fore-stomach and abomasum and stimulation of myoelectncal activity of small and large intestine during the initial period of DD40. The animals were given general anesthetic after which electrodes were inserted into the muscular layers of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, the duodenal fistula and, in a different group of animals, the ruminal fistula as well. Five-minute-long duodenal distension (DD40) caused an immediate and complete inhibition of the frequency of spike bursts and reticulo-ruminal and abomasal contractions, as well as a significant increase of spike bursts in the intestinal wall, nociceptive symptoms of behavior, hyperventilation and tachycardia. Diltiazem as such did not change the motility of the GI tract, general behavior and clinical symptoms, but when injected i.c.v. at doses of 1 or 2 mg in toto 10 minutes prior to DD40 it prevented all signs of gastrointestinal disorders, such as nociceptive general behavior and clinical symptoms.