The effect of intracisternal injection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on gastric and duodenal motility in the urethane-anaesthetized rat.

ABSTRACT

Intracisternal injection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH; 1-3 micrograms) caused an increase in gastric motility and usually an inhibition of duodenal motility. These effects were abolished by vagotomy and atropine. No inhibition was seen even after tone and motility had been restored to a point at which vagal stimulation could evoke profound inhibition of gastric and duodenal motility. It is concluded that TRH is a specific activator of enteric excitatory pathways and that duodenal inhibition seen in control animals is a consequence of gastro-duodenal inhibitory reflexes.