Gastric emptying in diabetic gastroparetic dogs: Effects of SK-951, a novel prokinetic agent

We examined whether delayed gastric emptying could be produced by diabetes in dogs. Diabetes was produced by a single injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg i.v.), and diabetic hyperglycemia was observed from 2 to 15 months af ter injection. The plasma acetaminophen concentration, which is an indirect indicator of the gastric emptying rate, was delayed in 2 of 5 diabetic dog s from 15 months after the induction of diabetes. The effects of SK-951, a benzofuran derivative, on delayed gastric emptying were also examined in di abetic gastroparetic dogs in comparison with those of cisapride, SK-951 (1 mg/kg i.v.) significantly enhanced delayed gastric emptying in diabetic dog s, but cisapride (1 mg/kg i.v.) had no effect. In addition, SK-951 increase d the plasma glucose levels in a manner correlated with its effect on gastr ic emptying. The present study suggested that SK-951 may be useful in the t reatment of diabetic gastroparesis, Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.