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Elevated Motilin Levels in Patients Treated with Antidepressant and Neuroleptic Drugs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

J. M. Allen
Affiliation:
Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12
N. D. Christofides
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, RPMS, London
P. A. Cramer
Affiliation:
St Bernards Hospital, Southall, Middlesex
J. Steinert
Affiliation:
St Bernard's Hospital, Southall, Middlesex
S. R. Bloom
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12

Summary

Constipation is a frequent effect of treatment with antidepressant and neuroleptic drugs as a result of interference with neuronal control of colonic muscular activity. Motilin, a circulating peptide, is involved in induction of myoelectric complexes in the colon. Significantly elevated circulating basal motilin levels were found in patients receiving tricyclic antidepressant drugs, mean 128±33 pmol/l (control 48±6 pmol/l) or neuroleptic therapy, mean 213±29 pmol/l (control 87±8 pmol/l).

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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