The detection and evaluation of drug-induced changes in the gastrointestinal motility of beagle dogs using a 111In-labelled resin mixed into a standard meal as tracer.

An investigation was performed to establish the usefulness of 111In-labelled polymer beads mixed into a standard meal as a tracer of gastrointestinal(GI)-motility changes due to the influence of various drugs. The labelled polymer beads were well mixed into the food, which was then fed to healthy beagle dogs undergoing drug therapy. GI motility was monitored using a gamma camera and data processor. The results were compared to those obtained from corresponding placebo studies on the same dogs. A significant acceleration of gastric emptying and colon transit was noted under the influence of a gastric and intestinal prokinetic coded R51619. No influence on GI motility could, however, be detected after the administration of a calcium-blocking agent to the dogs.