Central opiate mechanism involved in gastro-intestinal motor disturbances induced by E. coli endotoxin in sheep.

Intravenous injection of small doses of E. coli endotoxin in sheep inhibited phasic contractions of forestomach and altered the myoelectrical activity of the antrum, duodenal bulb and jejunum. Previous intracerebroventricular administration of naloxone at a dose without effect when given intravenously (10 micrograms X kg-1) antagonized the endotoxin-induced inhibition of forestomach and alteration of the gastrointestinal myoelectrical activity.