Systemic baclofen stimulates gastric motility and secretion via a central action in the rat

Abstract

Intravenous (0.5 mg kg−1) or subcutaneous (2–16 mg kg−1) administration of the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue baclofen resulted in a stimulation of gastric motility and secretion in the rat, anaesthetized with urethane. The motility response to subcutaneous injection was dose‐related. This effect was abolished by vagotomy or atropine. There was no response to baclofen in decerebrate animals. These results indicate that systemic baclofen, probably acting at a site rostral to the brainstem, stimulates gastric motility and acid secretion by a vagally‐dependent mechanism. 1986 British Pharmacological Society