Abstract

The influence of three azabicycloalkyl benzimidazolone derivatives, DAU 6236, BIMU 1 and BIMU 8, which act as agonists at central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)4 receptors, has been investigated on cholinergic neuromuscular transmission and peristalsis in the guinea pig small intestine. In the longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus preparations, these compounds caused a concentration-dependent (range 1-300 nM) enhancement of the amplitude of nerve-mediated cholinergic submaximal contractions to electrical stimulation. In comparison to the potentiating effect of 5-methoxytryptamine (a reference 5-HT4 receptor agonist), the rank order of agonist potency was BIMU 8 = BIMU 1 greater than DAU 6236 = 5-methoxytryptamine. In whole ileal segments, DAU 6236, BIMU 1 and BIMU 8 increased markedly (maximum increase, 200%) the frequency of peristalsis within the range of 0.1 to 3 microM. Micromolar concentrations of ICS 205-930, which is a low affinity antagonist of 5-HT4 receptors, were required to antagonize the facilitatory effect on cholinergic transmission caused by benzimidazolone derivatives and 5-methoxytryptamine (pA2 values, 6.5 in average) and to reverse the increase in the frequency of peristalsis induced by DAU 6236, BIMU 1 and BIMU 8. By contrast, the potent and selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron (1 microM) was ineffective. Our findings indicate that benzimidazolone derivatives act as agonists in the guinea pig ileum causing enhancement of acetylcholine release and peristaltic activity. The neural receptor site involved in the action of benzimidazolone derivatives and which showed low affinity for ICS 205-930 is probably identical to the putative 5-HT4 receptor subtype agonized by indoleamines and substituted benzamide derivative prokinetic agents.