Effect of sennoside on intestinal movement of mice and study of relevant mechanism

AIM: To investigate the effect of anthracenedione derivative - sennoside extracted from rhubarb on intestinal movement of mice and its mechanis m. METHODS: The effect of sennoside on intestinal movement of mi ce was observed by moist dejection counting test. The levels of motilin and soma tostatin in small intestine of mice were determinated by radioimmunoassay. The N a +-K +-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa was measured by spectrosc opic analysis. RESULTS: Different dosage of sennoside enhanced t he function of excreting dejection. Different dosage of sennoside elevated the l evels of motilin, and reduced the content of somatostatin in small intestine of mice significantly. The Na +-K +-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa of mice in sennoside group was inhibited significantly. CONCLUSION: Sennoside can enhance the function of intestinal movement of mice by a mecha nism of promoting excretion of motilin, lower the level of somatostatin in intes tine and inhibit the Na +-K +-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa.