Ghrelin prevents levodopa‐induced inhibition of gastric emptying and increases circulating levodopa in fasted rats

摘要: Background  Levodopa (l-dopa) is the most commonly used treatment for alleviating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. However, l-dopa delays gastric emptying, which dampens its absorption. We investigated whether ghrelin prevents action on emptying and enhances circulating in rats. Methods  Gastric non-nutrient methylcellulose/phenol red viscous solution was determined fasted rats treated with orogastric or intraperitoneal (i.p.) l-dopa, intravenous (i.v.) 10 min before l-dopa. Plasma dopamine levels were by high pressure liquid chromatography. acyl assessed radioimmunoassay. Fos expression brain immunostained after i.v. (30 μg kg−1) i.p. l-dopa. Key Results  (5 15 mg kg−1) decreased significantly 32% 62%, respectively, when administered orally, 91% 83% injected Ghrelin (30 100 μg kg−1, i.v.) completely prevented l-dopa’s (15 mg kg−1, orogastrically) inhibitory enhanced plasma compared vehicle 15 min (5 mg kg−1) did not modify at 30 min, 1, 2 h injection. i.p.) induced autonomic centers, modified ghrelin. Conclusions & Inferences  counteracts l-dopa-induced delayed but induction levels. Potential therapeutic benefits agonists disease patients remain to be investigated.