Studies on the Effect of Chloroquine, a Derivative of Quinoline, on the Function of the Digestive System

Part. 2. Studies on the Effect of Chloroquine on the Intestinal Motility in Rabbits

Abstract

Effects of chloroquine on the autonomic peristalsis and tonus of the isolated rabbit ileum were studied by the Magnus' method, and the mechanisms of the drug action were investigated with combination of sympathicomimetic and parasympathicomimetic drugs and with some other drugs.
1) Chloroquine in the concentration of 20200γ/cc caused a diminution of autonomic peristalsis and tonus of the isolated ileum, and was noted to possess antagonistic actions against the intestinal contration induced by histamine, acetylcholine and BaCl₂.
2) Chloroquine was found to possess a direct relaxant action on the gut smooth muscle rather than to act through the autonomic nervous system and also to possess antihistaminic and antiacetylcholinic actions.