Acotiamide (Z-338), a Novel Gastroprokinetic Agent for the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia, Enhances Gastric Motility Without Prolonging QT Interval in Dogs and Rats

G A A b st ra ct s and jejunum after Rikkunshito administration was significantly higher than that in the control and increased in a dose-dependent manner. In the postprandial state, Rikkunshito had no significant effect on the motor activity. Intragastric administration of Rikkunshito accelerated gastric emptying. Atropine and hexamethonium significantly diminished Rikkunshito-induced contractions. After administration of Rikkunshito, plasma acylated-ghrelin gradually increased, and the increase was much more significant than in the control at 3h after administration. Conclusions: Intragastric administration of Rikkunshito stimulated gastrointestinal contractions in the interdigestive state and accelerated gastric emptying. Moreover, Rikkunshito increased plasma acylated-ghrelin levels. Rikkunshito, a traditional herbal medicine, may alleviate gastrointestinal tract disorders through its prokinetic effect.