Resistance of myenteric neurons in the rat's colon to depletion by 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone

Abstract

Abstract Earlier reports have suggested that anthraquinone purgatives in excessive amounts cause degeneration of neurons in the nteric nervous system. Danthron (1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone) was administered to rats in their drinking water for four months. The effects of the drug on the total number of neurons and on the immunoreactivity of eight putative neurotransmitters in the myenteric plexus of the colon have been assessed. No differences were found between the treated animals and their controls, indicating that the drug does not kill myenteric neurons. These results agree with recent observations on the effects of senna in rats and mice, and do not support earlier claims that myenteric neurons are killed by anthraquinone purgatives.