In vitro analysis of the role of alpha2- and imidazoline receptors in the regulation of gastric motility in mice

Introduction: According to the imidazoline hypothesis some effects of clonidine and structurally related α2-adrenoceptor agonists is mediated by imidazoline receptors, and not by α2-adrenoceptors. Newer, more selective imidazoline receptor ligands (moxonidine, rilmenidine) have been introduced to the antihypertensive therapy, and they may induce less α2-adrenoceptor-mediated side effects (like sedation). The role of imidazoline receptors has also been proposed in the regulation of gastrointestinal functions, however, the lack of sufficiently selective imidazoline receptor agonists raises difficulties in the anal…