Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of etomidate on the propulsive gastrointestinal motility in mice. MethodsKunming mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): a normal saline (NS) group, and etomidate 5 mg·kg-1, 10 mg·kg-1 and 20mg·kg-1 (Eto5, Eto10 and Eto20) groups. Each mice was intraperitoneally injected with NS or corresponding doses of etomidate before intragastrical administration of 0.2 ml carbon suspension. Then, 40 min later, the mice were sacrificed. The distance that the suspension was pushed in the small intestine and the total length of the small intestine were measured starting from the pylorus, and the propulsion rate of the small intestine was calculated. ResultsCompared with the NS group, obviously decrease in the moving distance of carbon in the small intestine and the propulsion rate of the small intestine were found in the Eto10 group and Eto20 groups (P<0.01). Compared with the Eto5 group, obviously decrease in the moving distance of carbon in the small intestine and the propulsion rate of the small intestine were found in the Eto10 group and Eto20 groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the Eto10 group, obviously decrease in the moving distance of carbon in the small intestine and the propulsion rate of the small intestine were found in the Eto20 group (P<0.05). ConclusionsEtomidate can inhibit the propulsive gastrointestinal motility in mice, and the inhibitory effects are enhanced as the dose used increases.