Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Volume 109, Issue 1, July 1995, Pages 32-39
Gastroenterology

Erythromycin enhances fasting and postprandial proximal gastric tone in humans

https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-5085(95)90266-XGet rights and content

Abstract

Background & Aims: Low doses of erythromycin induce antral contractions and accelerate gastric emptying. However, the effect of erythromycin on the proximal stomach remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the effect and mechanism(s) of action of erythromycin on proximal gastric tone in humans. Methods: Gastric tone was measured using an electronic barostat in two groups of 6 subjects both in the fasting state and after a 200-kcal meal. On different occasions, subjects received saline, atropine alone (6 μ · kg−1 · h−1 for 30 minutes), erythromycin alone (1.5 mg/kg in the fasting state and 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg in the postprandial state), and erythromycin plus atropine. Results: Low-dose (1.5 mg/kg) erythromycin enhanced fasting gastric tone, but only the 3.0-mg/kg dose reduced the duration of meal-induced relaxation (37 ± 14 vs. 105 ± 20 minutes; P < 0.01). Atropine did not change the fasting or postprandial gastric tone as well as the erythromycin-induced responses. Plasma motilin levels were unaffected by erythromycin infusion. No correlation was observed between gastric tone and plasma motilin or erythromycin levels. Conclusions: Erythromycin enhances fasting and postprandial proximal gastric tone in humans by a mechanism that does not seem to involve endogenous motilin release or a cholinergic pathway.

References (25)

  • T Tomomasa et al.

    Erythromycin induces migrating motor complex in human gastrointestinal tract

    Dig Dis Sci

    (1986)
  • V Parys et al.

    Utilisation d'un barostat électronique pour la mesure de la réponse motrice de l'estomac proximal à l'alimentation et à différents stimuli nerveux chez l'homme

    Gastroenterol Clin Biol

    (1993)
  • Cited by (128)

    • Ancillary testing including barostat, SPECT, and satiety testing

      2020, Gastroparesis: Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis and Treatment
    • Neurophysiologic Mechanisms of Gastric Reservoir Function

      2012, Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract, Two Volume Set
    • Neurophysiologic Mechanisms of Gastric Reservoir Function

      2012, Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract
    View all citing articles on Scopus

    Supported by a grant from Lilly France Ltd. in collaboration with the Club Français de Motricité Digestive (barostat buildup) and an INSERM grant (93CN28).

    View full text