Influence of gender on proximal gastric motor and sensory function

Gender-related differences have been demonstrated with regard to GI motility: gallbladder contraction, colonic transit, and gastric emptying are delayed in women. It is not known whether gender influences proximal gastric motility and perception.

We have studied the influence of gender on proximal gastric motility and perception under fasting and postprandial conditions by retrospective analysis of data obtained in 99 healthy volunteers (42 men, 57 women) who participated in barostat studies performed according to standardized protocols at the Leiden University Medical Center (Leiden, The Netherlands) between 1996 and 2000.

Minimal distending pressure (MDP) was significantly higher in women than in men (respectively, 6.8+/-0.2 vs 5.5+/-0.2 mm Hg; p < 0.001). During stepwise pressure distensions pressure-volume curves were similar in both sexes after correction for MDP, whereas perception of fullness and abdominal pressure increased significantly (p < 0.05) more rapidly in women. Before the meal intragastric volumes (at MDP + 2 mm Hg) did not differ between sexes. After the meal gastric relaxation in the first 30 min did not differ in women and men (respectively, 186+/-23 ml and 140+/-32 ml). However, from 30 until 90 min after the meal a significantly (p < 0.05) delayed return of intragastric volume to basal was seen in women. Perception of postprandial nausea was significantly (p < 0.01) increased in women. Perception of postprandial fullness remained increased for a longer period of time in women.

Proximal gastric motility and perception are influenced by gender. Gender-related differences in postprandial proximal gastric motility and perception should be taken into account in barostat studies comparing patients with controls.