Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026
![Assessment of Gastric Emptying in Non-obese Diabetic Mice Using a [13C]-octanoic Acid Breath Test](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F50301.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
Assessment of Gastric Emptying in Non-obese Diabetic Mice Using a [13C]-octanoic Acid Breath Test
Published on: March 23, 2013
Evaluation of gastric motor activity in the elderly by electrogastrography and the (13)C-acetate breath test
Chikao Shimamoto1, Ichiro Hirata, Yutake Hiraike
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan. in2021@poh.osaka-med.ac.jp
Background:
Elderly people frequently have symptoms of fullness and appetite loss due to impaired gastric motor activity. These symptoms may cause malnutrition, immunosuppression and other complications.
Objective:
The effects of aging and daily activity on gastric motility in the elderly were investigated by electrogastrography and the (13)C-acetate breath test.
Methods:
We enrolled seven active elderly subjects (active elderly group), seven elderly subjects staying at a geriatric facility who had reduced mental and physical capacities (inactive elderly group) and seven healthy young volunteers (young group). Electrogastrography was recorded before and after ingestion of a (13)C-acetate-mixed liquid meal. Expired air was sampled every 10 min after the meal to measure the (13)CO(2) concentration.
Results:
The ratio of the incidence of the 3-cpm wave (gastric intrinsic frequency) during the postprandial period compared to the fasting state was reduced in both elderly groups compared to young subjects, and the reduction was greater in the inactive elderly than in the active elderly group. The ratio of the amplitude of the peak frequency during the postprandial period to that in the fasting state (power ratio) was also lower in the elderly groups. The time of peak (13)CO(2) expiration was delayed in the active elderly and more so in the inactive elderly group.
Conclusions:
Postprandial peristalsis and gastric contractile force are reduced in the elderly, and gastric emptying is delayed indicating a reduction in gastric motor activity.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...