Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)
Published on: December 1, 2010
From motilin to motilides: a new direction in gastrointestinal endocrinology
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235-8858, USA.
Abstract:
Investigation into gastrointestinal irritation from the use of erythromycin lead to the discovery of the gastrointestinal motor effect of this antibiotic. Erythromycin and gastrointestinal peptide motilin share many similar gastrokinetic activities, and studies indicate that erythromycin mimics the effect of motilin through motilin receptor agonism. Since erythromycin is readily available for clinical use, it may offer an alternative therapeutic approach to gastroparesis and related conditions. Several analogs of erythromycin without antimicrobial activity are also shown to possess similar motor effects, thus termed "motilides". A growing number of motilides may expand our knowledge on gastrointestinal peptides.
Related Concept Videos
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Gastric Motility
Peristaltic Waves and Chyme Formation
Upon food entry, the stomach initiates...
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Hormonal Regulation
Intestinal Phase of Digestion
The arrival of the chyme in the small intestine distends the duodenum, which triggers the enterogastric reflex. This distension...
Regulation of the Digestive System
The effectors in this regulation system are glands and smooth muscles. Activation of these...
