A mouse model for assessing the impact of ingested nutrients on gastric emptying rate

1. The nutrient content of meals can affect the rate of gastric emptying. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the gastric emptying breath test could detect nutrient-induced delays in gastric emptying. 2. Following ingestion of a non-nutrient, carbohydrate- or lipid-containing liquid, mice were placed into chambers and breath samples were collected at intervals. Analysis of the rate of (13)CO(2) excretion allowed the calculation of gastric half-excretion time. 3. Gastric half-excretion time was significantly delayed by the incorporation of carbohydrate or lipid into the test liquid. 4. The present study has shown that the breath test is sensitive enough to detect changes induced by altering the nutrient and caloric content of test meals.