[Ultrasonography studies on spontaneous and pharmacologically modified gallbladder motility]

The intra- and interindividual variations of gallbladder motility were sonographically studied in 10 healthy subjects. We investigated the following criteria: a) the gallbladder volumes after overnight fasting on 5 consecutive days, b) the spontaneous motility under fasting over 12 or 24h at hourly intervals, c) the emptying rate and time of maximal contraction after stimulation with sorbitol, and d) the emptying rate and time (like c) after premedication with "cholagogic" drugs (Cholecysmon, Divalol), nifedipine, indomethacin or N-butylscopolaminiumbromide. We found a great intrapersonal and interpersonal variability in gallbladder volumes after overnight fasting in consecutive days. In subjects fasting over 24h phases of dilatation with maxima at 12 AM and 4 PM alternated with phases of contraction with maxima at 8 AM and 4 PM. After premedication with nifedipine, indomethacin and N-butylscopolaminiumbromide a significant decrease of the emptying rate was observed. The time of maximal contraction did not differ however. After premedication we found a distinct intra- and interindividual variability too. Cautious interpretation of gallbladder motility studies is necessary.