The relationship between gallbladder dynamics and the migrating motor complex in fasting healthy subjects

The relationship between gallbladder dynamics and the interdigestive migrating motor complex (MMC) was investigated in 10 healthy male volunteers by a hepatobiliary scintigraphy and gastroduodenal pressure recordings. Filling of the gallbladder commenced in late phase II or in phase III of the MMC and continued in a linear fashion during the following phase I. Simultaneously, an abrupt decrease in delivery of activity into the duodenum was encountered. Emptying of the gallbladder always occurred in phase II and lasted 14-46 min (median, 30 min). The transformation from filling to emptying of the gallbladder was closely related to changes from phase I to II on the motility curve.