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Updated: Apr 25, 2026
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Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor GIMM
Published on: December 2, 2010
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Gastro-oesophageal reflux and the migrating motor complex
R C Gill1, J E Kellow, D L Wingate
1Gastrointestinal Science Research Unit, London Hospital Medical College.
Gut
|August 1, 1987
Summary
Fasting gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) episodes occur with migrating motor complex (MMC) gastric activity. This association increases GOR duration, frequency, and oesophageal acid exposure during both day and night.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
Background:
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is a common condition.
- The relationship between fasting gastrointestinal motility and GOR is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal association between fasting gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and gastroduodenal motor activity, specifically the migrating motor complex (MMC).
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous recording of distal oesophageal pH and gastroduodenal motor activity in seven healthy subjects during nocturnal and diurnal fasting periods.
- Analysis of GOR episodes, gastric motor activity patterns (MMC), and oesophageal acid exposure.
Main Results:
- Fasting GOR episodes were significantly associated with the gastric component of the MMC during both nocturnal and diurnal periods.
- During periods of MMC activity, GOR episodes were longer, more frequent, and led to substantially increased oesophageal acid exposure compared to quiescent periods.
- A high percentage (89% nocturnal, 83% diurnal) of gastric MMCs were temporally linked with GOR events.
Conclusions:
- Fasting episodes of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) occur coincidentally with the gastric component of the migrating motor complex (MMC).
- The MMC plays a significant role in triggering and exacerbating GOR events during fasting states.
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