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Cause-and-effect relationship between motilin and migrating myoelectric complexes
The American Journal of Physiology
|August 1, 1983
Summary
Plasma motilin levels increase after migrating myoelectric complexes (MMCs) begin, suggesting motilin doesn't initiate MMCs. Instead, MMC contractions release motilin to coordinate digestive events.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurogastroenterology
- Digestive Physiology
Background:
- Migrating myoelectric complexes (MMCs) are essential for gut motility and preventing bacterial overgrowth.
- The role of plasma motilin in initiating or regulating MMCs remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between plasma motilin levels and the initiation and propagation of MMCs.
- To determine if endogenous motilin initiates spontaneous MMCs or if it is released in response to MMC activity.
Main Methods:
- Electrode implantation in dogs to monitor small intestinal electrical activity.
- Induction of premature MMCs using morphine bolus injections.
- Assay of plasma samples for motilin and gastrin levels during different physiological states.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous and morphine-induced phase IIIs of MMCs were consistently associated with peaks in plasma motilin.
- Plasma motilin levels increased after phase IIIs commenced in the proximal duodenum.
- Exogenous motilin administration did not initiate phase IIIs, while MMC contractions led to motilin release.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous motilin does not initiate spontaneous MMCs; rather, MMC contractions stimulate motilin release.
- Released motilin may function as an endocrine signal coordinating digestive processes with the onset of phase III activity.