Perturbation of upper gastrointestinal function by cold stress

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Physiology
• Stress Response

Background:

• Postprandial gastrointestinal function is crucial for nutrient absorption.
• The impact of acute psychological or physiological stress on digestive processes requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a cold pain stimulus on postprandial gastric, duodenal, and pancreatic functions in healthy adults.
• To assess the relationship between cold-induced stress and autonomic nervous system responses.

Main Methods:

• Nine healthy volunteers underwent intubation and consumed standardized liquid meals.
• A cold pressor test (hand immersion in ice water) served as the stressor, with a warm water control.
• Gastric emptying, acid secretion, and pancreatic trypsin output were measured using a double marker perfusion technique.

Main Results:

• Cold pain significantly delayed gastric emptying.
• A biphasic response was observed in gastric secretion and pancreatic trypsin output: initial reduction followed by an increase.
• Autonomic responses were monitored via blood pressure, pulse, and finger temperature.

Conclusions:

• Acute stress, exemplified by cold pain, measurably disturbs normal upper gastrointestinal postprandial function.
• These digestive disturbances appear to be a component of the overall somatic stress response, correlating with extra-intestinal autonomic changes.