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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)
Published on: December 2, 2010
5-hydroxytryptamine 3-receptor antagonist modulates gallbladder emptying and motilin release induced by erythromycin
S Fiorucci1, L Santucci, A Morelli
1Istituto di Gastroenterologia ed Endoscopia Digestiva, University of Perugia, Italy.
Abstract:
In the present study we evaluated the effect of ondansetron (formerly indicated as GR38032F), a potent and selective type-3 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist, on erythromycin-induced gallbladder emptying and motilin release, as well as gallbladder emptying induced by a regular meal in healthy volunteers. Gallbladder emptying was evaluated by sonography. Ondansetron, at the dose of 0.05 mg/kg, significantly reduced (P < 0.001 by ANOVA) the gallbladder emptying induced by 2 mg/kg/hr erythromycin, but did not increase basal gallbladder volume or inhibit gallbladder emptying induced by a regular meal. Ondansetron also inhibited the motilin release induced by erythromycin (P < 0.001, by ANOVA). These results suggest that serotoninergic mechanisms modulate the effects of erythromycin on the gastrointestinal tract. The exact site of action of ondansetron remains to be identified.
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