Proximal gastric distension modifies ingestion rate in pigs

Control of food ingestion related to proximal gastric distension has never been demonstrated in pigs. The aim of this study was to demonstrate its existence. Meal duration, food intake rate and characteristics of non-ingestion periods were evaluated during the ingestion of a 500 g meal with simultaneous balloon distension of the proximal stomach. Distensions were performed either at fixed pressure levels or at fixed volume levels. Five pressure levels and five volume levels were tested in duplicate experiments in random order and on different days in each animal. Pressures equal or above 11 mmHg increased meal duration (656 +/- 12 vs 562 +/- 30 s, 11 mmHg vs control) because of a lower rate of food intake and longer period of non-ingestion. On the contrary, irrespective of the gastric bag volume, isovolumic distensions did not alter feeding behaviour. We concluded that a short term control of food intake exists in pigs.