Effect of gastrin on antroduodenal motility: role of intraluminal acidity

The effect of gastrin on the migrating motility complex (MMC) was studied in seven healthy subjects. It was hypothesized that a potential effect of gastrin on the MMC may result from intraluminal acidification through increased gastric acid secretion. Therefore, antroduodenal manometry and intraluminal acidity were recorded simultaneously. The effect of gastric acid inhibition, with and without administration of gastrin, on antroduodenal motility and intraluminal acidity was also evaluated and compared with saline infusion (control). Continuous infusion of gastrin-17 (20 pmol. kg-1. h-1) increased intragastric and intraduodenal acidity and suppressed phase II and phase III motor activity in both antrum and duodenum. Concomitant gastric acid inhibition with intravenous famotidine, as demonstrated by intragastric neutralization of pH, completely antagonized the effect of gastrin on the MMC. In fact, famotidine infusion, both with and without administration of gastrin, significantly shortened MMC cycle length. It is concluded that the effect of gastrin on interdigestive antroduodenal motility results from increased intraluminal acidity.