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Differential effects of baclofen on lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and proximal gastric motility in humans
Author(s) -
Lee K.J.,
Vos R.,
Janssens J.,
Tack J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01605.x
Subject(s) - baclofen , barostat , medicine , agonist , sphincter , endocrinology , placebo , motility , cisapride , gastric emptying , gastroenterology , anesthesia , stomach , receptor , biology , surgery , pathology , alternative medicine , genetics
Summary Background: The γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor type B agonist, baclofen, inhibits transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations by influencing a vagal pathway. Although post‐prandial proximal gastric function, which is vagally mediated, is important in the occurrence of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations, the effects of baclofen on post‐prandial proximal gastric motility in humans remains undetermined. Aim: To determine the effects of baclofen on post‐prandial lower oesophageal sphincter function and proximal gastric motility in healthy subjects. Methods: In 11 healthy volunteers, a barostat bag and an oesophageal manometric catheter with a sleeve were simultaneously positioned; 40 mg of oral baclofen or placebo was then given in a randomized, double‐blind manner. Subsequently, the intragastric bag volume, oesophageal and lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and oesophageal pH were recorded during the 90 min before and 120 min after a meal. Results: During the post‐prandial period, unlike the fasting period, baclofen decreased the rate of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations and increased the basal lower oesophageal sphincter pressure compared with placebo. However, the meal‐induced decrease in the tone and phasic contractility of the fundus was not affected by baclofen. Conclusion: The γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor type B agonist, baclofen, has a potent effect on post‐prandial lower oesophageal sphincter motility without altering post‐prandial proximal gastric motility, suggesting differential effects of baclofen on different signals of gastrointestinal vagal afferents.