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Biomedical subjects

B Glasbrenner

Publications and source records attributed to B Glasbrenner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Gastric emptying following pylorus-preserving Whipple and duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: After pylorus-preserving Whipple (PPW), delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is reported in up to 50% of these patients. We analyzed gastric emptying and hormonal adaptation of cholecystokinin (CCK), pancreatic polypeptide (PP), and gastrin following two surgical procedures for chronic pancreatitis (CP): the PPW and the duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR). METHODS: Ten patients underwent DPPHR and 10 underwent PPW for CP. Preoperatively and 10 days and 6 months postoperatively, gastric emptying (paracetamol absorption test) and CCK, gastrin, and PP were measured using a test meal stimulation. RESULTS: The area under the serum paracetamol time curve for 0 to 120 minutes (AUC) showed no preoperative difference. Ten days postoperatively, the AUC was significantly reduced (P <0.05) after PPW but not after DPPHR. Six months postoperatively, AUC was comparable with the preoperative findings in DPPHR and PPW. The integrated 180-minute PP release was significantly reduced 10 days and 6 months postoperatively in both groups. The integrated 180-minute CCK release was decreased 10 days after PPW, but failed to be significant (P = 0.053). Gastrin levels were postoperatively unchanged. CONCLUSION: Following DPPHR we found no delay in gastric emptying. In contrast, DGE occurs early after PPW. Our data may help explain the slower recovery in PPW patients with regard to weight gain and relief from pain, which may be due to the functional alteration of gastric emptying and motility after this type of surgery.

Acetaminophen↗

Gastric hypersensitivity in nonulcer dyspepsia: an inconsistent finding.

Visceral hypersensitivity is claimed to be involved in the pathogenesis of nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD). We evaluated whether gastric hypersensitivity is a consistent finding in an unselected group of NUD patients. In 11 patients and 20 healthy controls, a standardized gastric distension was performed using a gastric barostat. Perception was scored by a questionnaire and compared between the two groups. There was a linear pressure/volume relationship during gastric distension in both groups. The pain threshold in NUD patients was significantly lower compared to controls [5.5 +/- 4.0 mm Hg above minimal distending pressure (mdp) and 10.2 +/- 2.2 mm Hg above mdp, respectively, P < 0.004], irrespective of the H. pylori status. However, more than 50% of the NUD perception scores were in the control range at most distension levels. Gastric hypersensitivity could be confirmed in NUD patients as a group. However, there is a considerable overlap concerning perception in response to distension between unselected NUD patients and controls.

Adult↗

Effect of oral pancreatic enzyme administration on digestive function in healthy subjects: comparison between two enzyme preparations.

BACKGROUND: Intraduodenal proteases exert a negative feedback on pancreatic secretion. AIM: To investigate the effect of two pancreatic enzyme preparations (enteric-coated tablets, and capsules with enteric-coated microtablets) on postprandial pancreatic and bile acid secretion, gastroduodenal motility and release of gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide in healthy humans. METHODS: Twenty healthy males were studied on two different days one week apart. After an overnight fast a nine-lumen motility tube was positioned with the distal tip at the Treitz angle. On each study day, 30 min after an interdigestive migrating motor complex-phase III, a semi-liquid test meal was given either alone (n = 20) or with enzymes (3 tablets (n = 10) or 2 capsules with microtablets (n = 10); 40,000 U lipase and 2000 proteases) in a randomized order, and the study continued over 2 h. Motility was continuously recorded with four ports in the antrum and three in the duodenum, using a low-compliance pneumohydraulic perfusion system. Secretion of human-specific pancreatic elastase and bile acids was measured by a standard duodenal intubation perfusion technique. Plasma concentrations of gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide were measured by specific radioimmunoassays. RESULTS: Postprandial pancreatic secretion was significantly reduced by administration of microtablets (median 82 mg/2 h vs. 70 mg/2 h, P < 0.02) but not by tablets (median 59 mg/2 h vs. 58 mg/2 h. N.S.). No changes were observed in bile acid secretion, antroduodenal motility or release of gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide. CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of pancreatic enzymes at normal therapeutic doses significantly inhibits postprandial pancreatic secretion in healthy humans, when capsules with enteric-coated microtablets are given. Exogenous pancreatic enzymes have no significant effect on bile acid secretion, gastroduodenal motility and hormone release.

Administration, Oral↗

Qualitative and semi-quantitative value of a modified 13C-urea breath test for identification of Helicobacter pylori infection.

OBJECTIVE: The 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT) is the method of choice in evaluating the success of therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection. For reasons of cost efficiency and practicability, urea dose and measurement duration have been reduced and the DOB (delta over baseline) cutoff level with the highest predictive value determined. Further, the efficacy of the modified 13C-UBT as a semi-quantitative test method was evaluated by comparison with histologically determined bacterial infiltration. METHODS: In a prospective study, a modified 13C-UBT with reduced urea dose (75 mg) and shortened measurement duration (30 min) was administered to 145 patients. The DOB cutoff with the highest predictive value was determined using relative operating characteristic analysis. Reference methods included histology, bacterial culture and the rapid urease test. The DOB value was compared with the histologically determined grade of bacterial infiltration and the correlation evaluated using the Spearman ranking method. RESULTS: Reduction of the DOB cutoff level from 5.0 per thousand to 3.5 per thousand led to significant improvement in sensitivity (78.9% vs. 91.2%) and accuracy (88.6% vs. 90.2%) of the 13C-UBT. Only five of 57 infected patients were incorrectly reported as non-infected after modification of the DOB level. In two of three patients in whom histological findings were negative but the 13C-urease test positive, bacterial growth was observed at culture. The DOB level correlated significantly with histological grade of bacterial infection. CONCLUSION: The modified 13C-UBT proved to be a sensitive, practicable and cost-effective method for detecting H. pylori infection and permits a semi-quantitative estimation of bacterial infiltration.

Adolescent↗

Proximal gastric motility functions are normal in severe obesity.

The role of altered gastric motor functions for the development of obesity is still unclear. In this study, we investigated whether severe obesity is related to gastric dysfunctions or to abnormal perception in response to distension. 31 obese patients and 20 healthy volunteers were studied using an electronic barostat. Basal gastric tone, gastric accommodation, and perception in response to distension were not altered in obese patients. The median minimal distending pressure, reflecting the intra-abdominal pressure, was significantly elevated in obese patients, being 12 versus 7 mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.0001). We conclude that the proximal gastric motility, including perception and accommodation in response to intragastric distension, is not impaired in severe obesity. Whether disturbances of gastric reflex relaxation in response to a meal are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity remains to be established.

Adult↗

[Multicentric gastric carcinoid in autoimmune gastritis].

HISTORY AND FINDINGS: A now 54-year-old woman was 32 years ago found to have immune thrombocytopenia and 3 years ago ANA-positive and HBsAg-negative hepatitis with cirrhotic metaplasia. Numerous small asymptomatic carcinoids with marked hypergastrinaemia (1626 ng/l) were also first found 3 years ago. No gastrinoma could be found. Severe arthralgia was the main symptom on admission. INVESTIGATIONS: Gastroscopy revealed a polypoid carcinoid, 1 cm in diameter. There was total achlorhydria. No pernicious anaemia or carcinoid syndrome was found. TREATMENT AND COURSE: Total gastrectomy with construction of a jejunal substitute stomach was performed. Histology showed typical chronic-atrophic gastritis type A, all stages of an argyrophilic endocrine cell hyperplasia, as well as microcarcinoidosis and multicentric carcinoid, in part with submucosal infiltration and lymph node metastases. Immunohistology revealed immune reaction for the global endocrine marker. No specific hormones were demonstrable in the carcinoid cells. The postoperative course was without complications. Serum gastrin levels have since been normal. CONCLUSIONS: The case confirms the possibility of an achlorhydria-hypergastrinaemia-carcinoid sequence. Now new stage-related therapeutic guidelines for this disease are needed.

Achlorhydria↗

Importance of the duodenal passage and pouch volume after total gastrectomy and reconstruction with the Ulm pouch: prospective randomized clinical study.

The objective of this randomized study was to examine which reconstruction method and which pouch volume offer the best preconditions for a good quality of life and extensive physiologic regulation of gastrointestinal hormones after total gastrectomy. Up to now there is no general agreement with regard to the ideal reconstruction after total gastrectomy. The importance of the duodenal passage, the need for a pouch reconstruction, and the ideal pouch volume are matters of controversy. A total of 60 patients underwent the following reconstructions: Ulm pouch (pouch reconstruction with preservation of the duodenal passage), Hunt-Lawrence-Rodino pouch, or Roux-en-Y reconstruction without pouch. The clinical course, quality of life, and regulation of gastrointestinal hormones in correlation to reconstruction type and pouch volume were documented. Quality of life was assessed by means of a standardized specific questionnaire. Blood glucose, insulin, cholecystokinin, motilin, secretin, and pancreatic polypeptide were measured after stimulation by a standardized test meal. Six months after total gastrectomy those patients with an Ulm pouch were found to have a significantly better life quality (p < 0.01), higher body weight, and better physiologic regulation of gastrointestinal hormones; moreover, they developed (in contrast to all other reconstruction types) no pathologic glucose tolerance. Our conclusion is that all patients with a postoperative life expectancy of at least 6 months (i.e., tumor stages UICC I and II) should undergo pouch reconstruction with preservation of the duodenal passage.

Aged↗

Clinical evaluation of the faecal elastase test in the diagnosis and staging of chronic pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To test the diagnostic accuracy of faecal elastase (FE), a new test of exocrine pancreatic function, in a large prospective population of patients with abdominal complaints. METHODS: Between January 1994 and December 1995, 131 patients (age range 17-82 years) were submitted for exocrine pancreatic function testing. Sixty-three patients had a firm diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) at stage I-III according to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Twenty patients suffered from other pancreatic diseases (PD), and 48 patients had various other gastrointestinal diseases (GD). Fifty-seven healthy controls (HC) were also investigated. Stool specimens were analysed for FE by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and for faecal chymotrypsin (FC). The pancreolauryl serum test (PLT) was also performed in 97 patients and 23 healthy controls. RESULTS: FE was 200; 45-500 micrograms/g (median; range) in CP-I (n = 19), 94; 0-400 micrograms/g in CP-II (n = 14) and 38; 0-135 micrograms/g in CP-III patients (n = 30). With a cutoff of 200 micrograms/g, abnormal test results were found in 47% of CP-I, 79% of CP-II and 100% of CP-III patients; in 30% of PD patients, in 38% of GD patients and in 7% of HC. Sensitivity of abnormal FE in diagnosing CP was 79% (FC: 48%; PLT: 71%). The specificity of only 62% (FC: 73%; PLT: 67%) in the GD group increased to 78% (FC: 81%; PLT: 77%) when patients with small bowel diseases and diarrhoea (n = 22) were excluded. CONCLUSION: Faecal elastase is more sensitive than chymotrypsin and comparable to the pancreolauryl test in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Indirect exocrine pancreatic function tests are not helpful to differentiate between pancreatic and small bowel diseases in a prospective population of patients with abdominal complaints.

Adolescent↗

M1 muscarinic mechanisms regulate intestinal-phase gallbladder physiology in humans.

The contribution of muscarinic receptor subtypes to biliary control mechanisms is unclear. We investigated stimulated gallbladder function and release of associated hormones during M1-receptor blockade. Following a double-blind, randomized, crossover protocol, healthy volunteers each received placebo and telenzepine, a selective M1-receptor antagonist, as 2-h background infusion. Gallbladder contraction (by ultrasonography), bilirubin output, and release of cholecystokinin (CCK) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) were assessed during increasing doses of endogenous (intraduodenal nutrient) and exogenous (hormonal) stimulation. All parameters were stimulated in a dose-dependent manner on placebo days. Contractile and secretory responses to low-dose caerulein (CCK analogue) were inhibited by 60-80% under telezepine, whereas high-dose (supraphysiological) stimulation overrode this effect. Similar inhibition was achieved during nutrient stimulation. CCK plasma levels rose during endogenous and exogenous stimulation but were unaffected by M1 blockade, whereas stimulated PP release was completely inhibited (> 100% decrease), reflecting suppressed vagal tone. Selective M1-receptor blockade inhibits the physiological response of the gallbladder in humans; this effect cannot be attributed to suppressed CCK release. Our findings support the hypothesis that CCK acts at the gallbladder via cholinergic nerves under physiological conditions. Viewed with our previous observations, nonselective antagonism of biliary function by atropine is primarily mediated through M1 muscarinic pathways.

Adult↗

Maldigestion after total gastrectomy is associated with pancreatic insufficiency.

OBJECTIVES: Subsequent to total gastrectomy, many patients develop maldigestion and weight loss. The mechanisms that underlie these changes are not known. Therefore, in a prospective study, we have analyzed endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function in patients before and 3 months after total gastrectomy. METHODS: In 15 patients (12 male, three female, median age 62.4 yr) undergoing total gastrectomy due to gastric cancer, a direct exocrine pancreatic function test (secretin-cerulein test) was performed. In addition, a standard test meal was given to all patients to study endocrine pancreatic function and the pattern of hormones that influence exocrine pancreatic secretion. In nine patients, both function tests were repeated 3 months after total gastrectomy. Before and at 11 points after the application of the test meal, blood samples were taken for the measurement of glucose, insulin, glucagon, gastrin, pancreatic polypeptide, and cholecystokinin. In addition, a secretin-cerulein test was performed to analyze trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase, bicarbonate, and the juice volume in the duodenal aspirates. RESULTS: Three months after total gastrectomy, all patients exhibited severe primary exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Secretin-cerulein tests revealed that pancreatic juice secretion, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and amylase were significantly reduced by 76%, 89%, 91%, and 72%, respectively, 3 months after total gastrectomy and secretin and cerulein stimulation. Post-operatively, the patients had a pathological glucose tolerance with increased postprandial insulin and glucagon secretion. The baseline and postprandial gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide secretion were significantly decreased after total gastrectomy. In contrast, early postprandial cholecystokinin secretion was significantly increased postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: After total gastrectomy, patients develop severe primary exocrine pancreatic insufficiency with decreased gastrin, decreased late postprandial pancreatic polypeptide, and increased cholecystokinin levels. These findings may explain why many patients with total gastrectomy have maldigestion and weight loss postoperatively. Therefore, gastrectomized patients should be given pancreatic enzymes to avoid these symptoms.

Ceruletide↗

[Acute pancreatitis: diagnosis].

In the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain, acute pancreatitis may be diagnosed by its clinical features together with blood determinations and ultrasonographic findings. The primary diagnostic steps include the differentiation between biliary or non-biliary etiology of the disease. In biliary acute pancreatitis, ERCP with endoscopic sphincterotomy is recommended, although the benefit of this procedure has only been shown in patients with severe clinical courses. An early discrimination between edematous-interstitial pancreatitis [mild clinical course] and necrotizing pancreatitis [severe clinical course associated with local and systemic complications] is possible by daily CRP-monitoring. In necrotizing pancreatitis, contrast-enhanced computed tomography is the next diagnostic step, and the patient should be transferred to an intensive care unit. To differentiate between severe sterile pancreatitis and infected pancreatic necrosis, ultrasonographic or CT-guided fine needle aspiration of the pancreatic inflammatory mass is suggested. Infected pancreatic necroses are associated with systemic septic complications, which are the main mortality factor and the major reason for operative treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and dyspepsia in young adults in Germany.

Data on the seroprevalence and time of acquisition of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in Germany are scarce. We studied the seroprevalence of HP infection and the relationship with gastrointestinal (Gl) symptoms in a group of 168 German medical students in the final year of their practical training and in 260 age-matched blood donors at the University of Ulm. Eight upper Gl symptoms were scored in a questionnaire, and blood samples were taken for the detection of HP lgG antibodies with an Enzyme Immunoassay (Bio-Rad). Values greater than 12.5 U/ml (positive) were detected in 50 medical students (28.8%) and in 96 blood donors (36.9%). At least one occasional Gl symptom was present in 71.4% of medical students and 70.7% of blood donors. When related to the HP status, 27.0% of HP negative and 32.9% of HP positive individuals were completely free of symptoms. Moderate to severe dyspeptic symptoms were reported by 17.4% of HP negative and 14.4% of HP positive individuals. We conclude that the seroprevalence of HP infection in young German adults is presently about 1/3 but that HP infection is not linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in this age class.

Adult↗

Cholecystokinin and pancreatic polypeptide release in diabetic patients with and without autonomic neuropathy.

The present study was undertaken to investigate postprandial responses of cholecystokinin (CCK) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and their interrelationship in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) with and without autonomic neuropathy (AN). Twenty-two patients with DM (seven with AN and 15 without AN) and 14 age-matched healthy controls were studied. AN was diagnosed according to several tests of cardiovascular autonomic function. CCK and PP plasma levels were measured by specific radioimmunoassays before and at several time points after the oral administration of a test meal. Basal CCK plasma levels in DM patients were normal, whereas basal PP plasma levels were increased (139 +/- 18 vs 72 +/- 7 pg/ml; P < 0.01). Integrated postprandial CCK response was increased in DM patients (208 +/- 27 vs 110 +/- 14 pmol/liter/2 hr; P < 0.05), mainly due to the patients with AN. Postprandial PP response was increased in DM patients without AN (37,273 +/- 5241 vs 13,418 +/- 3299 pg/ml/2 hr; P < 0.001) but not in those with AN (8887 +/- 3461 pg/ml/2 hr). Moreover, PP response was closely (P < 0.002) correlated with the degree of AN. A direct and linear correlation between postprandial CCK and PP responses was found in healthy controls (r = 0.78; P < 0.005) but not in DM patients. We conclude that the CCK response to a meal is increased in diabetic patients with AN, whereas the PP response is increased only with an intact autonomic nervous system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Cephalic phase of pancreatic polypeptide release: a valid test of autonomic neuropathy in diabetics?

We investigated pancreatic polypeptide (PP) release by chew and spit sham feeding as a test of autonomic function in 33 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and 24 age-matched healthy controls. Plasma samples were taken at nine 5-min time intervals, and PP plasma levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. Autonomic neuropathy (AN) was diagnosed and staged according to four standardized tests of cardiovascular autonomic function. The integrated PP response during sham feeding was decreased in DM patients (1067 + or - 397 vs. 2670 + or - 394 pg/ml/30 min; P < 0.05). The maximum increase of PP plasma levels was significantly different between the DM subgroups with AN (36 + or - 19 pg/ml; n = 13) and without AN (132 + or - 36 pg/ml; n = 20) but varied widely in healthy controls (219 + or - 29 pg/ml; range 20-460 pg/ml). A cutoff of maximum PP increase < 20 pg/ml (specificity 100%) resulted in only 46% sensitivity, while a cutoff < 160 pg/ml (sensitivity 100%) yielded 38% specificity for diagnosis of AN. The diagnostic value of the PP test for identifying individual patients against the variable reference range is therefore limited. Maximum PP increase < 20 pg/ml indicates AN, while maximum PP increase > 160 pg/ml excludes AN in diabetic patients.

Adolescent↗

Relationship between postprandial release of CCK and PP in health and in chronic pancreatitis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between postprandial release of cholecystokinin (CCK) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) in healthy subjects and patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). 14 patients with CP and 14 age-matched healthy subjects were studied. Diagnosis of CP was confirmed by standardized imaging modalities (ERCP and CT). Exocrine pancreatic function was assessed in all 28 subjects using the pancreolauryl serum test (PLT). An oral test meal was administered to stimulate endogenous hormone release. Plasma samples were taken before and at several time points after the test meal. CCK and PP plasma levels were measured by specific radioimmunoassays. Basal CCK and PP plasma levels were not different between patients with CP and controls, and were not correlated in either group. However, a direct linear correlation between integrated postprandial release of CCK and PP was found in healthy subjects (r = 0.74, P < 0.005). This postprandial coupling was not evident in patients with CP (r = 0.16; n.s.). Peak fluorescein serum concentration in patients with CP and steatorrhea (SCP) (n = 6) was < 2.5 micrograms/ml, and CCK and PP responses to the meal were significantly impaired (CCK response = 61 +/- 14 pmol/l/120 min in SCP vs. 110 +/- 14 in controls, P < 0.05; PP response = 3920 +/- 1773 pg/ml/120 min in SCP vs. 13418 +/- 3299 in controls, P < 0.05). In patients with mild/moderate exocrine insufficiency, CCK and PP responses varied greatly and were not different from controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Impaired interdigestive pancreatic polypeptide release. Early hormonal disorder in chronic pancreatitis?

The purpose of this study was to investigate interdigestive cycling and postprandial release of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) in relation to exocrine pancreatic function in chronic pancreatitis (CP). We investigated nine patients with mild-moderate CP (MCP), eight patients with severe CP and steathorrea (SCP), and 17 healthy subjects as controls. Interdigestive antroduodenal motility was monitored by means of manometry. Following two consecutive motility cycles, a standard test meal was administered. Plasma samples were drawn for PP determinations every 15 min throughout the entire study, which concluded 2 hr after ingestion of the meal. Mean interdigestive PP plasma concentrations during phase III motor activity were lower in MCP (146 +/- 46 pg/ml) than in controls (270 +/- 42 pg/ml) and lower still in SCP (55 +/- 8 pg/ml). Accordingly, the percent increase in PP concentrations during phase III over those in phase I was progressively decreased from controls (112%) to MCP (62%) to SCP (19%). Mean interdigestive PP concentrations were also lower during phase I and II in SCP than in controls or MCP. None of the postprandial parameters for PP release was affected in the early stage of disease, while mean, peak, and integrated postprandial values were significantly lower in SCP than in controls or MCP. Thus, we observed a progressive diminution of both interdigestive and postprandial PP release with increasing severity of disease. Interdigestive release parameters, in particular, were tightly correlated with exocrine function. CP appears to alter interdigestive PP release to a greater extent than postprandial PP release; this effect is already apparent in early stages of the disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Postprandial release of cholecystokinin and pancreatic polypeptide in health and in gallstone disease: relationships with gallbladder contraction.

OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated endogenous postprandial release of cholecystokinin (CCK) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) in relation to gallbladder dynamics in healthy subjects and patients with gallstones. METHODS: Gallbladder volume (by ultrasonography) and plasma concentrations of CCK and PP (by radioimmunoassay) were evaluated in 18 patients with gallstones and 14 healthy controls before and after administration of a semi-liquid test meal (250 ml, 1450 kJ). Gallbladder contractility was previously assessed on a separate day by intravenous infusion of ceruletide (2.5 ng/kg/min). RESULTS: Basal gallbladder volume was not different in patients (32 +/- 5.9 cm3) and controls (26 +/- 2.7 cm3). Postprandial gallbladder contractility was impaired in gallstone patients, who showed a reduced integrated response (-3718 +/- 349 vs. -5251 +/- 376 cm3/2 h, p < 0.01) and a delayed time to maximal gallbladder contraction (67 +/- 7.4 min vs. 37 +/- 2.4 min, p < 0.002). Maximal gallbladder contraction after ceruletide infusion was also reduced (44.1 +/- 5.0% vs. 72.5 +/- 3.2%, p < 0.001), but not delayed (15.8 +/- 2.4 vs. 15.7 +/- 1.4 min) in gallstone patients. Basal CCK and PP plasma levels were similar in both groups. Postprandial CCK release was impaired in gallstone patients, predominantly due to a decreased response over the first 30 min (3.8 +/- 1.8 vs. 20.0 +/- 4.9 pmol/L/30 min, p < 0.005). Postprandial PP release was not different between groups. A direct linear correlation between postprandial release of CCK and PP was found in healthy controls but not in patients with gallstones. Postprandial gallbladder volume at any moment was inversely correlated with CCK plasma levels in healthy subjects, but not in gallstone patients. No correlation between postprandial PP response and gallbladder dynamics was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a multivariate logistic approach, a reduced and delayed postprandial gallbladder contractility and an impaired CCK release in the early postprandial phase are significantly associated with gallstone disease. Our data provide further evidence for the predominant role of endogenous postprandial CCK release in gallbladder contraction. A role for PP in modulating postprandial gallbladder dynamics is not supported.

Cholecystokinin↗

Gastric emptying of solids and liquids in obesity.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether obese patients have different rates of solid and liquid gastric emptying compared to healthy controls. Twenty-four obese patients (7 males, 17 females) were investigated prior to dietary restriction. The patients had a weight excess above ideal weight ranging from 25% to 216% (mean weight 118.1 +/- 6.5 kg). The control group consisted of 8 healthy subjects (4 males, 4 females), within 10% of the ideal weight. The solid phase of the test meal consisted of 40 g bread, 30 g ham, 10 g margarine, and two scrambled eggs labeled with 99mTc. For the liquid phase, 200 ml orange juice was labeled with 201Tl. Three-minute counts of both tracers were taken for 106 min using a large field-of-view gamma camera. In obese patients, a significantly shortened lag phase for the emptying of solids was observed (27.0 +/- 3.3 versus 38.4 +/- 4.1 min; P < 0.05). Half-emptying time (105.9 +/- 6.7 versus 100.7 +/- 5.7 min), emptying rate (0.60 +/- 0.04 versus 0.71 +/- 0.07%/min), and total emptying of solids (49.4 +/- 3.6 versus 50.5 +/- 5.0%) were not different from controls. Obese subjects had a trend to slowed liquid emptying (half-time 82.7 +/- 4.8 versus 69.9 +/- 6.9 min; emptying rate 0.59 +/- 0.03 versus 0.65 +/- 0.03%/min; total emptying 59.8 +/- 2.9 versus 66.0 +/- 3.3%), but this was not statistically significant. There was no correlation between weight or body surface area and rate of solid or liquid gastric emptying.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗