Alosetron does not affect the visceral perception of gastric distension in healthy subjects.
BACKGROUND
The effect of alosetron, a new specific 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, on the visceral perception in response to gastric distension was assessed in 12 healthy male subjects in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled crossover trial.


METHODS
Each subject was given orally either alosetron 1 mg b.d. or placebo b.d. for 6 days (wash-out period 7-28 days). At the end of each dosing period, both isobarometric and isovolumetric gastric distensions were performed using an electronic barostat.


RESULTS
Alosetron did not modify the gastric wall compliance (pressure-volume relationship). Alosetron had an effect similar to placebo on the visceral perception scores in both isobarometric and isovolumetric distensions. The mean (+/- SEM) thresholds for abdominal discomfort were, respectively, 16.8 +/- 0.7 mmHg and 825 +/- 61 mL with alosetron, 16.7 +/- 0.6 mmHg and 883 +/- 45 mL with Placebo (P = NS).


CONCLUSIONS
5-HT3 receptors do not appear to be involved in the visceral perception of gastric distension in healthy subjects.
Zerbib
F
F
Laboratory Fonctions Digestives et Nutrition, Hôpital Laënnec, Nantes, France.
Bruley des Varannes
S
S
Oriola
R C
RC
McDonald
J
J
Isal
J P
JP
Galmiche
J P
JP
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D002243:Carbolines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D011312:Pressure; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013270:Stomach / Q000187:drug effects*
D002243:Carbolines; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; C090840:alosetron