title: The effect of motilin on the rectum in healthy volunteers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The role of motilin in the regulation of upper gastrointestinal (GI) motility is well defined. However, little is known about the effects on the distal GI tract. To investigate the effect of exogenous motilin on rectal function, barostat measurements in the rectum were performed and lower abdominal symptoms were scored.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight fasted, healthy volunteers were infused intravenously with synthetic motilin or placebo over 90 min in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over design. Rectum volume was measured with a barostat device during constant pressure and during isobaric distensions. Lower abdominal symptoms were scored by visual analogue scales. Plasma motilin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Baseline rectum volumes were similar between treatments: 185 +/- 62 mL (motilin) and 136 +/- 41 mL (placebo). During the constant pressure procedure, motilin increased rectum volume [area under the effect curve (AUEC)] by 6%[95% confidence interval (CI) -3, 16] of baseline, compared with placebo. During isobaric distensions motilin increased rectum volume (AUEC) by 43 mL (95% CI 0.4, 85; P < 0.05) and compliance by 10 mL mmHg-1 (95% CI 0.3, 20; P < 0.05) relative to placebo. Motilin did not induce changes in the sensation of rectal feelings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Exogenous motilin increased rectal compliance in healthy volunteers, without affecting rectal sensations.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands. ikamerli@chdr.nl
authors.forename: I M C
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Kamerling
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Burggraaf
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: van Haarst
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Oppenhuizen-Duinker
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Schoemaker
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Biemond
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Heinzerling
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: A A M
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Masclee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009037:Motilin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011312:Pressure; D012007:Rectum / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D009037:Motilin