ISSN:
1365-2036
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Altered visceral perception is common in functional dyspepsia (FD). Dopaminergic pathways control gastrointestinal motility, but whether they modulate visceral sensitivity is unknown.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉Aim:To investigate whether levosulpiride, a D2 antagonist, modulates gastric sensitivity and compliance in dyspeptic patients.〈section xml:id="abs1-3"〉〈title type="main"〉Methods:Eight healthy subjects and 16 dyspeptic patients underwent graded gastric distensions using a tensostat. In dyspeptic patients the same isotonic distensions were repeated during either levosulpiride or saline administration. Eight FD patients were evaluated after 4-week treatment with oral levosulpiride. Gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated using a 100 mm visual analogue score. Perception was scored on a scale of 0 to 6.〈section xml:id="abs1-4"〉〈title type="main"〉Results:Although healthy subjects and FD patients had similar gastric compliance, FD patients tolerated lower tension levels. At the same distending tension levels, levosulpiride decreased gastric compliance and perception score (14 ± 6% and 38 ± 10% change, respectively; P 〈 0.05 vs. saline) only in FD patients. Isotonic distensions exhibited very reproducible perception. Chronic levosulpiride administration significantly reduced dyspeptic symptoms and increased discomfort threshold.〈section xml:id="abs1-5"〉〈title type="main"〉Conclusions:Compared with healthy subjects, FD patients show marked gastric hypersensitivity. In FD patients levosulpiride decreased the perception of gastric distension with an action unrelated to change of gastric tone. Chronic levosulpiride administration significantly ameliorates gastrointestinal symptoms and increases the discomfort threshold.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2036.2002.01180.x
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