Central serotonin receptors and delayed gastric emptying in non-ulcer dyspepsia. Issue 6848 (1st August 1992)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chua, A.; Keating, J.; Hamilton, D.; Keeling, P. W.; Dinan, T. G.
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 305:Issue 6848(1992)
• Page Start: 280
• Page End: 282
• Publication Date: 1992-08-01
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.305.6848.280
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE--To determine whether central serotonin receptors are involved in the pathophysiology of non-ulcer dyspepsia. DESIGN--Between subjects study of solid phase gastric emptying and prolactin response to buspirone challenge. SUBJECTS--12 patients fulfilling criteria for non-ulcer dyspepsia and 12 age and sex matched controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Solid phase gastric emptying measured by scintigraphic assessment of the movement of a standard meal labelled with technetium-99m and indium-111; responsiveness of central serotonin 1A receptors measured by the prolactin release following challenge with oral buspirone 60 mg. RESULTS--Solid phase gastric emptying was significantly delayed in the patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia (t 1/2 = 90.6 (SD 14.5) minutes in patients and 54.6 (10.7) minutes in controls; 95% confidence interval 24.7 to 46.7 minutes, p < 0.001). Prolactin release was significantly greater in patients compared with controls (1272.7 (1039.9) mU/l v 292.9 (136.1) mU/l; 352.1 to 1607.5 mU/l, p < 0.01). Gastric emptying and prolactin release were significantly correlated (r = 0.59, p = 0.04) in the patients but not in the controls (r = 0.23). CONCLUSION--Central serotonin 1A receptors may have a role in the pathophysiology of non-ulcer dyspepsia of the dysmotility subtype.