Oesophageal bolus transit and clearance by secondary peristalsis in normal individuals

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil) effects on esophageal motility: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Esophageal motility disorders are a group of disorders associated with dysfunctional swallowing resulting from impaired neuromuscular coordination. Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors induce smooth relaxation and are proposed as a treatment option for esophageal motility disorders such as achalasia.

METHODS

This study is conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We systematically searched MEDLINE/ PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for esophageal outcomes of individuals treated with PDE5 inhibitors. A random effect meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies were included. They were conducted in different countries, with Korea and Italy having the highest number of articles. The main drug assessed was sildenafil. PDE-5 inhibitors resulted in a significant reduction in lower esophageal sphincter pressure (SMD - 1.69, 95% CI: -2.39 to -0.99) and the amplitude of contractions (SMD - 2.04, 95% CI: -2.97 to -1.11). Residual pressure was not significantly different between the placebo and sildenafil groups (SMD - 0.24, 95% CI: -1.20 to 0.72). Furthermore, a recent study reported contractile integral, stating that ingestion of sildenafil leads to a significant reduction in distal contractile integral and a significant increase in proximal contractile integral.

CONCLUSION

PDE-5 inhibitors significantly reduce LES resting pressure and esophageal peristaltic vigor, decreasing esophageal body contractility and contraction reserve. Therefore, using these drugs in patients affected by esophageal motility disorders may potentially improve their condition regarding symptom relief and prevention of further associated complications. Future reports investigating larger sample size is necessary in order to establish definite evidence regarding the efficacy of these drugs.

Impact of ineffective esophageal motility on secondary peristalsis: Studies with high-resolution manometry

BACKGROUND/AIM

The aim was to investigate whether there is a difference in secondary peristalsis on high-resolution manometry (HRM) among gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients with and without ineffective esophageal motility (IEM), and healthy individuals.

METHODS

Twenty-eight GERD patients and seventeen healthy controls were included. Secondary peristalsis was stimulated by a rapid injection of 20 ml air in mid-esophagus. We compared HRM metrics and the response and effective rate of triggering secondary peristalsis between patients with and without IEM and healthy controls.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients had IEM, and the remaining 12 had normal manometry. By triggering of secondary peristalsis, patients without IEM and healthy controls had significantly higher distal contractile integral (DCI) values than IEM patients (p = 0.006). A successful secondary peristalsis was triggered more frequently in healthy controls than in GERD patients with normal peristalsis or IEM (56.9% vs. 20.2% vs. 9.1%, all p < 0.001). The effective rate which determined as DCI > 450 mm Hg.cm.s was higher in healthy controls compared to patients with normal peristalsis (36.5% vs. 19.4%, p < 0.001) and IEM (36.5% vs. 6.3%, p < 0.001). Patients with IEM had lower successful triggering response (9.1% vs. 20.2%) and effective secondary peristalsis (6.3% vs. 19.4%) compared with patients without IEM (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our work has demonstrated that GERD patients, in particular those with IEM, have significant defects in the triggering of secondary peristalsis on HRM. HRM helps characterize esophageal secondary peristalsis which exhibits differently in patients with and without IEM.

Effects of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil on esophageal secondary peristalsis: Studies with high-resolution manometry

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Secondary peristalsis contributes to the clearance of retained refluxate from the esophagus. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, inhibits primary esophageal peristalsis, but its effects on secondary peristalsis remain unknown. This study sought to investigate whether sildenafil could influence physiological characteristics of secondary peristalsis by applying high-resolution manometry (HRM).

METHODS

Seventeen healthy volunteers (15 men and 2 women, aged 30.2 ± 6.4 years) underwent two HRM studies on separate days following the administration of either a placebo or 50 mg of sildenafil in a random order. Both studies were performed using a water-perfused HRM catheter containing one air injection channel positioned in the mid-esophagus. Secondary peristalsis was stimulated by a rapid mid-esophageal injection of 10 or 20 mL of air 1 h after the administration of either the placebo or sildenafil. The frequency and distal contractile integral of secondary peristalsis were then compared.

RESULTS

Complete secondary peristalsis triggered by the 20-mL air injection was more frequent than observed with the 10-mL air injection (P < 0.001). The vigor of secondary peristalsis triggered by the injection of either volume of air was lower than that of primary peristalsis (P < 0.001). Sildenafil significantly reduced the success rate (P ≤ 0.001) and vigor (P < 0.001) of secondary peristalsis relative to the effects of the placebo at both distension volumes.

CONCLUSIONS

Secondary peristalsis can be successfully triggered by rapid air injection during HRM. Sildenafil reduces both the success rate and the vigor of secondary peristalsis, similar to that seen with primary peristalsis.

Effects of esophageal acid infusion vs mosapride on distension-induced secondary peristalsis in humans

Secondary peristalsis contributes to the clearance of the refluxate from the esophagus. Acute administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 (5-HT₄ ) receptors agonist, mosapride or esophageal infusion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) facilitates secondary peristalsis. The aim of this study was to determine whether esophageal acid infusion and administration of mosapride had different effects on secondary peristalsis. Secondary peristalsis was performed with esophageal distension with rapid and slow air injections in 16 healthy subjects. We performed two separate sessions with HCl (0.1 N) and 40 mg oral mosapride to compare their influence on secondary peristaltic parameters. The threshold volume of secondary peristalsis was significantly lower with HCl infusion than mosapride (P = 0.01) by slow air injections. The threshold volume to generate secondary peristalsis was significantly lower with HCl infusion than mosapride (P = 0.002) by rapid air injections. More secondary peristalsis was trigged by rapid air injections after HCl infusion than mosapride (P = 0.003). Infusion of HCl or mosapride administration has similar effects on peristaltic wave amplitude and duration of primary and secondary peristalsis. Acute esophageal acid infusion can induce greater mechanosensitivity to distension-induced secondary peristalsis than 5-HT₄ receptors agonist mosapride. The data suggest that acid-sensitive afferents are more likely to contribute to sensory modulation of esophageal secondary peristalsis; however, the motility aspects of secondary peristalsis are comparable between acute esophageal acidification and 5-HT₄ receptors activation via mosapride.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor type B agonist baclofen inhibits acid-induced excitation of secondary peristalsis but not heartburn sensation

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Acute esophageal acid infusion promotes distension-induced secondary peristalsis. The gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor type B (GABA-B) receptors activation inhibits secondary peristalsis. This study aimed to test the hypothesis whether acid excitation of secondary peristalsis can be influenced by baclofen.

METHODS

Secondary peristalsis was performed with intra-esophageal slow and rapid air injections in 13 healthy subjects. Direct esophageal infusion of 0.1 N HCl following pretreatment with placebo or baclofen was randomly performed at least 1 week apart. Symptom intensity, distension thresholds, and peristaltic parameters were determined and compared between each study protocol.

RESULTS

The intensity of heartburn symptom in response to esophageal acid infusion was significantly greater with baclofen than the placebo (P = 0.002). The threshold volume of secondary peristalsis during slow air injections in response to acid infusion was significantly greater with baclofen than the placebo (P = 0.001). Baclofen significantly increased the threshold volume of secondary peristalsis during rapid air injections in response to acid infusion (P = 0.001). The frequency of secondary peristalsis in response to acid infusion was significantly decreased by baclofen as compared with the placebo (P = 0.001). Baclofen significantly decreased peristaltic amplitudes in response to acid infusion during rapid air injections (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor type B agonist baclofen inhibits acid excitation of secondary peristalsis in human esophagus, which is probably mediated by both muscular and mucosal mechanoreceptors. This work supports the evidence of potential involvement of GABA-B receptors in negative modulation of acid excitation of esophageal perception as well as secondary peristalsis.

Influence of prucalopride on esophageal secondary peristalsis in reflux patients with ineffective motility

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Secondary peristalsis contributes to esophageal clearance. Prucalopride promotes secondary peristalsis by stimulating 5-hydroxytrypatamine 4 receptors in the esophagus. We aimed to determine whether prucalopride would augment secondary peristalsis in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients with IEM.

METHODS

After a baseline recording of primary peristalsis, secondary peristalsis was stimulated by slow and rapid mid-esophageal injections of air in 15 patients with IEM. Two separate sessions with 4-mg oral prucalopride or placebo were randomly performed.

RESULTS

Prucalopride significantly increased primary peristaltic wave amplitude (68.1 ± 10.0 vs 55.5 ± 8.8 mmHg, P = 0.02). The threshold volume for triggering secondary peristalsis was significantly decreased by prucalopride during slow (9.3 ± 0.8 vs 12.0 ± 0.8 mL; P = 0.04) and rapid air injection (4.9 ± 0.3 vs 7.1 ± 0.1 mL; P = 0.01). Secondary peristalsis was triggered more frequently after application of prucalopride (55% [43-70%]) than placebo (45% [33-50%]) (P = 0.008). Prucalopride did not change pressure wave amplitudes during slow air injection (84.6 ± 8.1 vs 57.4 ± 13.8 mmHg; P = 0.19) or pressure wave amplitudes during rapid air injection (84.2 ± 8.6 vs 69.5 ± 12.9 mmHg; P = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Prucalopride enhances primary peristalsis and mechanosensitivity of secondary peristalsis with limited impact on secondary peristaltic activities in IEM patients. Our study suggests that prucalopride appears to be useful in augmenting secondary peristalsis in patients with IEM only via sensory modulation of esophageal secondary peristalsis.

Influence of GABA-B Agonist Baclofen on Capsaicin-Induced Excitation of Secondary Peristalsis in Humans

OBJECTIVES

Esophageal instillation of capsaicin enhances secondary peristalsis, but the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor type B (GABA-B) agonist baclofen inhibits secondary peristalsis. This study aimed to investigate whether baclofen could influence heartburn perception and secondary peristalsis subsequent to capsaicin infusion in healthy adults.

METHODS

Secondary peristalsis was performed by slow and rapid mid-esophagus air injections in 15 healthy subjects. Two different sessions including esophageal infusion of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce (0.84 mg) following pre-treatment with placebo or baclofen were randomly performed to test the effects on heartburn perception and secondary peristalsis.

RESULTS

The intensity of heartburn symptom subsequent to capsaicin infusion was significantly greater after pre-treatment of baclofen as compared with the placebo (P=0.03). Baclofen significantly increased the threshold volume of secondary peristalsis to slow air injections subsequent to esophageal capsaicin infusion (P<0.001). Baclofen significantly increased the threshold volume of secondary peristalsis to rapid air injections subsequent to esophageal capsaicin infusion (P<0.01). The frequency of secondary peristalsis subsequent to capsaicin infusion was significantly decreased with baclofen as compared with the placebo (P<0.002). Baclofen had no effect on any of the peristaltic parameters of secondary peristalsis subsequent to capsaicin infusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The GABA-B agonist baclofen appears to attenuate the esophagus to capsaicin-induced excitation of secondary peristalsis in healthy adults. Our study suggests the inhibitory modulation for GABA-B receptors on capsaicin-sensitive afferents mediating secondary peristalsis in human esophagus.

Altered oesophageal mechanosensitivity of secondary peristalsis as a pathophysiological marker in patients with globus sensation

OBJECTIVE

Secondary peristalsis is important for clearance of retained food bolus and refluxate from the oesophagus. We aimed to investigate whether patients with globus sensation have altered physiological characteristics of secondary peristalsis.

DESIGN

Prospective case-controlled study SETTING: Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventeen globus patients and 18 healthy controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

After a baseline recording of primary peristalsis, secondary peristalsis was stimulated with slow and rapid mid-oesophageal injections of air. Distension thresholds and peristaltic activities of secondary peristalsis were analysed and compared between the patients and healthy controls.

RESULTS

The threshold volume for generating secondary peristalsis during slow air distension did not differ between the patient and control groups (P = .55). The threshold volume for generating secondary peristalsis during rapid air distension was significantly greater in patients with globus than healthy controls (7.0 ± 0.9 vs 5.0 ± 0.3 mL, P = .04). Secondary peristalsis was triggered less frequently in globus patients as compared with healthy control after rapid air distension (40% [30%-65%] vs 60% [60%-83%], P = .001). There was no difference in any of peristaltic parameters for primary and secondary peristalsis between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work identifies functional defects of oesophageal secondary peristalsis in patients with globus sensation and such defects are characterised with defective triggering of secondary peristalsis during rapid air distension. Whether current findings have therapeutic implication in the management of patients with globus sensation warrants further investigation.

Relevance of sleep disturbance to the integrity and characteristics of secondary peristalsis in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE

Sleep disturbance is common in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Secondary peristalsis is important for clearance of the refluxate from the esophagus. We aimed to test the hypothesis whether secondary peristalsis is impaired in GERD patients with sleep disturbance.

METHODS

Secondary peristalsis was stimulated with slow and rapid air injections into mid-esophagus in 8 age-matched health controls and 41 patients with GERD. Sleep disturbance was assessed by the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Objective sleep measures were assessed by ambulatory actigraphy.

RESULTS

The threshold volume for inducing secondary peristalsis during slow air injection was significantly higher in GERD patients with sleep disturbance than healthy controls (14.3 ± 1.2 vs. 8.9 ± 0.5 mL, p < .05). GERD patients with sleep disturbance had higher threshold volume of secondary peristalsis during rapid air injection than GERD patients without sleep disturbance (5.1 ± 0.4 vs. 3.9 ± 0.2 mL, p < .05) and healthy controls (5.1 ± 0.4 vs. 3.6 ± 0.2 mL, p < .05). There was a negative correlation between PSQI score and peristaltic frequency during rapid air injection (r = -.39, p = .01). Secondary peristaltic amplitude during rapid air injection was negatively correlated with wake after sleep onset (r = -.34, p = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep disturbance is associated with secondary peristaltic response to distension-induced esophageal stimulation in patients with GERD. Our study suggests that sleep disturbance per se may adversely influence the effectiveness of esophageal peristalsis and bolus clearance during sleep in patients with GERD.

Influence of capsaicin infusion on secondary peristalsis in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

AIM

To determine whether capsaicin infusion could influence heartburn perception and secondary peristalsis in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

Secondary peristalsis was performed with slow and rapid mid-esophageal injections of air in 10 patients with GERD. In a first protocol, saline and capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce infusions were randomly performed, whereas 2 consecutive sessions of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce infusions were performed in a second protocol. Tested solutions including 5 mL of red pepper sauce diluted with 15 mL of saline and 20 mL of 0.9% saline were infused into the mid-esophagus via the manometric catheter at a rate of 10 mL/min with a randomized and double-blind fashion. During each study protocol, perception of heartburn, threshold volumes and peristaltic parameters for secondary peristalsis were analyzed and compared between different stimuli.

RESULTS

Infusion of capsaicin significantly increased heartburn perception in patients with GERD (P < 0.001), whereas repeated capsaicin infusion significantly reduced heartburn perception (P = 0.003). Acute capsaicin infusion decreased threshold volume of secondary peristalsis (P = 0.001) and increased its frequency (P = 0.01) during rapid air injection. The prevalence of GERD patients with successive secondary peristalsis during slow air injection significantly increased after capsaicin infusion (P = 0.001). Repeated capsaicin infusion increased threshold volume of secondary peristalsis (P = 0.002) and reduced the frequency of secondary peristalsis (P = 0.02) during rapid air injection.

CONCLUSION

Acute esophageal exposure to capsaicin enhances heartburn sensation and promotes secondary peristalsis in gastroesophageal reflux disease, but repetitive capsaicin infusion reverses these effects.

Effects of prucalopride on esophageal secondary peristalsis in humans

Objectives:

Prucalopride, a high-affinity 5-hydroxytrypatamine 4 (5-HT₄) receptors agonist, has been shown to improve colon motility in adults. Secondary peristalsis helps the clearance of retained food bolus and refluxate from the esophagus, but the effects of prucalopride on esophageal secondary peristalsis are unknown. We aimed to assess the effects of prucalopride on distension-induced secondary peristalsis in healthy adults.

Methods:

Two separate sessions with prucalopride and placebo were performed in 11 healthy adults to test the effects on secondary peristalsis. Secondary peristalsis was performed with slow and rapid mid-esophageal injections of air after a baseline recording of esophageal motility.

Results:

Prucalopride significantly decreased the threshold volume to generate secondary peristalsis during slow air injection (9.8±1.4 vs. 14.4±0.9 ml, P=0.005) and rapid air injection (3.9±0.3 vs. 5.2±0.4 ml, P=0.008). Secondary peristalsis was generated more frequently after application of prucalopride (80% (70–100%) vs. 70% (60–73%), P=0.01). Prucalopride increased the wave amplitude of distal esophagus during slow air injection (147.9±28.5 vs. 104.2±16.8 mm Hg, P=0.048) and rapid air injection (128.0±13.3 vs. 105.7±12.3 mm Hg, P=0.016). Primary peristaltic amplitudes were also significantly increased by the application of prucalopride.

Conclusions:

Acute administration of prucalopride enhances mechanosensitivity of distension-induced secondary peristalsis and promotes esophageal contractility in healthy adults. Whether prucalopride could be a therapeutic option for the treatment of subjects with esophageal hypomotility needs further study.

Differences in the Control of Secondary Peristalsis in the Human Esophagus: Influence of the 5-HT4 Receptor versus the TRPV1 Receptor

Objective

Acute administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine4 (5-HT₄) receptor agonist, mosapride or esophageal infusion of the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor-1 (TRPV₁) agonist capsaicin promotes secondary peristalsis. We aimed to investigate whether acute esophageal instillation of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce or administration of mosapride has different effects on the physiological characteristics of secondary peristalsis.

Methods

Secondary peristalsis was induced with mid-esophageal air injections in 14 healthy subjects. We compared the effects on secondary peristalsis subsequent to capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce (pure capsaicin, 0.84 mg) or 40 mg oral mosapride.

Results

The threshold volume for generating secondary peristalsis during slow air distensions was significantly decreased with capsaicin infusion compared to mosapride (11.6 ± 1.0 vs. 14.1 ± 0.8 mL, P = 0.02). The threshold volume required to produce secondary peristalsis during rapid air distension was also significantly decreased with capsaicin infusion (4.6 ± 0.5 vs. 5.2 ± 0.6 mL, P = 0.02). Secondary peristalsis was noted more frequently in response to rapid air distension after capsaicin infusion than mosapride (80% [60–100%] vs. 65% [5–100%], P = 0.04). Infusion of capsaicin or mosapride administration didn’t change any parameters of primary or secondary peristalsis.

Conclusions

Esophageal infusion with capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce suspension does create greater mechanosensitivity as measured by secondary peristalsis than 5-HT₄ receptor agonist mosapride. Capsaicin-sensitive afferents appear to be more involved in the sensory modulation of distension-induced secondary peristalsis.

Effects of esophageal capsaicin instillation on acid induced excitation of secondary peristalsis in humans

BACKGROUND/AIM

Esophageal instillation of capsaicin or hydrochloric acid enhances secondary peristalsis. Our aim was to investigate whether intra-esophageal capsaicin infusion can influence symptom perception and physiological alteration of secondary peristalsis subsequent to acid infusion.

METHODS

Secondary peristalsis was induced by mid-esophagus injections of air in 18 healthy subjects. Two different sessions including esophageal infusion of hydrochloric acid (0.1 N) following pretreatment with saline or capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce were randomly performed at least one week apart. Symptoms of heartburn and secondary peristalsis were determined and compared between each study session.

RESULTS

The intensity of heartburn symptom subsequent to acid infusion was significantly reduced after capsaicin infusion as compared with saline infusion (54 ± 3 vs 61 ± 3; P = 0.03). Capsaicin infusion significantly increased the threshold volume of secondary peristalsis to rapid air injections subsequent to esophageal acid infusion (8.0 ± 0.5 mL vs 4.4 ± 0.3 mL; P < 0.0001). The frequency of secondary peristalsis subsequent to acid infusion was significantly decreased after capsaicin infusion as compared to saline infusion (70% [60-82.5%] vs 80% [70-90%]; P = 0.03). Capsaicin infusion significantly decreased the pressure wave amplitude of secondary peristalsis subsequent to acid infusion during rapid air injections (90.6 ± 8.7 mmHg vs 111.1 ± 11.1 mmHg; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Capsaicin appears to desensitize the esophagus to acid induced excitation of secondary peristalsis in humans, which is probably mediated by rapidly adapting mucosal mechanoreceptors. High capsaicin-containing diet might attenuate normal physiological response to abrupt acid reflux by inhibiting secondary peristalsis.

Influence of repeated infusion of capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce on esophageal secondary peristalsis in humans

BACKGROUND

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 has been implicated as a target mediator for heartburn perception and modulation of esophageal secondary peristalsis. Our aim was to determine the effect of repeated esophageal infusion of capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce on heartburn perception and secondary peristalsis in healthy adults.

METHODS

Secondary peristalsis was performed with mid-esophageal injections of air in 15 healthy adults. Two separate protocols including esophageal infusion with saline and capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce and 2 consecutive sessions of capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce were randomly performed.

KEY RESULTS

After repeated infusion of capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce, the threshold volume to activate secondary peristalsis was significantly increased during slow (p < 0.001) and rapid air injections (p = 0.004). Acute infusion of capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce enhanced heartburn perception (p < 0.001), but the intensity of heartburn perception was significantly reduced after repeated capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce infusion (p = 0.007). Acute infusion of capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce significantly increased pressure wave amplitudes of distal esophagus during slow (p = 0.003) and rapid air injections (p = 0.01), but repeated infusion of capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce significantly decreased pressure wave amplitude of distal esophagus during slow (p = 0.0005) and rapid air injections (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Repeated esophageal infusion of capsaicin appears to attenuate heartburn perception and inhibit distension-induced secondary peristalsis in healthy adults. These results suggest capsaicin-sensitive afferents in modulating sensorimotor function of secondary peristalsis in human esophagus.

Relevance of ineffective esophageal motility to secondary peristalsis in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The study aimed to investigate the hypothesis whether the presence of Ineffective esophageal motility would affect physiological characteristics of secondary peristalsis.

METHODS

Secondary peristalsis was performed with slow and rapid air injections into mid-esophagus of 18 ineffective esophageal motility patients and 15 age-matched controls. Severity of ineffective esophageal motility was defined by the application of combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry.

RESULTS

Ineffective esophageal motility patients included 11 patients without impedance abnormality and seven patients with impedance abnormality during liquid and/or viscous swallowing. The prevalence of failed secondary peristaltic response during slow air injection was significantly greater in ineffective esophageal motility patients without impedance abnormality (3/11 [27%], P < 0.001) and with impedance abnormality (4/7 [57%], P = 0.04) than healthy subjects. The threshold volume for inducing secondary peristalsis during rapid air injection was significantly greater in ineffective esophageal motility patients with impedance abnormality (6.1 ± 0.3 mL) than healthy subjects (4.6 ± 0.3 mL, P < 0.05) and ineffective esophageal motility patients without impedance abnormality (4.1 ± 0.4 mL, P < 0.05). The frequency of peristaltic response during rapid air injection was significantly lower in ineffective esophageal motility patients with impedance abnormality (40% [20-50%] than healthy subjects (90% [90-100%], P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Defective activation of secondary peristalsis is present in ineffective esophageal motility patients with impedance abnormality. Our study indicates that increased ineffective esophageal motility severity associated with defective triggering of secondary peristalsis may contribute to impaired esophageal clearance in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Effects of mosapride on secondary peristalsis in patients with ineffective esophageal motility

OBJECTIVE. Ineffective esophageal motility is frequently found in patients with gastroesophageal reflux diseases. Secondary peristalsis contributes to esophageal acid clearance. Mosapride improves gastrointestinal (GI) motility by acting on 5-hydroxytrypatamine4 receptors. The authors aimed to evaluate the effect of mosapride on secondary peristalsis in patients with ineffective esophageal motility. MATERIAL AND METHODS. After recording primary peristalsis baseline, secondary peristalsis was stimulated by slowly and rapidly injecting mid-esophageal air in 18 patients. Two separate experiments were randomly performed with 40 mg oral mosapride or placebo. RESULTS. Mosapride had no effect on the threshold volume of secondary peristalsis during slow air distension (9.8 ± 0.97 vs. 10.2 ± 1.0 mL; p = 0.84), but decreased the threshold volume during rapid air distension (4.1 ± 0.2 vs. 4.6 ± 0.3 mL; p = 0.001). The efficiency of secondary peristalsis during rapid air distension increased with mosapride (70% [40-95%]) compared with placebo (60% [10-85%]; p = 0.0003). Mosapride had no effect on the amplitudes of distal pressure wave of secondary peristalsis during slow (94.3 ± 9 vs. 101.9 ± 9.1 mmHg; p = 0.63) or rapid air distension (89.3 ± 9 vs. 95.2 ± 8.3 mmHg; p = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS. Mosapride improves esophageal sensitivity of secondary peristalsis by abrupt air distension but has limited effect on the motor properties of secondary peristalsis in ineffective esophageal motility patients. Despite its well-known prokinetic effect, mosapride enhances the efficiency of secondary peristalsis in patients with ineffective esophageal motility through augmenting esophageal sensitivity instead of motility.

Comparable effects of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce and hydrochloric acid on secondary peristalsis in humans

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We aimed to evaluate whether acute esophageal instillation of capsaicin and hydrochloric acid had different effects on distension-induced secondary peristalsis.

METHODS

Secondary peristalsis was induced by slow and rapid air injections into the mid-esophagus after the evaluation of baseline motility in 16 healthy subjects. The effects on secondary peristalsis were determined by esophageal instillation with capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce (pure capsaicin, 0.84 mg) and hydrochloric acid (0.1 N).

RESULTS

The administration of capsaicin induced a significant increase in the visual analogue scale score for heartburn as compared with hydrochloric acid (P = 0.002). The threshold volume for generating secondary peristalsis during slow and rapid air distensions did not differ between capsaicin and hydrochloric acid infusions. Hydrochloric acid significantly increased the frequency of secondary peristalsis in response to rapid air distension compared with capsaicin infusion (P = 0.03). Pressure wave amplitude during slow air distension was greater with the infusion of hydrochloric acid than capsaicin infusion (P = 0.001). The pressure wave duration during rapid air distension was longer after capsaicin infusion than hydrochloric acid infusion (P = 0.01). The pressure wave amplitude during rapid air distension was similar between capsaicin and hydrochloric acid infusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite subtle differences in physiological characteristics of secondary peristalsis, acute esophageal instillation of capsaicin and hydrochloric acid produced comparable effects on distension-induced secondary peristalsis. Our data suggest the coexistence of both acid- and capsaicin-sensitive afferents in human esophagus which produce similar physiological alterations in secondary peristalsis.

Influence of intraluminal acidification on esophageal secondary peristalsis in humans

BACKGROUND

Secondary peristalsis contributes to clearance of retained refluxate or material from the esophagus.

AIM

The goal of our study was to investigate the effects of hydrochloric acid (HCl) on physiological characteristics of esophageal secondary peristalsis in healthy adults.

METHODS

After recording esophageal motility baseline for primary peristalsis, secondary peristalsis was stimulated with slow and rapid air injections in the mid-esophageal in 16 healthy subjects. Normal saline and HCl (0.1 N) were separately infused into the esophagus to test whether they had effects on secondary peristalsis.

RESULTS

After infusion of HCl, the threshold volume to generate secondary peristalsis was significantly decreased during rapid and slow air infusions (both P < 0.05). The frequency of secondary peristalsis was increased after HCl infusion (90 % [72.5-100 %] versus 85 % [72.5-90 %], P = 0.002). Infusion of HCl significantly increased pressure wave amplitude during rapid and slow air infusions (both P < 0.05). Infusion of saline did not affect any parameters of secondary peristalsis. The occurrence of heartburn was generated in 7 of 16 subjects after infusion of HCl with an increase in visual analogue scale score (12.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that acute esophageal acid infusion enhances sensitivity of distension-induced secondary peristalsis and enhances secondary peristaltic activity. The study supports the evidence of the presence of acid-sensitive afferents in the modulation of distension-induced secondary peristalsis in humans.

Observations of Acid Reflux and Motor Function in Distal Esophagus Using Simultaneous Measurements of Intra-esophageal pH and Pressure in 8 Directions With Novel Sensor Catheter - A Feasibility Study

Background/Aims

Esophagogastric junctional lesions, such as mucosal breaks with Los Angeles grade A or B reflux esophagitis, lacerations in Mallory Weiss syndrome, and short segment Barrett's esophagus, are mainly found in the right anterior wall of the distal esophagus. Asymmetrical lower esophageal sphincter pressure and resting radial asymmetrical acid reflux may be causes of this asymmetrical distribution of reflux esophagitis and short segment Barrett's esophagus. We developed a novel pH and pressure catheter to investigate the asymmetrical distributions of pH and intra-esophageal pressure in the distal esophagus.

Methods

One healthy male volunteer was enrolled in this study. Acid reflux and motor function in distal esophagus was investigated using simultaneous measurements of intra-esophageal pH and pressure in 8 directions with novel sensor catheter.

Results

Thirty-six acid and weak acid reflux events were observed, of which 22 were circumferential refluxes with pH drops in all channels and 14 were partial refluxes with pH drops in some channels. Increase in transient circumferential intraesophageal pressure was observed just after 72.7% of the circumferential reflux and 42.9% of the partial reflux events.

Conclusions

Using a novel sensor catheter, 2 different types of acid reflux events were identified in the present study.

Effects of mosapride on esophageal secondary peristalsis in humans

BACKGROUND

Secondary peristalsis is important for the clearance of refluxate or retained food bolus from the esophagus. Mosapride is a prokinetic agent that enhances GI motility by stimulating 5-hydroxytrypatamine(4) (5-HT(4) ) receptors, but its effects on secondary peristalsis are yet unclear in humans. We aimed to investigate the effect of a 5-HT(4) agonist mosapride on esophageal distension-induced secondary peristalsis in normal subjects.

METHODS

After a baseline recording esophageal motility, secondary peristalsis was generated by slow and rapid mid-esophageal injections of air in 15 healthy subjects. Two separate sessions with 40mg oral mosapride or placebo were randomly performed to test their effects on esophageal secondary peristalsis.

KEY RESULTS

Mosapride decreased the threshold volume for triggering secondary peristalsis during rapid air distension (4.5±0.3 vs 5.3±0.4mL; P=0.04) but not slow air distension (14.3±1.2 vs 13.3±1.3mL; P=0.41). Secondary peristalsis was triggered more frequently in response to rapid air distension after application of mosapride [100% (90-100%) vs 90% (80-100%); P=0.02]. Mosapride significantly increased pressure wave amplitudes of secondary peristalsis during slow (135.4±13.8 vs 105.0±12.9mmHg; P=0.001) and rapid air distensions (124.0±11.6 vs 95.9±14.0mmHg; P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Mosapride enhances sensitivity to distension-induced secondary peristalsis and facilitates secondary peristaltic contractility. These data provide an evidence for modulation of esophageal secondary peristalsis by the 5-HT(4) agonist mosapride, as well support for its clinical utility.

Control of esophageal distension-induced secondary peristalsis by the GABA(B) agonist baclofen in humans

BACKGROUND

Secondary peristalsis is important for the clearance of retained food bolus or refluxate from the esophagus. The effects of the gamma aminobutyric acid receptor type B (GABA(B) ) agonist on secondary peristalsis remain unclear in humans. We aimed to investigate the effect of a GABA(B) agonist baclofen on esophageal secondary peristalsis.

METHODS

After a baseline recording of esophageal motility, secondary peristalsis was generated by slow and rapid mid-esophageal injections of air in 15 healthy subjects. Two separate sessions with 40mg oral baclofen or placebo were randomly performed to test their effects on secondary peristalsis.

KEY RESULTS

Baclofen increased the threshold volume for triggering secondary peristalsis during slow air distension (P=0.003) and rapid air distension (P=0.002). Baclofen reduced the rate of secondary peristalsis by rapid air distension from 90% to 30% (P=0.0002). Baclofen increased basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure (P=0.03). Baclofen did not affect any of peristaltic parameters during primary or secondary peristalsis.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

This study provides an evidence for inhibitory modulation of esophageal secondary peristalsis by the GABA(B) agonist baclofen. Activation of secondary peristalsis is probably modulated by GABA(B) receptors; however, baclofen does not lead to any motility change in secondary peristalsis.

Effects of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce suspension on esophageal secondary peristalsis in humans

BACKGROUND

Capsaicin-sensitive afferents have been implicated in the modulation of gastrointestinal sensorimotor functions. Secondary peristalsis is important for the clearance of retained refluxate or material from the esophagus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce suspension on esophageal secondary peristalsis in healthy adults.

METHODS

After a baseline recording of esophageal motility, secondary peristalsis was generated by slow and rapid mid-esophageal injections of air in 10 healthy subjects. Two separate sessions with saline and capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce were randomly performed to test their effects on esophageal secondary peristalsis.

KEY RESULTS

Infusion of capsaicin significantly increased pressure wave amplitude during rapid (P = 0.002) and slow air infusions (P = 0.01). After capsaicin, the threshold volume to generate secondary peristalsis was significantly decreased during rapid (P < 0.05) and slow air infusions (P = 0.02). Infusion of saline did not affect any parameters of secondary peristalsis during rapid or slow air infusion. The administration of capsaicin was accompanied by the occurrence of heartburn in all subjects.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The acute administration of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce suspension enhances sensitivity to distension-induced secondary peristalsis and facilitates secondary peristaltic contractility. These data suggest the involvement of capsaicin-sensitive afferents in the modulation of esophageal distension-induced secondary peristalsis in humans.

Effects of lidocaine on esophageal secondary peristalsis in humans

BACKGROUND

Secondary peristalsis is important for the clearance of retained food bolus or refluxate from the esophagus. Lidocaine has been used to evaluate the role of mucosa-mediating pathways of esophageal reflexes in animal model, but its effects on esophageal secondary peristalsis are yet unclear in humans. We aimed to investigate whether esophageal secondary peristalsis can be affected by intraluminal infusion of lidocaine into the esophagus.

METHODS

After a baseline recording esophageal motility, secondary peristalsis was generated by slow and rapid mid-esophageal injections of air in 13 healthy subjects. Two separate sessions with saline and lidocaine were randomly performed to test their effects on esophageal secondary peristalsis by mid-esophageal air distension.

KEY RESULTS

Secondary peristalsis can be induced by slow or rapid air infusion. Secondary peristalsis was triggered less frequently in response to rapid air distension after lidocaine infusion (P = 0.001). After lidocaine infusion, the threshold volume to generate secondary peristalsis was significantly increased during rapid (P = 0.001), but not slow air infusions (P = NS). Infusion of lidocaine or saline did not affect pressure wave amplitude or duration during rapid and slow air infusions (P = NS).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

We have demonstrated selectively inhibitory effect of lidocaine on the triggering of esophageal secondary peristalsis during acute gaseous esophageal distension. The data suggest that part of the activation of secondary peristalsis is probably mediated by lidocaine-sensitive mechanoreceptors; however, the infusion of lidocaine does not lead to any motility change in secondary peristalsis induced by either slow or rapid air infusions.