BACKGROUND

Tegaserod, a 5-hydroxytryptamine-4 receptor agonist, enhances gastric emptying, but its effects on proximal stomach function have not been studied.

AIM

To study the effect of tegaserod on gastric compliance, accommodation and perception of distension in humans.

METHODS

Nineteen healthy volunteers (10 females; mean age, 23.9 years) were studied on three separate occasions after 7 days of treatment with placebo, tegaserod 2 mg b.d. or tegaserod 6 mg b.d. in a double-blind, randomized, three-way cross-over design. After the introduction of a barostat bag, stepwise distensions were performed to determine gastric compliance and sensitivity, and a mixed liquid meal was administered in isobaric mode to assess accommodation.

RESULTS

Tegaserod had no effect on the pressures or volumes inducing first perception or discomfort. Tegaserod 6 mg b.d. enhanced fasting gastric compliance compared with placebo. Pre-prandial and post-prandial intra-balloon volumes were significantly higher after 6 mg b.d. than after placebo. Both tegaserod 2 and 6 mg b.d. shortened the time to maximum post-prandial intra-balloon volume. The amplitude of meal-induced gastric relaxation (post-prandial minus pre-prandial volumes) did not differ between the treatment arms.

CONCLUSION

In humans, tegaserod allows for larger intra-balloon volumes both before and after a meal. These findings warrant the investigation of the therapeutic potential of tegaserod in dyspeptic patients with impaired accommodation.