The secretory component of the interdigestive migrating motor complex in man.

Intraduodenal pH, bicarbonate and amylase secretion, and gastric acid and pepsin output were studied in relation to the migrating motor complex in man. The occurrence of a motor complex in the duodenum was preceded by an increase in gastric acid and pepsin output and followed by a peak in bicarbonate and amylase secretion. It is concluded that the interdigestive phase in man is characterized by periodic activity complexes comprising both motor and secretory components. These observations may have important implications for the interpretation of currently used functional tests of gastrointestinal secretion.