Control of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations and reflux by the GABAB agonist baclofen in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

• Published in: Gut Vol. 50; no. 1; pp. 19 - 24
• Main Authors: Zhang, Q, Lehmann, A, Rigda, R, Dent, J, Holloway, R H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Society of Gastroenterology 01.01.2002; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; Copyright 2002 by Gut
• Subjects: Acids; baclofen; Drug dosages; Electrodes; GABA; GABAB GABA receptor type B; gamma amino butyric acid; Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux; gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; Growth hormones; LOS; lower oesophageal sphincter; Nervous system; oesophageal motility; Sensors; Studies; TLOSR; transient LOS relaxation; California
• ISSN: 0017-5749; 1468-3288; 1458-3288
• DOI: 10.1136/gut.50.1.19

Background and aims: Transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations (TLOSRs) are the major cause of gastro-oesophageal reflux in normal subjects and in most patients with reflux disease. The gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor type B agonist, baclofen, is a potent inhibitor of TLOSRs in normal subjects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of baclofen on TLOSRs and postprandial gastro-oesophageal reflux in patients with reflux disease. Methods: In 20 patients with reflux disease, oesophageal motility and pH were measured, with patients in the sitting position, for three hours after a 3000 kJ mixed nutrient meal. On separate days at least one week apart, 40 mg oral baclofen or placebo was given 90 minutes before the meal. Results: Baclofen reduced the rate of TLOSRs by 40% from 15 (13.8–18.3) to 9 (5.8–13.3) per three hours (p<0.0002) and increased basal lower oesophageal sphincter pressure. Baclofen also significantly reduced the rate of reflux episodes by 43% from 7.0 (4.0–12.0) to 4.0 (1.5–9) per three hours (median (interquartile range); p<0.02). However, baclofen had no effect on oesophageal acid exposure (baclofen 4.9% (1.7–12.4) v placebo 5.0% (2.7–15.5)). Conclusions: In patients with reflux disease, the GABAB agonist baclofen significantly inhibits gastro-oesophageal reflux episodes by inhibition of TLOSRs. These findings suggest that GABAB agonists may be useful as therapeutic agents for the management of reflux disease.