The effect of erythromycin on gastric emptying is modified by physiological changes in the blood glucose concentration

• Published in: The American journal of gastroenterology Vol. 94; no. 8; pp. 2074 - 2079
• Main Authors: Jones, Karen L, Kong, Marie-France, Berry, Melanie K, Rayner, Chris K, Adamson, Ulf, Horowitz, Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 1999
• ISSN: 0002-9270; 1572-0241
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-9270(99)00336-6

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether variations in the blood glucose concentration within the normal postprandial range affect the gastrokinetic action of erythromycin. METHODS: Six healthy male volunteers, aged 20–33 yr underwent measurements of gastric emptying on 2 separate days; blood glucose concentrations were maintained at approximately 4 mmol/L (72 mg/dl) on 1 day and at 8 mmol/L (144 mg/dl) on the other. The order of the two studies was randomized and they were separated by 4–7 days. On both days, erythromycin (3 mg/kg) was administered intravenously over 15 min immediately before consumption of 300 g minced beef labeled with 20 MBq 99mTc-sulphur colloid chicken liver and 150 ml water labeled with 67Ga-EDTA. RESULTS: Gastric emptying of solid ( p < 0.05) and liquid ( p < 0.0001) were slower at a blood glucose concentration of 8 mmol/L (144 mg/dl) when compared to 4 mmol/L (72 mg/dl). The slowing of gastric emptying was associated with greater retention of both solid and liquid in the proximal ( p < 0.06) and distal ( p < 0.01) stomach. CONCLUSIONS: After administration of erythromycin, gastric emptying and intragastric distribution of solids and liquids is influenced by physiological changes in the blood glucose concentration.