Effects of Somatostatin on Proximal Gastric Motor Function and Visceral Perception

Background: Somatostatin affects gastrointestinal motility and secretion and visceral sensation, but little is known about its effects on the proximal stomach.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of somatostatin on proximal gastric motor function and perception of symptoms.

Methods: Six healthy subjects participated in two experiments performed in random order during continuous intravenous infusion of saline or somatostatin (250 microg/h). Proximal gastric motor function was evaluated using a barostat. We performed pressure and volume distensions and a barostat procedure (minimal distending pressure + 2 mmHg). Symptoms were evaluated at regular intervals using visual analogue scales (VAS).

Results: Neither minimal distending pressure nor gastric fundal tone were significantly different between somatostatin and saline. Pressure-volume curves during distensions were not influenced by somatostatin. However, phasic volume waves were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced by somatostatin, and somatostatin significantly (P < 0.05) reduced symptom perception of fullness and abdominal pressure during stepwise distensions.