Akiko Iga

Influence of mosapride citrate on gastric motility and autonomic nervous function: evaluation by spectral analyses of heart rate and blood pressure variabilities, and by electrogastrography

Background: Mosapride citrate selectively acts on serotonin (5-HT4) receptors, thus accelerating gastrointestinal motility via acetylcholine. However, few studies have evaluated the influence of mosapride citrate on autonomic nervous activity and hemodynamics. Methods: The changes in autonomic nervous activity, QT interval, and QT dispersion resulting from the administration of mosapride citrate were studied. Blood pressure, electrocardiograms (ECGs), percutaneous electrogastrograms (EGGs), and ultrasonography were recorded in 20 healthy adult volunteers before and after mosapride citrate (10 mg) was administered. Autonomic nervous activity was evaluated by spectral analyses of heart rate and blood pressure variabilities. Serial changes in low-frequency components (LF, 0.04–0.15 Hz), high-frequency components (HF, 0.15–0.40 Hz), and the LF/HF ratio were investigated. Results: The mean peak power of EGG increased significantly, from 86 ± 34 μV to 131 ± 49 μV, after the administration of mosapride citrate (P < 0.05). Gastric emptying significantly increased after the administration of mosapride citrate (P < 0.05). However, neither blood pressure nor heart rate changed significantly after the drug was administrated. In addition, spectral analyses of heart rate and blood pressure variabilities showed no significant changes in autonomic nervous activity parameters, QT intervals, or QT dispersions. Conclusions: Mosapride citrate increased gastric motility and emptying without influencing autonomic nervous activity, suggesting that it may be very useful for elderly patients or patients with autonomic imbalance.

Comparison of gastric peristalsis inhibition by scopolamine butylbromide and glucagon: evaluation by electrogastrography and analysis of heart rate variability.

Background. Activation of glucagon receptors of the smooth muscle membrane suppresses gastric peristalsis. We evaluated autonomic nervous activity by two methods, electrogastrography (EGG) and analysis of heart rate variability, to compare the inhibiting effects of glucagon and scopolamine butylbromide on gastric peristalsis. Methods. Heart rate variability, EGG, and blood catecholamine levels were measured before and after administration of glucagon (G group), scopolamine butylbromide (SB group), or physiological saline (C group). Autonomic nervous function was evaluated using spectral analysis of heart rate variability, and low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) power; the LF/HF ratios were also determined. Results. After administration of scopolamine butylbromide, HF power, an index of parasympathetic nervous activity, decreased; and the LF/HF ratio, an index of sympathetic nervous activity, increased. In contrast, no significant change was observed in autonomic nervous activity after administration of glucagon. The peak power amplitudes of the EGG decreased significantly in the G and SB groups after intramuscular injection, but the difference between the groups was not significant. Furthermore, the dominant frequency increased significantly in the G and SB groups after injection. Serum catecholamine levels showed no significant changes after administration of scopolamine butylbromide or glucagon. Conclusions. Inhibition of gastric peristalsis by glucagon via glucagon receptors on smooth muscles did not influence autonomic nervous activity, unlike the results obtained after administration of scopolamine butylbromide. Therefore, glucagon may be safe for use with elderly patients and those with cardiopulmonary complications.

Autonomic nervous dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis using 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy and spectrum analysis of heart-rate variability.

Background: It has been reported that nitric oxide (NO) synthase is induced in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), and that an excessive production of NO enhances sympathetic nervous function. The present report describes a study of the feasibility of evaluation of abnormalities of autonomic nervous function by 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy and heart‐rate variability in patients with LC.

Colonic pseudolipomatosis, microscopically classified into two groups

Background:  Colonic pseudolipomatosis is rare and the pathogenesis is controversial. The purpose of the present paper was to clarify endoscopic and histological characteristics of colonic pseudolipomatosis and to discuss the etiology.

Autonomic nervous activity before and after eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with chronic duodenal ulcer

Helicobacter pylori infection is involved in the formation of chronic peptic ulcer. However, a previously reported hypothesis concerning the involvement of central autonomic nervous disorder in this condition cannot be ruled out.

Impairment of gastrointestinal motility by nitrate administration: evaluation based on electrogastrographic changes and autonomic nerve activity

Background : Nitrates decrease the tone of the lower oesophageal sphincter, and may thus induce gastro‐oesophageal reflux.