5-HT1-receptor agonist sumatriptan modifies gastric size after 500 ml of water in dyspeptic patients and normal subjects.

Sumatriptan, a 5-HT1-receptor agonist has been shown to delay gastric emptying of liquids and solids in humans. However, no data are available of the effect of sumatriptan on gastric adaptation after distension with liquids and on symptoms induced by gastric distension. In 23 normal subjects and 30 dyspeptic patients with normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and real-time ultrasonography, the transverse gastric proximal and distal area and sagittal axis of the proximal stomach were determined by real-time ultrasonography and computed tomography after 500 ml of water. The area was determined by real-time ultrasonography and computed tomography twice at times 48 hr apart. Thirty minutes before real-time ultrasonography, placebo or sumatriptam were give subcutaneously in a double-blind fashion. Epigastric pain, bloating, heartburn, and nausea were also monitored through an intensity score from zero to 10 performed during the test. In six dyspeptic patients, the gastric distension was performed also with real-time ultrasonography and computed tomography after placebo and hyoscine butyl-bromide, a quaternary anticholinergic agent. Real-time ultrasonography and computed tomography demonstrated that after sumatriptan there is a reduction in proximal and distal transverse area and an increase in the sagittal axis of the proximal stomach. Hyoscine butyl-bromide increased all gastric measurements. Among the symptoms evaluated, only nausea was significantly reduced by sumatriptan (P < 0.01). Sumatriptan modifies gastric size, with a reduction in the transverse section and an increase of the sagittal axis of the proximal stomach and improves the nausea induced by gastric distension in dyspeptic patients.