Effect of sildenafil on gastric emptying in healthy adults

Seung Hyun Cho, Hyojin Park, Jung Hwan Kim, Young Hoon Ryu, Sang In Lee, Jeffrey L. Conklin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background and Aim: Phosphodiesterase type 5 hydrolyzes and inactivates cyclic guanosine monophosphate produced by the nitric oxide-stimulated guanylate cyclase. Sildenafil is a potent, reversible, and highly selective inhibitor of this phosphodiesterase. It causes smooth muscle relaxation by increasing intracellular concentrations of cyclic guanosine monophosphate. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that sildenafil alters gastric emptying and the intragastric distribution of food in healthy adults. Methods: Nine normal subjects (mean age 28 years, range 25-33) were given a placebo or a tablet of sildenafil (50 mg) at different times along with radio-opaque markers. A gastric emptying scan was used to calculate the t1/2 for gastric emptying (the time taken for the initial radioactivity to fall by 50%). Intragastric food distribution was also assessed using the gastric emptying scan to calculate proximal gastric emptying t1/2, the proximal volume (the highest activity value in the proximal stomach at any time point in the study), and the distal volume (the highest activity value in the distal stomach at any time point in the study. Gastric emptying of an indigestible solid meal was assessed by calculating gastric clearance of radio-opaque markers. Results: Sildenafil did not change total gastric emptying or gastric clearance of radio-opaque markers. It shortened the proximal T1/2, decreased proximal volume, and significantly increased distal volume. Conclusion: Sildenafil alters the intragastric distribution of food rather than causing gastric stasis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)222-226
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Australia)
Volume21
Issue number1 PART2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006 Jan

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of sildenafil on gastric emptying in healthy adults'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this