The Influence of the Migrating Motor Complex on the Postprandial Endocrine Response

Abstract

Background: The phase of the migrating motor complex (MMC) in the proximal small intestine at meal intake modulates gastric emptying, which is accelerated after intake during phase II. In the present study the relationship between phase of the MMC at meal intake and the postprandial endocrine response was studied. Methods: Eight healthy subjects ingested a caloric liquid meal of 2020 kJ during phase I and late phase II of the intestinal MMC, respectively, in a randomized order. Blood samples were drawn at regular intervals after meal intake and analysed for insulin, gastrin, neurotensin, cholecystokinin, motilin, and somatostatin by radioimmunoassays. Results: The area under the curve (AUC) until 15 min for serum insulin (P < 0.05) and plasma neurotensin (P < 0.02) and AUC until 120 min for serum gastrin (P < 0.05) were higher after intake during late phase II than after phase I. Plasma cholecystokinin increased earlier (P < 0.05) after intake during late phase II than after phase I. Plasma motilin and somatostatin were not influenced by preceding phase of the MMC. Conclusions: This study shows that the phase of intestinal MMC at meal intake modulates the postprandial endocrine response, which may be explained by the prior entry of nutrients to the small intestine after intake during phase II.