Duodenal phytohaemagglutinin (red kidney bean lectin) stimulates gallbladder contraction in humans.

Aim: Lectins, carbohydrate-specific proteins without enzymatic activity on the ligand, are daily ingested plant proteins which survive the passage through the gastrointestinal tract in a biologically active form. Their binding to glycan determinants of natural glycoconjugates can trigger biological effects. The lectin phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) is abundantly present in red kidney beans and induces cholecystokinin (CCK) release in rats.

Role of free fatty acids in regulating gastric emptying and gallbladder contraction.

The limited effectiveness of orlistat, an inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases, in inhibiting fat digestion is not completely understood. Therefore we studied the effect of orally and duodenally administered orlistat on gastric emptying, cholecystokinin (CCK) secretion, and gallbladder contraction. In healthy males, gastric emptying of solids and fat were quantified scintigraphically, gallbladder contraction by ultrasound and CCK release by radioimmunoassay.

Effects of a preload on reduction of food intake by GLP-1 in healthy subjects.

Background/aims: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) inhibits food intake in animals and humans. Whether GLP-1 interacts with other satiety signals to modulate food intake is unknown. We investigated therefore in healthy volunteers the potential interactions of GLP-1 with signals from the stomach in regulating food intake.

Interaction between GLP-1 and CCK-33 in inhibiting food intake and appetite in men.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and CCK-33 were intravenously infused alone or in combination into normal weight men for 60 min before they were served a lunch of ham sandwiches, chocolate mousse, and orange juice. Infusion of GLP-1 (dose: 0.9 pmol x kg(-1) x min(-1)) or CCK-33 (dose: 0.

Tegaserod, a 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist, accelerates gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit in healthy male subjects.

Background: Serotonin and its type-4 (5-hydroxytryptamine4) receptor play a major role in the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract. The effect of intravenous and/or oral tegaserod, a 5-hydroxytryptamine4 receptor partial agonist, on gastric emptying, small bowel transit and colonic transit has not been studied in detail in humans.

Aim: To assess the pharmacodynamic effects of repeated oral and intravenous administration of tegaserod on gastric emptying and small intestine and colonic transit.