Digestive diseases and sciences
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The effect of cisapride, a new gastrokinetic drug, on gastroduodenal motility was tested in six healthy volunteers. In order to obtain a model for slowed gastric emptying, dopamine was infused at a rate of 8 micrograms/kg/min. Dopamine significantly slowed the fractional emptying rate of fasting gastric contents from 5.14 +/- 0.37 to 1.45 +/- 0.67 %/min. ⋯ When given on a dopamine background, however, both metoclopramide and cisapride decreased bile salt reflux below control values without any active treatment. It is concluded that emptying of fasting gastric contents can be speeded by cisapride, particularly when emptying is slowed by dopamine. A clear effect on bile salt reflux cannot be demonstrated.