Background: To date, there is little information available about the effect of cisapride and metoclopramide on gastroduodenal pressure waves and their space/time orientation.
Methods: Antroduodenal pressures (two antral, three duodenal recording sites) were measured in nine healthy volunteers. Cisapride (10 mg), metoclopramide (10 mg), and placebo were administered intravenously on different days in a randomized manner.
Results: During the interdigestive state cisapride increased the motility index significantly in the antrum (p < 0.05) and duodenum (p < 0.005), metoclopramide only in the duodenum (p < 0.01). Antroduodenal coordination was significantly (p < 0.01) improved by cisapride but not by metoclopramide. There is evidence of antroduodenal coordination even during the interdigestive state. After a liquid test meal an increase in the antroduodenal motility index (p < 0.05), in the rate of prograde antroduodenal peristalsis (p < 0.01), and in antroduodenal coordination (p < 0.01) was caused by cisapride but not metoclopramide. Both prokinetics decreased (p < 0.01) retrograde antroduodenal peristalsis.
Conclusion: Cisapride significantly improves antroduodenal coordination and antroduodenal motility; metoclopramide seems to be less effective.