Figure 8.

Proposed mechanisms regulating gastric emptying of solids and food intake during aging. Loss of ICC with aging is associated with diminished phasic activity (reduced slow wave amplitudes) and decreased inhibitory (nitrergic) control over smooth muscle relaxation, resulting in impaired compliance. Having opposite effects on gastric emptying, these 2 processes cancel out each other’s effects on gastric emptying, while together restricting gastric functions, leading to reduced food intake.