Table 1 Characteristics of migrating motor complex (MMC) activity after administration of placebo and ghrelin in nine healthy volunteers.
| Variable | Placebo | Ghrelin | p Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMC cycle duration (min) | 103 (9) | 66 (14) | 0.0001 |
| Phase I duration (min) | 19 (4) | 13 (3) | <0.05 |
| Phase II duration (min) | 81 (10) | 51 (12) | <0.001 |
| Phase III duration (min) | 3.1 (0.4) | 3.7 (0.9) | NS |
| Phase III propagation velocity (cm/min) | 4.9 (2.1) | 5.1 (1.8) | NS |
| Phase III (% gastric onset) | 22% (2/9) | 100% (9/9) | <0.001 |
Results are mean (SEM).
Durations of the different phases of the MMC were measured at the most distal duodenal channel as this was the most distal point of propagation; propagation velocity of phase III was measured at the duodenal level.