Background:
Paracetamol concentrations in plasma, a frequently used index of gastric emptying (GE) of liquids, are closely correlated with those in saliva. GE of liquids is delayed by co-ingesting solids. No researchers have used salivary paracetamol concentrations to show this phenomenon. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether salivary paracetamol concentrations can detect the food-induced delay in liquid GE. Methods: Paracetamol absorption was measured twice in five healthy male volunteers. Following an overnight fast, they received 10 mg/kg paracetamol in 200 ml water alone on one occasion, and received this solution after consuming a 400 kcal-containing cookie on another occasion. After thorough rinsing of the month, 1 ml saliva was obtained, simultaneously with 2 ml blood, at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 6.0 h after paracetamol intake. The peak concentration (Cmax), the time to Cmax (tmax), the area under the curve (AUC), and Cmax/AUC in plasma were calculated. Salivary Cmax and tmax were also determined. Results: Plasma Cmax and AUC were not significantly different between the two occasions. In contrast, significant differences in plasma tmax and Cmax/AUC (P < 0.05) established the food-induced delay in GE. Salivary tmax could detect the delayed GE, whereas salivary Cmax could not. Conclusions: Salivary tmax can document the solid meal-induced delay in liquid GE.
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Received: December 10, 2001 / Accepted: March 8, 2002
Reprint requests to: Y. Kuyama
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Sanaka, M., Kuyama, Y., Shimomura, Y. et al. Gastric emptying of liquids is delayed by co-ingesting solids: a study using salivary paracetamol concentrations. J Gastroenterol 37, 785–790 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s005350200131
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s005350200131