EFFECT OF RIMONABANT ON ESOPHAGEAL MOTOR FUNCTION IN MAN

Emidio Scarpellini (1) , Kathleen Blondeau (2) , Veerle Boecxstaens (1) , Rita Vos (3) , Antonio Gasbarrini (4) , Ricard Farre , Jan Tack (5)

1 Center for Gastroenterological Research
2 Lab G-I Physiopathology
3 Gastroenterology, Center for Gastroenterological Research
4 Internal Medicine
5 Center for Gastroenterological Research

Introduction: Cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors are implicated in the control of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) in animals. In man, it is unclear whether CB1 receptors are involved in the control of esophageal function. Aim: To study the effects of the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant on fasting and postprandial LES function in healthy subjects. Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers underwent two esophageal manometry studies with administration of wet swallows and a meal after 3 days premedication with placebo or rimonabant 20 mg. Results: Rimonabant did not significantly alter preprandial LES pressure (21.1±4.0 vs. 17.3±3.0 mmHg, NS), but postprandial LES pressures were significantly enhanced (9.9±1.9 vs.17.1±2.7 mmHg in the first and 10.0±1.4 vs. 19.3±3.6 mmHg in the second postprandial hour, both p<0.05). Swallow-induced relaxations and amplitude of peristaltic contractions were not altered, but rimonabant significantly increased the duration of peristaltic contractions at all time points (e.g. 5.0±0.3 vs. 8.0±0.3 sec preprandially and 5.0±0.2 vs. 8.2±0.3 sec at 60 min postprandially, both p<0.01). The number of postprandial TLESRs (3.1±0.5 vs. 1.2±0.5, p<0.05) and acid reflux episodes (1.4±0.2 vs. 0.3±0.1, p<0.05) were significantly lower after rimonabant. Conclusion: The CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant enhances postprandial LES pressure and decreases TLESRs in healthy subjects.

Mots clés: Medicine

Emidio Scarpellini, Kathleen Blondeau, Veerle Boecxstaens, Rita Vos, Antonio Gasbarrini, et al.. EFFECT OF RIMONABANT ON ESOPHAGEAL MOTOR FUNCTION IN MAN. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2011, 33 (6), pp.730. ⟨10.1111/j.1365-2036.2011.04576.x⟩. ⟨hal-00609756⟩