EFFECT OF ENDOGENOUS CHOLECYSTOKININ ON POSTPRANDIAL GALLBLADDER - REFILLING ULTRASONOGRAPHIC STUDY IN HEALTHY-SUBJECTS AND IN GALLSTONE PATIENTS

The postprandial release of cholecystokinin (CCK) regulates gallbladde r (GB) contraction but little is known about the role, if any, of the still-elevated CCK blood levels on subsequent GB refilling. To assess the role of CCK in GB refilling, a CCK-receptor antagonist, loxiglumid e, or saline were infused intravenously in a random double-blind fashi on after the ingestion of a liquid test meal in 16 healthy subjects. A n identical study protocol was performed in 10 GB ''contractor'' patie nts with radiolucent stones to ascertain whether the reported reduced CCK effect on GB emptying also affects GB refilling. GB volumes were a ssessed ultrasonographically in the fasting state and for 150 min at 1 5-min intervals after meal ingestion. GB volumes during postprandial r efilling were significantly greater during loxiglumide than placebo in fusion (P < 0.01), but they did not differ between gallstone and contr ol subjects. In conclusion, postprandial endogenous CCK has a relevant role in delaying GB refilling, and this effect is not altered in pati ents with radiolucent gallstones.