INFLUENCE OF HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION ON GASTRIC MOTOR AND SENSORY FUNCTION IN ASYMPTOMATIC VOLUNTEERS

The effect of H. pylori infection on gastric motility and sensation is unclear. Our hypothesis is that H. pylori infection increases gastric sensation and reduces gastric accommodation and emptying. In eight H. pylori-positive and eight H. pylori-negative asymptomatic subjects, i nfection was proven by antral histology or culture. We evaluated: (1) gastric emptying of solids, (2) proximal gastric compliance, (3) fasti ng and postprandial proximal gastric tone and phasic contractions, (4) gastric sensation during balloon inflations or ingestion of cold wate r, and (5) abdominal vagal function. H. pylori infection was associate d with lower gastric accommodation (median 75% postprandial increase i n barostat balloon volume compared to fasting) when compared to the ac commodation in uninfected volunteers (median 211% change from fasting) . One H. pylori-positive subject had an abnormal abdominal vagal funct ion test and her gastric accommodation response was reduced. Other mot or and sensory functions in the two groups were similar. In asymptomat ic volunteers, H. pylori infection and gastritis result in reduced acc ommodation (diastolic dysfunction) but no change in overall sensation or motor functions of the stomach.