Effects of growth hormone deficiency and recombinant growth hormone therapy on postprandial gallbladder motility and cholecystokinin release

Antonio Moschetta, Th B. Twickler, Jens F. Rehfeld, Nancy A M Van Ooteghem, Manuel Castro Cabezas, Piero Portincasa, Gerard P. Van Berge-Henegouwen, Karel J. Van Erpecum

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

In addition to cholecystokinin, other hormones have been suggested to be involved in regulation of postprandial gallbladder contraction. We aimed to evaluate effects of growth hormone (GH) on gallbladder contractility and cholecystokinin release. Gallbladder and gastric emptying (by ultrasound) and cholecystokinin release were determined before and after 6 months of recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy in 12 patients with GH deficiency, after either a mixed (n = 5) or a liquid (n = 7) meal. Basal postprandial gallbladder contraction was severely impaired (19 ± 2 and 26 ± 3% of fasting volume after mixed and liquid meal, respectively). Histology and cholecystokinin sulfation patterns in duodenal biopsies from two patients were normal. After 6 months of rhGH therapy, fasting gallbladder volumes increased (from 20.8 ± 0.9 to 25.9 ± 1.1 mL, P < 0.05) and postprandial gallbladder emptying was restored (70 ± 6 and 70 ± 7% of fasting volume after mixed and liquid meal, respectively), without change of gastric emptying. Cholecystokinin secretion after a mixed meal and gallbladder sensitivity to cholecystokinin were significantly enhanced during rhGH replacement compared to the basal state. Postprandial cholecystokinin release, gallbladder responsiveness to cholecystokinin, and gallbladder emptying are severely impaired in the absence of GH. Reversibility during GH suppletion suggests its involvement in regulation of gallbladder contractility.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)529-534
Number of pages6
JournalDigestive Diseases and Sciences
Volume49
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2004

Keywords

  • Gallstone
  • Insulin-like growth factor-1
  • Ultrasonography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Gastroenterology

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