Gastric motor function

Gastric motor function encompasses the physiological activities of the stomach required for the storage, mechanical breakdown (trituration), and controlled propulsion of food into the duodenum (StatPearls). This complex system is regulated by an interplay between the autonomic nervous system, the enteric nervous system, and the interstitial cells of Cajal, which serve as the stomach's electrical pacemakers (PubMed). Disruption of this function leads to clinical conditions such as gastroparesis, characterized by delayed emptying without mechanical obstruction, or functional dyspepsia, which presents with symptoms of early satiety and upper abdominal pain (NIDDK). Although it is a physiological process rather than a single molecular target, gastric motor function is the primary clinical endpoint for prokinetic medications. These drugs, such as metoclopramide or erythromycin, modulate motility by interacting with specific molecular targets including the dopamine D2 receptor, the 5-HT4 serotonin receptor, and the motilin receptor (NIH).

Other names

Gastric motilityStomach motilityGastric emptying

Pharmacological modulation of gastric motor function typically involves dopamine D2 receptor antagonism, serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonism, or motilin receptor agonism to enhance the coordination and strength of gastric antral contractions and accelerate gastric emptying.