The control of gastric emptying.

The control of gastric emptying has been restudied. Methods used are described. It was found that in the alert unanesthetized monkey saline is emptied from the stomach at a rate that is volume-dependent; an exponential curve results since higher volumes provoke more rapid emptying and lower volumes slower emptying. For glucose test meals emptying is quite linear; also emptying is slower and progressively slower with progressive increases in glucose concentration. There is, however, an early rapid phase of gastric emptying that converts to a slower, more linear pattern. Calories rather than osmoles appear to control emptying. Glucose in the pyloris has an inhibitory effect in gastric emptying. A theory of control is discussed. The control of gastric emptying also relates to the control of feeding.