Effects of retrograde gastric electrical stimulation with pulse trains on gastric emptying of solids and plasma hormones in dogs

Background Retrograde gastric electrical stimulation (RGES) is proposed as a novel therapy for obesity. However, mechanisms of RGES are not fully investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RGES with trains of pulses on gastric slow waves, gastric emptying of solids, and plasma concentrations of satiety-related peptides and glucose. Methods Seven female beagle dogs implanted with 4 pairs of gastric electrodes on the gastric serosa were studied (control and RGES). Gastric emptying, gastric slow waves, and signs were recorded in each session. Plasma leptin, insulin, glucagons, and glucose were also measured. Results RGES with pulse trains (a pulse width of 2 milliseconds) significantly decreased gastric emptying of solids and plasma insulin but has no effect on plasma leptin, glucagons, and glucose. Conclusion Acute gastric electrical stimulation with pulse trains is able to decrease gastric emptying of solids and plasma insulin but has no effects on plasma leptin, glucagons, and glucose.