Authors: Sloots, Cornelius¹; Felt-Bersma, Richelle²; West, Rachel¹; Kuipers, Ernst¹

Source: Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, Volume 40, Number 7, July 2005 , pp. 808-813(6)

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

Abstract:

Coffee and cigarette use is believed to induce bowel movements, although the literature is controversial and precise measurements of rectal tone and sensitivity with a barostat have never been performed. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of coffee and nicotine on rectal tone, compliance and sensitivity. Sixteen healthy volunteers were recruited for the coffee ( n =8) and nicotine ( n =8) experiments. The experiments were randomly performed in a placebo-controlled crossover design on separate days. In the coffee experiment, 280ml strong coffee or warm water was drunk and in the nicotine experiment, nicotine (2mg) or placebo was given sublingually. A rectal barostat procedure was carried out. A flaccid bag, mounted on a catheter, was inserted in the rectum. Continuous pressure distension was exerted to register basal visceral sensitivity and compliance. After rectal adaptation, the stimulus was given. Rectal tone was measured for 1h, after which continuous pressure distension was repeated. Rectal tone increased by 45% 30min after coffee intake ( p =0.031) and by 30% after water intake ( p =0.032), but the effects of coffee and water were not significantly different. Rectal tone did not change significantly after administration of nicotine (7%) or placebo (10%). There was no difference in compliance and visceral sensitivity between coffee and water or nicotine and placebo. Both coffee and warm water have an effect on defecation by increasing rectal tone, but nicotine (2mg) did not affect rectal tone. Coffee and nicotine did not influence sensitivity or compliance.

Keywords: Barostat; coffee; motility; nicotine; rectum; visceral sensitivity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00365520510015872

Affiliations: 1: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam 2: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Publication date: 2005-07-01

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