Influence of GABA-B Agonist Baclofen on Capsaicin-Induced Excitation of Secondary Peristalsis in Humans

OBJECTIVES: Esophageal instillation of capsaicin enhances secondary peristalsis, but the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor type B (GABA-B) agonist baclofen inhibits secondary peristalsis. This study aimed to investigate whether baclofen could influence heartburn perception and secondary peristalsis subsequent to capsaicin infusion in healthy adults. METHODS: Secondary peristalsis was performed by slow and rapid mid-esophagus air injections in 15 healthy subjects. Two different sessions including esophageal infusion of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce (0.84 mg) following pre-treatment with placebo or baclofen were randomly performed to test the effects on heartburn perception and secondary peristalsis. RESULTS: The intensity of heartburn symptom subsequent to capsaicin infusion was significantly greater after pre-treatment of baclofen as compared with the placebo (P=0.03). Baclofen significantly increased the threshold volume of secondary peristalsis to slow air injections subsequent to esophageal capsaicin infusion (P<0.001). Baclofen significantly increased the threshold volume of secondary peristalsis to rapid air injections subsequent to esophageal capsaicin infusion (P<0.01). The frequency of secondary peristalsis subsequent to capsaicin infusion was significantly decreased with baclofen as compared with the placebo (P<0.002). Baclofen had no effect on any of the peristaltic parameters of secondary peristalsis subsequent to capsaicin infusion. CONCLUSIONS: The GABA-B agonist baclofen appears to attenuate the esophagus to capsaicin-induced excitation of secondary peristalsis in healthy adults. Our study suggests the inhibitory modulation for GABA-B receptors on capsaicin-sensitive afferents mediating secondary peristalsis in human esophagus.