Clinical Significance:
Motilin is a 22 amino acid peptide produced primarily by the enterochromaffin cells (EC2 or M cells) in the intestine, duodenum and the jejunum. It is absent from the stomach and colon. Motilin accelerates gastric emptying and colonic motor activity. Motilin also stimulates the feeding response. It has no structural similarities with other gastrointestinal peptides. Motilin secretion can be stimulated by acid and a fat-rich meal. Motilin can increase the secretion of Pepsin and causes increased intra-gastric pressure. Motilin also stimulates lower esophageal sphincter contraction. Motilin levels are suppressed by Calcitonin. Motilin has a short half-life of approximately five minutes.
Reference Range:
Up to 446 pg/ml
Procedure:
Motilin is measured by direct radioimmunoassay.
Patient Preparation:
Patient should be fasting 10 – 12 hours prior to collection of specimen. Patient should not be on any antacid medication or medications affecting intestinal motility, if possible, for at least 48 hours prior to collection.
Specimen Collection:
3 ml serum or EDTA plasma should be collected and separated as soon as possible. Freeze specimens immediately after separation. Minimum specimen size is 1 ml.
Special Specimens:
For tumor/tissue and various fluids (i.e. CSF, peritoneal, synovial, etc.) contact the Institute for requirements and special handling.
Shipping Instructions:
Ship specimens frozen in dry ice.
References:
1. D Dea, G Boileau, P Poitras, and RG Lahaie. Molecular Heterogeneity of Human Motilin Like Immunoreactivity Explained by the Processing of Prepromotilin. Gastroenterology 96: 695, 1989.
2. ND Christofides, SR Bloom, and G vanTrappen. Postprandial Release of Motilin in Relation to the Interdigestive Motor Complex in Man. Biomedical Research 2: 67, 1981.