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Gastrocolonic Response

  • Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract (S Rao and A Sharma, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The gastrocolonic response (GCR), is a physiologic increase in motor activity of the colon, which usually occurs within minutes following meal ingestion. Over the years several triggers that provoke GCR were recognized including gastric dilation, caloric intake, and fat component of the meal. The response is mediated by the vagal nerve and neurohumoral mechanisms, and it can be modified by several pharmacological factors. Assessment of GCR is part of high-resolution colonic manometry studies, performed in patients with suspected colonic dysmotility. This review highlights the physiologic basis of GCR as well as its clinical and diagnostic features and implementation in variable pathological conditions and clinical practice.

Recent Findings

GCR has a role in patients with constipation, diabetes, dumping syndrome, bowel hyper and hypomotility and irritable bowel syndrome. Novel sensory triggers for GCR were recently recognized.

Summary

GCR is a physiological response which is evaluated during colonic manometry studies. Abnormal GCR is a marker of an underlying pathology, which can provide a potential target for treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, 45229, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Lev Dorfman, Khalil El-Chammas, Sherief Mansi & Ajay Kaul

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Khalil El-Chammas, Sherief Mansi & Ajay Kaul

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  1. Lev Dorfman
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  2. Khalil El-Chammas
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Correspondence to Lev Dorfman.

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Dorfman, L., El-Chammas, K., Mansi, S. et al. Gastrocolonic Response. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 24, 137–144 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-022-00849-2

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