Effect of Prucalopride on esophagus in healthy volunteers.

Double blind placebo controlled, randomized cross-over study. The study population will consist of 20 healthy male volunteers who will be measured in the AMC in Amsterdam. Aim of the study is to asses the effect of Prucalopride on esophageal contraction characterisitcs and lower esophageal sphincter pressure, gastric emptying and esophageal reflux parameters.

Prucalopride accelerates gastric emptying and increases esophageal contraction amplitude and LES pressure and subsequently reduces gastroesophageal reflux.

Measurements will be performed after 5 days of either Prucalopride or placebo treatment and medication will be ingested each morning. In between the two treatments a wash out period of at least 7 days will be followed. On the first day subjects will arrive at the clinic in the morning after an overnight fast for the manometry test and impedance -pH test. the pH/impedance catheter will remain in situ to perform a 24 hour ambulatory measurement. On the second day the patient will arrive at the clinic in the morning and the pH/impedance catheter will be removed followed by a scintigraphy after a labeled meal.

1. High resolution manometry (esophageal function study);

2. Impedance-pH recording (reflux study);

3. Standardized meal during the manometry and impedance;

4. Study medication/placebo: 4 mg a day during 6 days

5. Questionnaires;

6. Scintygraphy.