| abstract |
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for measuring gastric emptying rates in animals, including humans. The method of the present invention measures gastric emptying rate by administration of a marker agent in a delayed release formulation or food vehicle and monitors the blood or serum level of the marker agent over time. The blood or serum level of the marker agent reflects the gastric emptying rate. The incorporation of such drugs into the food also delays the absorption of such drugs and serves as a measure of digestion and gastric emptying. These methods can be used to screen for drugs, herbal medicines and other compounds that modulate gastric emptying, such as by enhancing gastrointestinal motility-promoting activity. |