[Effects of smoking on motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract in healthy persons and patients with peptic ulcer].

59 male volunteers (16 healthy and 43 ulcer subjects) entered the study on effects of smoking on gastrointestinal motility. The latter was assessed within 12-50 hours by means of probes fitted with tensiometers. Smokers, especially heavy smokers, regardless of the disease presence, had more regular phase alterations in the cycles of the motility and more regular rhythm of phase III, more frequent involvement of the stomach in frontal motor activity. A direct effect of the cigarette smoked on gastric and intestinal motility was associated with condition of the patient and time after meal.