The satiation properties of proteins involve effects on gut peptide release and gastrointestinal motility which may be altered during obesity. This study compares the in vitro response and role of amino acid (AA) taste receptors (TASR) in the effect of AAs and a casein hydrolysate on ghrelin release and smooth muscle (SM) contractions in the proximal gut of lean and obese patients.

Basal ghrelin release, measured from mucosal segments, is maximal in the fundus and decreased distally. Obesity selectively impaires the stimulatory effect of a casein hydrolyaste on ghrelin release in the fundus but does not affect its inhibitory effect in the small intestine (SI). The SM contractions induced by a casein hydrolysate and AAs are stronger in strips from the SI than from the fundus but are reduced in the stomach of obese patients. The region‐dependent expression of AA‐TASRs in the mucosa and SM layer is affected by obesity. Most of the AA‐induced responses are reduced by the umami antagonist, lactisole. l‐Met‐induced responses involve bitter taste receptors.

Region‐specific targeting of AA taste receptors on both enteroendocrine and SM cells with specific AA‐enriched diets might be a useful strategy to combat obesity as well as hypomotility disorders.