Abnormal gastric motility has been recognised recently in some patients with excessive gastro-oesophageal reflux. The cause of this motility disturbance is unknown. A dual isotope study has been used to assess gastric emptying of solid and liquid components of a test meal in 16 patients with erosive oesophagitis and in 16 control subjects. The release of insulin, gastrin, pancreatic polypeptide, gastric inhibitory polypeptide and neurotensin in response to the test meal was monitored in all subjects. A significant delay in both solid and liquid emptying was observed in patients with erosive oesophagitis. However, they demonstrated no alteration in the pattern of hormone release in response to the test meal.