EFFECT OF METOCLOPRAMIDE ON ESOPHAGEAL PERISTALSIS AND GASTROESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER PRESSURE - STUDY IN NORMAL SUBJECTS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 14  (8) , 923-927
Abstract
The amplitude duration and velocity of the peristaltic pressure wave was measured in the lower part of the esophagus in the basal state and at different time intervals after oral intake of 10 and 20 mg metoclopramide [4-amino-5-chloro-N-[2-(diethylamino)-ethyl]-o-anisamide monohydrochloride monohydrate]. Gastroesophageal sphincter pressure was measured in the basal state and 90 min after the intake of metoclopramide. The pressure studies were carried out in 8 healthy human subjects, using a pressure probe consisting of 2 open-tip polyethylene catheters that were fed by a capillary tubular system and connected to external pressure transducers. Sphincter pressure was measured (intermittent withdrawal), and the probe was positioned with the distal opening 5 cm orally to the sphincter. Dry and wet (bolus, 5 ml of water) swallows were made in randomized order in the basal state and at the time intervals after the intake of metoclopramide. The sphincter pressure measurement was repeated. No differences were seen with regard to the peristaltic activity: amplitude, duration or velocity. Sphincter pressure rose from 12-19 mm Hg after 10 mg (P < 0.05) and from 13-20 mm Hg after 20 mg metoclopramide (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between basal values and the response to 10 or 20 mg metoclopramide.