The Effect of Carbachol on Resting Gastro-Oesophageal Sphincter Pressure and Serum Gastrin in Normal Human Subjects

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The mechanism of action behind the rise in gastro-esophageal sphincter pressure induced by cholinergic activity was investigated. Serum gastrin and sphincter pressure were recorded in 8 normal human subjects before and in relation to administration of carbachol. Carbachol was given s.c. in a dose of 4.5 .mu.g/kg body wt. Mean sphincter pressure recorded 15, 30 and 45 min after administration of carbachol was significantly higher than the basal mean. The administration of carbachol did not lead to significant changes in serum gastrin and a relationship between serum gastrin and sphincter pressure was not demonstrable. The carbachol-induced rise in the basal sphincter pressure probably is not dependent on an increase in serum gastrin, but probably attributable to either direct cholinergic stimulation of the receptors or a cholinergically enhanced sensitivity of the receptors for gastrin. Carbachol in individual dosages may be a suitable adjuvant in the medical treatment of patients with gastro-esophageal reflux.