Nature and kinetics of inhibition of lower esophageal sphincter pressure by glucagon
Jaffer, S.S.; Makhlouf, G.M.; Schorr, B.A.; Zfass, A.M.
Gastroenterology 67(1): 42-46
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-5085 PMID: 4834913 Document Number: 80896
The lower oesophageal sphincter response to prompt intravenous injection of pentagastrin alone and with glucagon was studied in 4 normal subjects. The pressure responses to pentagastrin at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 mu g/kg bodyweight were 182, 250, 305 and 248% of resting pressure. Glucagon significantly inhibited the resting and pentagastrin-stimulated lower oesophageal sphincter pressure. Kinetic analysis showed that inhibition by glucagon was of the mixed type with a change both in affinity for, and efficacy of, pentagastrin. Endogenous glucagon released by infusion of alanine had no effect on the resting pressure. It was concluded that glucagon, like secretin, does not play a role in regulating the competence of the sphincter in the resting state. Its role during digestion was still not clear.