Influence of gastrointestinal neuropeptides on the anal canal.
To evaluate the possible effect of gastrointestinal neuropeptides on anal function, the effect of somatostatin, enkephalin, VIP, and substance P on anal canal pressure and electromyographic response of the external anal sphincter was studied in healthy subjects. Enkephalin and somatostatin elicited a significant decrease in anal canal pressure after a bolus injection of 1 microgram/kg body weight whereas VIP and substance P had no effect. Future studies must show whether these effects are of pharmacologic importance and if these peptides participate in the physiologic regulation of anorectal function.
Lorentzen
M
M
Department of Surgery D, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Thagaard
C
C
Christiansen
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004576:Electromyography; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013373:Substance P / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004745:Enkephalins; D013373:Substance P; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D013004:Somatostatin