Effect of an oral beta2-adrenergic agonist on lower esophageal sphincter pressure in normals and in patients with achalasia.
The effect of the beta2-adrenergic agonist, carbuterol, was studied on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in normals and in patients with achalasia. In normals, the mean LES pressure decreased from 23.1 +/- 6.2 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM) to 16.0 +/- 5.0 mm Hg at a 4.0-mg dose of carbuterol (P less than 0.05). In patients with achalasia, the mean LES pressure decreased from 50.1 +/- 5.1 mm Hg to 22.7 +/- 2.4 mm Hg after a 4.0-mg dose of carbuterol (P less than 0.01). The duration of action following oral administration exceeded 90 min. These studies indicate that the LES in man has beta2-adrenergic receptors that mediate a reduction in pressure. The magnitude of LES pressure reduction in patients with achalasia suggests that this drug may be of therapeutic benefit.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000187:drug effects*; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D004983:Ethanolamines; C100249:carbuterol