title: The effect of verapamil on the lower esophageal sphincter pressure in normal subjects and in achalasia.
abstract: Verapamil hydrochloride is an organic calcium antagonist that is known to decrease the contraction of smooth muscle. The purpose of our study was to determine if verapamil has a similar effect on the resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure in normal subjects and in patients with achalasia. Esophageal manometry was performed using a continuously perfused catheter assembly. Infusion of verapamil (0.15 mg/kg) over a 2-min period resulted in a statistically significant decrease in resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure in both normal subjects (n = 8) and patients with achalasia (n = 7) within 10 min postinfusion. This study suggests that verapamil may have potential as a drug therapy in treating the clinical symptoms of achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasm.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D010528:Peristalsis / Q000187:drug effects; D011312:Pressure; D011674:Pulse / Q000187:drug effects; D014700:Verapamil / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D014700:Verapamil