[Effect of the prostaglandin E2 analog nocloprost on motility and acid clearance of the tubular esophagus in man].
The effects of the E2 prostaglandin nocloprost (9b-chloro-16,16-dimethyl-prostaglandin E2) on esophageal motility and acid clearance were evaluated in a double-blind placebo controlled study in six healthy volunteers. Motility of the tubular esophagus was measured by means of a low compliance perfusion system (four channels, recording ports 10 cm apart, the distal localized in the stomach). After eight hours fasting and a 60-minutes baseline measurement (with standardized swallowing of 5 cc water every three minutes) the volunteers swallowed on two separate days in randomized order either 200 micrograms nocloprost (solved in 50 cc water) or placebo. Then the motility of the tubular esophagus was assessed for another 60-minutes during standardized swallowing. Thereafter, the motility probe was removed and a pH-electrode placed 10 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter. In order to assess the esophageal clearance, four times 5 cc of 0.1 N HCl were infused into the esophagus 10 cm above the electrode and the time between the infusion of HCl and the increase of the pH above pH 4.0 measured.


RESULTS
In five out of six volunteers the duration of esophageal contractions were decreased after administration of nocloprost as compared to placebo (6.23 +/- 1.2 vs. 5.80 +/- 1.1 seconds, p = 0.07). In contrast, neither propagation velocity, nor amplitude of contraction or acid clearance were significantly affected by nocloprost.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that in healthy volunteers nocloprost changes the pattern of esophageal contractions (duration) without affecting amplitude, velocity of propagation or acid clearance.
Holtmann
G
G
Abteilung für Gastroenterologie, Universität (GHS) Essen.
Kölbel
C B
CB
Ewers
M
M
Giese
A
A
Layer
P
P
D000328:Adult; D003679:Deglutition / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004947:Esophagus / Q000187:drug effects*; D005745:Gastric Acidity Determination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic / Q000494:pharmacology*
D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; C048895:nocloprost
Wirkung des Prostaglandin-E2-Analogons Nocloprost auf die Motilität und Säureclearance des tubulären Osophagus beim Menschen.