[Pharmacologic modification of postprandial bile duct kinetics--ultrasound measurement of the lumen of the bile duct].
The physiological correlate of biliary colic is a rapid increase in pressure in the presence of biliary obstruction. The relaxing action of hymecromone on the biliary tract provides a pharmacotherapeutic approach.


OBJECTIVE
Since the symptoms usually occur postprandially, we used ultrasonography to examine whether hymecromone could reverse the contraction of the common bile duct (CBD) after ingestion of a standardised test meal.


METHODS
The study was designed as a prospective, double-blind randomised cross-over study versus placebo in 20 healthy volunteers. The width of the CBD was measured ultrasonographically in the fasting subjects and 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes after ingestion of a test meal. The subjects were then given either 400 mg of hymecromone or placebo i.v. and the measurement series was repeated.


RESULTS
After ingestion of the test meal the width of the CBD decreased by a maximum of 20% after 15 minutes. While there was only a slight increase in the width of the CBD after subsequent administration of placebo, a maximum increase of 36% was measured 10 minutes after administration of hymecromone.


CONCLUSIONS
The postprandial contraction of the CBD can be reversed within a short time by i.v. administration of hymecromone. Sonography proved a suitable tool for examining the physiological changes.
Heistermann
H P
HP
Chirurgische Universitätsklinik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Marienhospital Herne.
Krawzak
H W
HW
Andrejeweski
K
K
Hohlbach
G
G
D000328:Adult; D002756:Cholagogues and Choleretics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003135:Common Bile Duct / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D016473:Gallbladder Emptying / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006923:Hymecromone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D019518:Postprandial Period / Q000187:drug effects; D014463:Ultrasonography
D002756:Cholagogues and Choleretics; D006923:Hymecromone