Octreotide relaxes the hypertensive sphincter of Oddi: pathophysiological and therapeutic implications.
OBJECTIVE
As our understanding of the pathophysiology of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) expands, new avenues arise for pharmacological intervention. Recent evidence suggests that SOD results from a loss of myenteric plexus inhibitory neurons resulting in unopposed cholinergic tone. Octreotide inhibits postganglionic cholinergic neurons, and thus we hypothesize that administration of octreotide will decrease sphincteric pressure in individuals with SOD.


METHODS
Thirty-eight patients presenting with recurrent abdominal pain and SOD (basal pressure > 40 mm Hg) were studied. The study was prospective, placebo controlled, and blinded. Patient allocation was consecutive. Sphincter of Oddi manometry was performed in standard fashion. The test group (n = 19) received octreotide acetate (100 microg i.v.), and the control group (n = 19) received i.v. saline. Basal, phasic, and duct pressures as well as phasic amplitude and frequency were recorded before and 3 min after the i.v. infusion. Changes in these parameters before and after i.v. infusions were compared.


RESULTS
Octreotide caused a statistically significant reduction in peak and basal sphincter of Oddi pressures relative to saline (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001). Octreotide did not significantly affect wave amplitude, wave frequency, or duct pressure.


CONCLUSIONS
Octreotide has the potential to be a valuable addition to the armamentarium for the medical management of SOD.
Fazel
Ali
A
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Mary's Health Center, Missouri 63110-0250, USA.
Li
Spencer C
SC
Burton
Frank R
FR
D000328:Adult; D003137:Common Bile Duct Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D015282:Octreotide / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D009803:Sphincter of Oddi / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology*
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D015282:Octreotide