title: The effect of glucagon-induced gastric relaxation on TLOSR frequency.
abstract: This study aimed to determine the effect of glucagon-induced gastric relaxation on the frequency of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations (TLOSRs). Eight normal subjects (four male, age 18-52 y) were studied after a 6-h fast using a combined manometric barostat assembly. The recording was divided into two 1-h sessions: (1) a baseline period with the barostat set at minimal distending pressure (MDP) + 2 mmHg and (2) a period with continuous glucagon or placebo infusion with barostat set at MDP + 2 mmHg. Patients were studied on two different days and randomly received glucagon (4.8 microg kg(-1) bolus followed by 9.6 microg kg(-1) h(-1) infusion) on 1 day and placebo (saline) on another. Lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure, frequency of TLOSRs, and barostat bag volumes were determined for both placebo and glucagon infusion. Glucagon induced significant fundal relaxation compared with placebo (P < 0.05) and significantly decreased baseline LEOS pressure (P < 0.05). The frequency of TLOSRs was not altered by glucagon infusion compared with placebo. Despite causing substantial proximal stomach relaxation, glucagon did not increase TLOSR frequency. This suggests that the relevant gastric mechanoreceptors responsible for triggering TLOSRs do not respond to passive elongation.
authors.affiliation: Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611-3008, USA.
authors.forename: H Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Pandolfino
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Boeckxstaens
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Joehl
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Kahrilas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005934:Glucagon / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013270:Stomach / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D005934:Glucagon