EFFECT OF GASTRIN-17 ON LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER CHARACTERISTICS INMAN

We studied the effect of gastrin-17 on lower esophageal sphincter (LES ) characteristics in man. Nine healthy volunteers participated in two experiments performed in random order during continuous infusion of sa line (control) or gastrin-17 (15 pmol/kg/hr). LES pressure (LESP) and transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESR), as most the important reflux mechanism, were measured with intraesophageal sleeve manometry combined with pH metry. Infusion of gastrin-17 resulted in p lasma gastrin levels comparable to those reached after a mixed meal. D uring continuous gastrin infusion, LESP decreased significantly (P < 0 .05) compared to control. The rate and duration of TLESR was not influ enced by gastrin-17. Gastroesophageal reflux and the number of TLESR a ssociated with reflux were significantly (P < 0.05) increased during g astrin infusion. These results suggest that in humans gastrin at physi ological postprandial plasma concentrations decreases LESP, does not i nfluence TLESR, but increases the percentage of TLESR associated with reflux.