Augmentation of the neural inhibitory response of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Abstract

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of lidoflazine and dipyridamole upon the nonadenergic inhibitory response of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) circular muscle in vitro. Both dipyridamole and lidoflazine significantly potentiated the maximal inhibitory responses of LES muscle to electrical stimulation during muscle contraction produced by either acetylcholine or KC1 depolarization. Theophylline did not alter the magnitude of the inhibitory response. These studies indicate: (1) LES muscle neural inhibition may be potentiated by compounds known to block the intracellular uptake of adenosine, and (2) nonadrenergic inhibition of LES muscle may be through adenosine triphosphate or a related purine nucleotide as proposed for other muscles responding similarly to dipyridamole and lidoflazine.This work was supported by Research Grant 1 R01 AM 16280-01 from the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Cohen is supported by a Research Career Development Award 1 K04 AM 70, 576-01 from the Na...