Effects of nizatidine and itopride hydrochloride on esophageal motor function

Abstract

Nizatidine and itopride hydrochloride inhibit cholinesterase activity and increase acetylcholine in the cholinergic nervous systems. The effect of nizatidine and itopride hydrochloride on esophageal motor function has not been determined, although these drugs are reported to increase gastric motility. Esophageal peristalsis between the upper esophageal sphincter and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) has been shown to be composed of three segments (segments 1–3) using high-resolution manometry. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of nizatidine and itopride on esophageal motor function using high-resolution manometry. Seven healthy male volunteers (mean age 37.8 years) were examined three times: without medication, treated with 150 mg of nizatidine, or treated with 50 mg of itopride. LES pressure (LESP) and peak peristaltic pressures in the three esophageal segments upon swallowing 5 ml of water were examined using high-resolution manometry 1 h after drug administration. The mean LESP after administration of nizatidine or itopride hydrochloride tended to be higher than that without medication. There was no significant difference between the peak contraction pressure in the first (uppermost) esophageal segment with drug administration and that without. On the other hand, both nizatidine and itopride hydrochloride significantly augmented the peak contraction pressure in the second and third segments. Administration of nizatidine and itopride hydrochloride is suggested to augment peristaltic contraction in the second and third segments of the esophageal body.