Hormonal enhancement of technetium-99m pertechnetate uptake in experimental Meckel's diverticulum.

A canine model simulating Meckel's diverticulum was used to evaluate the effects of pentagastrin, glucagon, and a combination of the two hormones on the gastrointestinal localization of 99mTc. Pentagastrin produced accelerated uptake of the radionuclide in both the stomach and the ectopic gastric mucosa but resulted in early visualization of the duodenum and a "washout" effect on the radioisotope within the Meckel's diverticulum. Glucagon provided prolonged retention of the radionuclide in the stomach and ectopic mucosa and prevented duodenal visualization. A combination of both hormones produced increased activity in the stomach and experimental Meckel's and decreased duodenal filling. This enhanced target to background contrast and provided improved visualization of the ectopic gastric mucosa.