Normal and disturbed motility pattern in the duodenum of man. The effect of l-hyoscyamine, trimipramine and ranitidine on the maximal pressure waves.

Eight healthy subjects were examined in random order with an electronic capsule transducer, two capsules being mounted 8 cm from each other in the duodenum. At least two grade III maximal pressure waves were recorded following 0.6 mg l-hyoscyamine (Hässle), 50 mg trimipramine (Surmontil, Rhone Poulenc) or 150 mg ranitidine (Glaxo-Nyegaard & Co.) perorally. A significant prolonged cyclic length (Fig. 1) was observed on the day when l-hyoscyamine was given when compared to results on the day when placebo was given (Table I). No significant differences were observed between placebo and the other drugs given.