Glucagon-(1-21)-peptide. Study of its action on sphincter of Oddi function by endoscopic manometry.

The amino acid sequence (1-21) of glucagon has been shown to have full spasmolytic action in animal studies but no metabolic effect. The motor activity of the sphincter of Oddi was measured during ERCP with manometric recordings of sphincter pressure. Then glucagon-(1-21)-peptide was given as a bolus intravenous injection; serial blood samples were taken to determine glucagon-like immunoreactivity. The spasmolytic effect of glucagon-(1-21)-peptide began 15 sec after injection and lasted up to 22 min at the higher doses. The basal pressure of the sphincter of Oddi was decreased by 31-56% after administration of glucagon-(1-21)-peptide. Phasic sphincter of Oddi pressure and wave frequency were also affected. In conclusion, glucagon-(1-21)-peptide has a relaxing effect on the human sphincter of Oddi and might emerge as an alternative to glucagon or other spasmolytic drugs for obtaining selective relaxation of the biliary tract.