Comparison of gastric peristalsis inhibition by scopolamine butylbromide and glucagon: evaluation by electrogastrography and analysis of heart rate variability

Abstract

Inhibition of gastric peristalsis by glucagon via glucagon receptors on smooth muscles did not influence autonomic nervous activity, unlike the results obtained after administration of scopolamine butylbromide. Therefore, glucagon may be safe for use with elderly patients and those with cardiopulmonary complications.

Gastric electrical activity and cardiovascular risk factors in relation to autonomic nervous function, hormonal responses, and health-related lifestyles in young men

“…Although the number of studies is limited, one interesting Japanese study 14 assesses EGG activity, heart rate variability, and hormonal responses simultaneously in young healthy subjects receiving an intramuscular injection of glucagon, an endocrine polypeptide hormone with two different pharmacological activities: it antagonizes insulin and increases glucose levels and acts directly on gastrointestinal smooth muscle and inhibits peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, 14 the peak power amplitudes of the EGG were significantly decreased after injection of glucagons although such significant changes were not found in heart rate variability (HF and LF/HF) or serum catecholamine levels (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a young population has been reported to be 7% in those aged 20-29 years, rising to 44% in those aged 60-69 years in the United States (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey).…”

“…These results were unexpected because we had hypothesized that an accumulation of stress and unhealthy lifestyle factors caused the suppression of EGG activity through hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system or hypoactivity of the parasympathetic nervous system. 14,30 A possible explanation for our findings is that a reduction in EGG activity may have directly reflected metabolic changes, including an increase in body fat and a decrease in HDL cholesterol, rather than the effects of accelerated sympathetic nervous functioning or decreased parasympathetic nervous functioning. Altered EGG activity has been frequently observed in obese patients.…”

“…10 Unhealthy eating behaviors exacerbate risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), 11,12 which may be closely associated with gastrointestinal functioning. For example, EGG is reported to be associated with diabetic gastropathy 13 and autonomic nervous functioning, 14 but no study has focused on the specific relationship between EGG and CVD risk factors. Therefore, it is interesting to assess simultaneously EGG and the accumulation of CVD risk factors, including obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, in relation to information on healthrelated lifestyles, including alcohol intake, smoking, and regular exercise.…”

An open-label, single-arm study assessing the efficacy and safety of l-menthol sprayed onto the gastric mucosa during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

“…Hyoscine-N-butylbromide is associated with cardiovascular events, and glucagon can lead to delayed hypoglycemia [4,5]. Another disadvantage is that these conventional antispasmodic agents are administered by injection, inevitably causing pain.…”

“…Antispasmodic agents, such as hyoscine-N-butylbromide and glucagon, are often used to inhibit peristalsis during upper GI endoscopy [4], but they are associated with the possibility of developing serious complications. Hyoscine-N-butylbromide is associated with cardiovascular events, and glucagon can lead to delayed hypoglycemia [4,5].…”