Effect of bromazepam on gastric acid secretion related to hypnotically induced anxiety

The effects of bromazepam (0.1 mg/kg b.w. i.v.) and of placebo on gastric acid secretion related to hypnotically induced anxiety were evaluated in a double blind study, 22 experiments were carried out on 4 healthy volunteers. Drugs were injected after one basal hour. Hypnosis was induced immediately thereafter, and a sequence of anxiety-charged situations out of the subjects past was recalled. After one hour, posthypnotic amnesia was suggested, the subjects awakened and observation continued for another hour. Acid output was measured by means of intragastric titration and a telemetering capsule. During hypnosis and recalling of anxiety in both series, acid output decreased. In the posthypnotic hour there was a significant increase of secretion in the placebo-series, while there was virtually no change in the the bromazepam-series. The pattern of acid output in the placebo-series seems to result from an activation of the sympathetic system under anxiety and a rebound vagal activation in the posthypnotic hour. By contrast, under the sedating effect of bromazepam, no anxiety could be evoked and no rebound vagal activation and thereby no increase of acid secretion resulted.