Inhibitory effect of bromazepam on insulin-stimulated gastric acid secretion in man

The action of bromazepam on insulin-stimulated gastric acid secretion was examined in 5 healthy volunteers in a randomized study. To measure acid output, the intragastric titration technique and a pH-sensitive telemetering capsule were used. Three series of experiments were performed: (1) insulin (0.2 U/kg body weight), stimulation alone; (2) simultaneous injection of insulin and bromazepam (0.1 mg/kg body weight), subjects kept awake; (3) synchronous injection of insulin and bromazepam but with subjects allowed to fall asleep after drug administration. In all three series after insulin administration a significant initial inhibition of gastric secretion occurred. There were no significant differences between the three series regarding the intensity of hypoglycemia. Blood glucose levels lower than 25 mg/100 ml were reached in all experiments. Bromazepam in subjects kept awake caused drowsiness and a lower gastric acid response to hypoglycemia as compared to insulin alone, but the difference was not significant. In subjects allowed to sleep, this reduction was marked and gastric acid output was significantly lower than in both other series. These findings suggest that sleep and drowsiness, rather than bromazepam itself, cause inhibition of insulin-induced gastric secretion.