Effect of glucagon on sphincter of Oddi motor activity

In this study the effects of glucagon 1-29 peptide and the metabolically inactive portion glucagon 1-21 have been evaluated on sphincter of Oddi (SO) motor activity. A triple lumen catheter perfused by a minimally compliant infusion system was used to record intraoddian pressures at endoscopy. A strictly blind evaluation of tracings was performed. Neither peptide administration appeared to induce any relevant variation of SO resting pressure nor frequency, amplitude and duration of phasic contractions. Data of the present study would not support the use of glucagon whenever a spasmolytic effect on the SO is looked for.