[Effect of ranitidine on the transmural gastric mucosal potential difference and on the gastroionogram (author's...

The effect of intravenous ranitidine on the transmural gastric mucosal potential difference measured under fluoroscopic control was studied in 7 volunteers. A rapid and significant increase in potential difference was observed within 15 minutes. This increase remained unchanged for about two hours. In 15 volunteers the effect of ranitidine on gastric output of acid and electrolytes was examined with and without pentagastrin stimulation. After ranitidine there was a decrease in acid secretion and in K+-ion output both under basal conditions and with pentagastrin stimulation. The Na+-ion output remained unchanged.