Effect of glucagon on ureteric peristalsis in man, pig, rabbit and rat

The effect of glucagon on ureteric peristalsis in man, pig, rabbit and rat has been studied using specially shaped perspex blocks containing silver/silver chloride bipolar electrodes. In all subjects the ureteric electrical activity was recorded during laparotomy. Glucagon was administered as a single intravenous dose of 14 micrograms per kilogram in man and in doses of between 6.25 and 160 micrograms per kilogram in the other species. The mean (+/- S.E.M.) peristaltic rates per minute were: man 4.85 (+/- 0.66), pig 2.04 (+/- 0.36), rabbit 3.78 (+/- 0.23) and rat 5.02 (+/- 0.16). Glucagon was found to have no significant effect on ureteric peristalsis in man, rabbit or rat, whilst in the pig a variable effect was seen.