Effect of verapamil on basal and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion

The role of calcium in gastric acid secretion is still uncertain. The effect of verapamil on basal and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion was evaluated in eight normal men. Submaximal pentagastrin tests (2 micrograms/kg/hr) were performed after pretreatment with intravenous verapamil at a concentration of 0.1 mg/kg and followed 1 hr later with a second bolus injection of 0.15 mg/kg. On a separate day, subjects received a placebo injection of saline solution at the same designated times as the verapamil. Verapamil did not alter basal or stimulated gastric acid secretion. All subjects showed ECG evidence of significant calcium-channel blocking (i.e., prolongation of PR interval). Data indicate that therapeutic doses of a calcium slow-channel antagonist do not alter gastric acid secretion in normal subjects. Results support the concept that in vivo, secretory function of the human parietal cell is not affected by alteration in cellular calcium flux.