GASTROINTESTINAL RESPONSE TO MINUTE DOSES OF GLUCAGON

Fifteen men 21-47 yr of age received a placebo and 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg of glucagon in a double-blind crossover study. There was a significant decrease in gastrointestinal tonicity (P < 0.001) after all doses of glucagon. The duration of drug action increased proportionately with dose. There was a linear dose response (P < 0.001) when reviewing the radiographs for any one day and when comparing all radiographs for any one subject. Neither pulse nor blood pressure changed significantly by 40 min after drug administration. For any single dose of glucagon, there was no increase in side effects compared with the placebo. The modern short biphasic examination (air contrast plus regular examination of the stomach) is being used more frequently. Low-dose glucagon (0.1 mg) makes such a study practical. Thus there is no need to delay the 2nd phase of the examination or the small-bowel follow-through.