Physostigmine and metoclopramide in oesophageal peristaltic spread in man.

Simultaneous recordings of electrical and mechanical activities at different levels of the oesophagus were performed in normal men before and after physostigmine and metoclopramide injections. Various parameters of the basal oesophageal peristalsis were significantly modified following drug treatment. In particular, physostigmine injections induced a shortening of electromechanical coupling time and a reduction of the propagation velocities of the electrical and mechanical oesophageal events.

Motor responses of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to vestibular stimulation in man.

Pressure recordings in the esophageal body, LES and stomach were performed in 10 healthy subjects before and after caloric stimulation of the labyrinth. While esophageal and stomach responses varied or were absent, all subjects showed variations at the LES level. Duration of LES relaxation was increased and both time and amplitude of LES augmentation were significantly reduced.