The motor-stimulating effect of metoclopramide and pyridostigemine bromide in normal man and laparotomized patients. A combined study of duodenal electric and motor activity.

The effect of metoclopramide on duodenal motility was compared to that of pyridostigmine bromide by means of stimulaneous recordings of electrical action potentials (spike potentials) and intraluminal pressure variations in 40 normal young volunteers and 8 patients after intraperitoneal operations. Quantitative calculations according to a previously described system showed a significant increase in activity in the normal material after both drugs. The increase was greatest after metoclopramide and appeared more rapidly. Compared with the normal individuals, patients in the postoperative phase showed a moderately decreased activity before drug administration. No significant increase in activity could be demonstrated after either of the drugs.