A comparative study of the effects of verapamil and cimetidine on isolated rat stomach strip.

Effects of verapamil and cimetidine were studied on smooth muscle of rat stomach by using an isolated fundus strip preparation. Verapamil 0.5 microgram/ml significantly (P less than 0.001) reduced acetylcholine (Ach) induced contractions of rat stomach fundus strip. The inhibition was very prolong and dose dependent. On the other hand cimetidine 60 micrograms/ml significantly (P less than 0.001) potentiated the Ach-induced contractions, potentiation was dose related. The spontaneous contractions of stomach strip were completely abolished by 8 micrograms/ml verapamil, whereas 1000 micrograms/ml cimetidine had no effect. It was concluded that verapamil given for cardiovascular disorders would also supplement relief of pain from peptic ulcer and might prevent stress ulcer formation.