The effects of omeprazole on gastro-oesophageal sphincter pressure, intragastric pH, and the migrating motor complex in fasting healthy subjects.

Placebo and omeprazole (80 mg) were administered by intravenous injection in a random, double-blind, cross-over manner. Phase I and phase II of the MMC were divided into segments, and phase III constituted a single segment. The highest and lowest sphincter pressures were recorded in each segment. In the placebo group only one of the lowest values was significantly different from phase I,1. Among the highest values all means from phase II,1 to phase III were significantly higher. In the omeprazole group all means from phase II,4 to phase III in the upper demarcation were significantly higher. When the pressure profiles of placebo and omeprazole in each segment were compared, no differences were found. An unchanged pressure profile in all segments of the MMC in connection with a substantial reduction of acid secretion indicates that omeprazole shows great promise for use in patients with oesophagitis.