[Comparative measurement of transmural gastric potential difference after administration of Euphyllin solution, theophylline solution, ethylenediamine dihydrochloride solution and Riopan, buffered theophylline].

Across the surface of the stomach mucosa exist large electrolytic concentration differences. While the pH value of the mucosa cells remains very constant within the range of 7.0 to 7.2, the pH value of the stomach fluctuates between 1 and 5. The differences in concentration of H-ions and other ions on both sides of the mucosa membrane result in an electrical voltage. Measurement of this voltage permits inferences to be made about the integrity of the mucosa cells. The electrical voltage and its changes can be measured and evaluated using a model developed in our Institut. Previously, there existed no studies comparing the irritation on the human stomach of solutions of Euphyllin and Theophylline. Now, using the forementioned model, we have performed such a study by examining the gastric transmural potential difference changes in nine (9) healthy subjects receiving Euphylline, Theophylline, and Ethylendiamin dihydrochloride in a cross-over design. Additionally, we have attempted to clarify if it is possible to suppress the irritation caused by Theophylline with Riopan. The investigation led to the following results: 1) The gastric irritation caused by Euphylline solution is statistically smaller than that caused by Theophylline solution. 2) The Ethylendiamin-dihydrochloride solution caused a minor irritation smaller than that of the Euphylline solution. 3) A pretreatment with Riopan reduced the irritation of the Theophylline solution.