The effect of glucagon on cholinomimetic responses of the recto-sigmoid.

Motor activity of the lower bowel was induced by the parenteral administration of prostigmine or bethanechol in 7 subjects. Intraluminal pressure recordings from the sigmoid colon and rectum revealed that the augmented responses of motor activity to these cholinomimetic drugs were similar both in duration and in motility indexes. The intravenous administration of glucagon inhibited the motor responses to both cholinomimetic stimuli employed. A possible mechanism for the inhibitory action of glucagon is suggested and the clinical application of these observations is discussed.