The effect of ethanol on sphincter of Oddi motility in vitro.

Antioxidant enzymes are present in nerves supplying the sphincter of Oddi and regulate its motor function. Oxygen free radicals (O2.-) produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by the action of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Hydroxyl radical (OH.), an important mediator of H2O2 toxicity, oxidizes ETOH. Thus, the aim of our study was determine the effects of ETOH on sphincter of Oddi motility. The sphincter of Oddi was removed from opossums and force transducers recorded tension in its transverse axis. Alcohol (ETOH) was added to the tissue bath in concentrations from 0.1 to 0.4%. OH. was generated by the addition of 0.01% H2O2. Nitric oxide production was inhibited by the addition of 0.3 mM N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA). H2O2 increased the frequency of sphincter of Oddi contractions. Concentrations of ETOH > 0.3% decreased contractile frequency; however, 0.2% ETOH alone had no affect on the basal frequency of contraction but inhibited the increase in contractile frequency caused by H2O2. L-NNA also increased the contractile frequency; however, this effect was not inhibited by ETOH. We conclude that ETOH attenuates the effect of H2O2 on sphincter of Oddi motility.