Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0014848 (achalasia)
 2,804 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Calcium-channel blocking agents have a potential role in regulation of gastrointestinal tract function by decreasing smooth muscle contraction and possibly inhibiting cellular secretion. Most studies to date have concentrated on the ability of these drugs to inhibit smooth muscle contraction. Verapamil and diltiazem have been shown in animals (opossum, baboon) to produce decreased contractions in esophageal smooth muscle, resulting in a decreased amplitude of peristalsis and decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressures. In studies in man, oral doses of diltiazem and nifedipine have likewise been shown to have similar effects on the esophagus. At present, there is no experimental evidence of a major antisecretory effect of these drugs. In clinical trials, nifedipine has been shown to have a greater effect than placebo in improving symptoms in patients with achalasia, and diltiazem has been suggested as potential therapy in patients with chest pain secondary to excessive esophageal contraction. The precise role for calcium-channel blocking drugs in therapy of gastrointestinal disease is still being explored.
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PMID:Calcium-channel blocking agents for gastrointestinal disorders. 388 16

Verapamil hydrochloride is an organic calcium antagonist that is known to decrease the contraction of smooth muscle. The purpose of our study was to determine if verapamil has a similar effect on the resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure in normal subjects and in patients with achalasia. Esophageal manometry was performed using a continuously perfused catheter assembly. Infusion of verapamil (0.15 mg/kg) over a 2-min period resulted in a statistically significant decrease in resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure in both normal subjects (n = 8) and patients with achalasia (n = 7) within 10 min postinfusion. This study suggests that verapamil may have potential as a drug therapy in treating the clinical symptoms of achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasm.
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PMID:The effect of verapamil on the lower esophageal sphincter pressure in normal subjects and in achalasia. 665 Apr 65