Pharmacology of the Sphincter of Oddi

The sphincter of Oddi is the smooth muscle connection between the bile duct and the duodenum. Its physiological function is associated with a regular motility characterized by phasic contractions superimposed on the sphincter of Oddi baseline pressure. Recently introduced ERCP-manometry permits further studies of sphincter of Oddi pharmacology. A number of drugs have so far been studied. Sedatives of the diazepam type had no effect on the sphincter, while butylscopolaminium bromide, a typical neurotropic agent, brings about cessation of the sphincter motility for 3-8 minutes. Hymecromon lowered the sphincter baseline pressure from 9.8 to 7.8 mmHg. A 1.2 mg sublingual dose of nitroglycerin, a typical musculotropic agent, caused significant relaxation of the sphincter, and decreased baseline pressure from 8.9 mmHg to 2.9 mmHg; Sphincter motility was not affected. Morphine-like analgetics, in particular pentazocine, elevated sphincter baseline pressure, but buprenorphine and tramadol did not. Pharmacological doses of gastrointestinal hormones also affect the sphincter; CCK octapeptide, glucagon and secretin are able to decrease sphincter of Oddi baseline pressure, and CCK octapeptide abolishes sphincter motility. Sphincter of Oddi pharmacology is of clinical interest. The administration of sphincter-relaxing agents, in particular nitroglycerin and butylscopolaminium bromide, enables the endoscopist to extract small common bile duct stones without previous papillotomy. Analgetics that induce sphincter contraction and thus hinder the flow of bile and pancreatic juice, may be helpful for the treatment of pain in patients with pancreatico-biliary disease. Investigations into the effect of CCK on the healthy and diseased sphincter permit us to identify patients with sphincter dysfunction using a special CCK-provocation test.