The effects of glucagon and metoclopramide as measured by the electrogastrogram.

The electrogastrogram, purportedly a measurement of the stomach's electrical activity, has received increased attention recently. This attention has also created skepticism because measurements are taken from the cutaneous surface. To test the electrogastrogram's ability to measure the stomach's electrical potential, we infused glucagon (0.5 mg), metoclopramide (10 and 20 mg in two sittings), and a placebo into six subjects. The electrogastrogram registered predictable changes in response to these infusions. We conclude that the electrogastrogram measures the stomach's electrical activity. Additionally, the unique data gathered by the electrogastrogram suggest that glucagon and metoclopramide both act directly on the electrical activity of gastric cells.