The action of glucagon and commonly used antispasmodics and analgesics on the canine ureter.

Ureteric peristalsis has been studied using extraluminal bipolar electrodes and metal foil strain gauges in both the unanaesthetized and anaesthetized dog. Electrical activity of the ureter was characterized by bipolar action potentials, which always preceded mechanical activity. In the acute studies glucagon 44 micrograms/kg i.v. was given during the unstimulated phase and again during a forced diuresis. Complete inhibition of ureteric activity was seen for 19 . 50 (+/- 3 . 76 s.e.) and 16 . 25 (+/- 1 . 59 s.e.) min respectively. During this period there was no change in the rate of urine flow. In the conscious dog glucagon was given as a bolus of 22 micrograms/kg followed by an infusion for 45 min. An infusion of 88 micrograms/kg h produced complete inhibition for 39 . 2 (+/- 2 . 41 s.e.) min. Propantheline, hyoscine, morphine, pethidine and buprenorphine were given in equivalent therapeutic human doses, but no consistent effect on ureteric peristalsis was seen. Glucagon may have a role to play in the management of ureteric colic.