Glucagon and gastroesophageal reflux.

Using radionuclide gastroesophageal reflux techniques, the effect of glucagon on the occurrence of spontaneous gastroesophageal reflux was tested in 24 normal, asymptomatic volunteers, who served as their own controls. Before glucagon administration, spontaneous gastroesophageal reflux did not occur in any of the volunteers. After 1 mg of glucagon was given, gastroesophageal reflux occurred in two (8%) of the 24 volunteers. Gastroesophageal reflux did not occur after the administration of high-density barium sulfate and an effervescent agent to simulate the circumstances of a routine double-contrast upper gastrointestinal examination. Although the effect of glucagon may facilitate gastroesophageal reflux in a small percentage of normal individuals, most do not exhibit spontaneous gastroesophageal reflux, either before or after glucagon administration.