Calcium effects on human esophageal smooth and striated muscle.

Because of conflicting results in earlier investigations, our study was carried out to determine the effects of acute hypercalcemia on esophageal muscle function at the lower esophageal sphincter and on the smooth and striated muscle of the esophageal body. Variables measured included lower esophageal sphincter pressure and length and esophageal body contraction pressure, duration, and velocity in the middle, distal, and proximal esophagus. Despite 3 hr of induced acute hypercalcemia, there were no statistically significant changes in any of the variables. Although esophageal muscle contraction requires calcium, our results, in contrast to some earlier studies, suggest that the availability of excess calcium does not effect esophageal function.