ABSTRACT
The role of extracellular calcium in the control of basal and stimulated gastric secretion was studied by using the Ca[++] channel blocker, verapamil. The volume of gastric secretion [in ml], free and total acidity [as unit%] and peptic activity [as unit/ml] were the parameters used to assess gastric function. All the drugs were given intraperitoneally every day for four successive days. The results demonstrated a stimulatory effect of prednisolone [25 mg/kg] and histamine [1 mg/kg] on gastric secretion. Verapamil [7 mg/kg] resulted in significant decrease in basal gastric secretion. Still, verapamil inhibited the stimulatory effect of prednisolone and histamine on basal gastric secretion. This inhibition was significantly more on prednisolone than histamine simulated gastric secretion, an interesting finding that needs further clarification. The mechanism of the inhibitory effect of verapamil could be through inhibiting the action of H[+] - K[+] ATPase enzyme or due to inhibiting transmembrane flux of Ca[++] ion which is necessary for the process of gastric secretion