Reproduction of epigastric pain of duodenal ulceration by adenosine.

Intravenous boluses of adenosine produced transient epigastric discomfort indistinguishable from spontaneous pain in five of six patients with endoscopically confirmed duodenal ulcer, an effect which was slightly but significantly antagonised by aminophylline. These findings may be relevant to the pathophysiology of peptic ulcer pain.