Comparison of gallbladder function obtained with regular CCK-8 and pharmacy-compounded CCK-8

This study was undertaken to test whether the octapeptide of cholecystokinin (regular CCK-8) and pharmacy-compounded CCK-8 produce similar results with regard to gallbladder function. Methods: Twenty patients with suspected gallbladder disease were enrolled into quantitative cholescintigraphy. Each patient was infused for 1 0 min with 3 ng/kg/min of regular CCK-8 and pharmacy-compounded CCK-8, sequentially, with a 30-min interval between the beginning of infusion. The gallbladder ejection fraction, latent period, ejection period, and ejection rate were measured with both agents. Results: Both regular CCK-8 and pharmacy-compounded CCK-8 produce similar, but not identical, results with close correlation between them with reference to all of the measured functions of the gallbladder. There is neither potentiation nor inhibition of the first dose on the effects of the second dose of CCK-8. Conclusion: Pharmacy-compounded CCK-8 functions much similar to that of regular CCK-8 as long as an interval of at least 30 min is allowed between doses.