[Myeloelectric complex of the small intestine and variations in the intestinal motility in sheep]

The motor pattern of the small intestine of the sheep fed ad libitum is characterized by the regular occurrence of myoelectric complexes comprising a phase of regular and irregular spiking activities. Each complex is propagated along the ovine small intestine at a mean velocity of 17 cm/min and originated on the duodenal bulb at 70-100 mn intervals. Reduction and increase in duration of the phase of irregular spiking activity of the complex occurred during fasting and overfeeding respectively. Reduction in spiking activity is paralleled by an increased velocity of propagation whilst a lower migration and a reduced number of the complexes are characteristic of overfeeding. It is concluded that duration, number and velocity of propagation of the myoelectric complexes are adaptative factors in changes of the intestinal flow rate.