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Published on: September 18, 2014
Rectal distension modulates canine gastric tone and accommodation
Yong Lei1, Hongbing Zhu, Jinhong Xing
1Transneuronix Inc. and Veterans Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|October 22, 2005
Summary
Rectal distension inhibits gastric tone and impairs gastric accommodation in a volume-dependent manner. This effect on gastric tone is not mediated by the cholinergic pathway, as shown by atropine studies.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
- Neurogastroenterology
Background:
- Rectal distension is known to influence upper gastrointestinal (GI) myoelectrical activity and motility.
- Understanding the reflex mechanisms between the rectum and stomach is crucial for comprehending GI function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of rectal distension on gastric tone and accommodation.
- To elucidate the underlying neural mechanisms, specifically the role of the cholinergic pathway.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a barostat in seven healthy dogs to assess gastric tone and accommodation.
- Conducted three experiments to evaluate the effects of varying rectal distension volumes and the influence of atropine on gastric responses.
Main Results:
- Rectal distension demonstrated a volume-dependent inhibitory effect on gastric tone.
- Gastric accommodation was significantly reduced by rectal distension (139.3 +/- 34.7 ml) compared to controls (383.2 +/- 26.3 ml).
- Atropine did not block the rectal distension-induced changes in proximal gastric tone, suggesting a non-cholinergic mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Rectal distension inhibits gastric tone and impairs gastric accommodation in a volume-dependent manner.
- The observed inhibitory effect of rectal distension on gastric tone appears to be independent of the cholinergic pathway.
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