Dual pulse intestinal electrical stimulation normalizes intestinal dysrhythmia and improves symptoms induced by vasopressin in fed state in dogs

To assess effects of dual pulse intestinal electrical stimulation (DPIES) on intestinal dysrhythmia and motility, and symptoms induced by vasopressin in conscious dogs. The study was performed in three postprandial sessions (control; vasopressin; DPIES) in six dogs with two pairs of electrodes chronically implanted on the serosal surface of the proximal jejunum and with a chronic duodenal fistula. A manometric catheter was advanced into the small intestine via the intestinal cannula. Motility and intestinal slow waves were recorded. Symptoms were assessed. During vasopressin infusion, the percentage of normal intestinal slow wave frequency was decreased (P < 0.01), reflected as a significant increase in the percentage of both bradygastria and tachygastria; the motility index decreased (P < 0.01) and the symptom score increased (P < 0.01). In the session of DPIES, the percentage of normal slow wave frequency was recovered (P < 0.05 vs vasopressin), attributed to a reduction in both bradyarrhythmia and tachyarrhythmia; the symptom score was reduced (P < 0.05 vs vasopressin); the motility index was not significantly increased. These results suggest that vasopressin induces intestinal dysrhythmia and emetic symptoms and inhibits intestinal motility. Dual pulse intestinal electrical stimulation is capable of improving intestinal dysrhythmia and emetic symptoms but not impaired intestinal motility induced by vasopressin.