Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
08:17
Autonomous and Rechargeable Microneurostimulator Endoscopically Implantable into the Submucosa
Published on: September 27, 2018
A potential and novel therapy for obesity: "appendix" electrical stimulation in dogs
1Veterans Research Foundation, VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Obesity Surgery
|October 5, 2010
Summary
Appendix electrical stimulation (AES) in dogs increased gastric volume, delayed gastric emptying, and significantly reduced food intake. These findings suggest AES may be a viable therapy for obesity.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Intestinal electrical stimulation (IES) is a potential therapy for obesity.
- The location-specific effects of IES on gastrointestinal motility and food intake remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of appendix electrical stimulation (AES) on gastric tone, gastric emptying, and food intake in dogs.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy dogs participated in three experiments.
- Gastric tone and food intake were measured in six dogs with electrodes in the appendix.
- Gastric emptying was assessed in six dogs with electrodes in the appendix and a duodenal cannula.
Main Results:
- AES induced gastric distention, increasing gastric volume (p=0.001).
- Gastric emptying was significantly delayed by AES (p=0.002).
- AES reduced average daily food intake by 55.4% (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- AES reduces gastric tone via the nitrergic pathway, delays gastric emptying, and inhibits food intake in dogs.
- AES shows therapeutic potential for obesity management.
- AES is technically feasible via colonoscopy, offering an advantage over stomach or duodenal stimulation.
