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Updated: May 14, 2026
09:29
Fabrication and Implantation of Miniature Dual-element Strain Gages for Measuring In Vivo Gastrointestinal Contractions in Rodents.
Published on: September 18, 2014
Gastric contractility in experimental gastroschisis
Marcelo B Cavalcante1, Francisco J B de Lima, Willy Okoba
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical School, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|February 19, 2013
Summary
Gastroschisis in fetal rats did not alter stomach muscle contractions. This suggests fetal gastric dilation in gastroschisis is not solely due to intestinal inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Fetal development
- Gastrointestinal motility
- Surgical complications
Background:
- The cause of fetal gastric dilation in gastroschisis remains unclear.
- Gastroschisis is a congenital defect with potential impacts on fetal gastrointestinal function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contractile properties of fetal stomach tissue in an experimental gastroschisis model.
- To determine if altered gastric contractility contributes to fetal gastric dilation.
Main Methods:
- Experimental gastroschisis was induced in Wistar rat fetuses.
- Gastric fundus and antrum strips were isolated and subjected to carbachol stimulation.
- Contraction frequency, amplitude, and tonus were measured using a force transducer.
Main Results:
- Basal spontaneous contractions were similar across gastroschisis, sham, and control groups.
- Carbachol stimulation increased contractions in antral smooth muscle and tonus in fundic strips.
- No significant differences in carbachol-induced contractility were observed between groups in either the antrum or fundus.
Conclusions:
- Gastric smooth muscle contractility in response to carbachol is preserved in experimental gastroschisis.
- These findings do not support the hypothesis that gastric dilation in gastroschisis is a consequence of intestinal inflammation alone.
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