Discharge patterns of abdominal and pudendal nerves during induced defecation in anesthetized cats

Defecation is thought to be achieved not only by contraction of the colon, but also by a rise in intra-abdominal pressure. In this study we recorded the discharges of nerves innervating the abdominal (Abd) muscles, diaphragm, external anal sphincter (EAS) muscle and pelvic floor (PF) muscles during induced defecation evoked by distention of an expellable balloon to reveal defecation-related muscle activities. The discharges of the Abd muscle and phrenic (Phr) nerves increased when rectal pressure increased. The discharges of the EAS and PF nerves usually increased in proportion to the pressure in the rectum and maintained a constant activity level, although some trials showed inhibition. The results suggest that activities of these muscles increase the intra-abdominal pressure.