Development of methodology for recording colonic myoelectrical activity in the infant primate

In order to study developmental aspects of colonic motility, we have developed a miniaturized electrophysiologic recording system for use in the infant primate rhesus (Macaca mulatta). Technical considerations including absence of rectal valves, decreased tissue thickness and small colonic diameter limit application of standard non-surgical recording methodology in this model. In-vivo testing with 4 different bipolar electrode probe configurations yielded satisfactory quality recordings only with silver chloride suction electrodes. Using this system, colonic slow waves and spike action potentials were studied in 6 infant primates (ages 1 to 7 months) both fasting and following a standard liquid meal of 10 cc/kg. In response to feeding, colonic spike potentials increased from 7.8 +/- 1.7 to 14.2 +/- 4.1 within 15 minutes (mean spikes +/- SEM/5 min interval). The observed response of the distal colon to a meal in this model is similar to the response reported in adult humans using intraluminal recording techniques. Utilizing the described methodology, the infant primate appears to be a suitable model for investigation of developmental aspects of gastrointestinal motility and electrophysiology. These techniques have important direct applications for investigation in the human infant.