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Migrating myoelectric complex demonstrated in four avian species
M H Clench1, V M Piñeiro-Carrero, J R Mathias
1Veterans Administration Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida.
The American Journal of Physiology
|March 1, 1989
Summary
The avian migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) mirrors mammalian patterns, showing similar phases of activity and quiescence. Differences in frequency and duration were observed across avian species, including gallinaceous birds and owls.
Area of Science:
- Comparative physiology
- Gastrointestinal motility
Background:
- The migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) is a key pattern of gastrointestinal motility during fasting.
- Understanding avian MMC provides insights into comparative digestive physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and characterize the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) in avian species.
- To compare avian MMC patterns with those observed in mammals.
Main Methods:
- Electromyographic recordings were used to monitor gastrointestinal motility.
- The study included four avian species: three gallinaceous birds (Gallus, Phasianus, Coturnix) and an owl (Strix).
Main Results:
- Avian MMC exhibits a pattern similar to mammals: quiescence, irregular spike activity, intense regular spike activity, and return to quiescence.
- Avian MMC frequency and duration are comparable to mammals, but propagation velocity and slow-wave frequency are slower.
- Granivorous and carnivorous birds showed similar motility patterns in fed and fasted states, with interspecific variations in MMC characteristics.
Conclusions:
- The migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) is conserved across mammals and birds, suggesting a fundamental physiological role.
- Interspecific variations in avian MMC characteristics exist, with closer relatives (galliforms) showing more similar patterns than distantly related species (owls).