Increased duodenal alkali load associated with the interdigestive myoelectric complex

In six healthy volunteers the interdigestive motor activity and the secretory pattern were recorded in the duodenum by open tip catheters and intraluminal titration, respectively. The duodenal part of the interdigestive myoelectric complex (IDMEC) was regularly associated with a significantly increased alkali load to the duodenum amounting to 2.4 +/- 0.4 mmol per IDMEC. Thus, the intestinal "housekeeper" function of the IDMEC may be brought about by a coupled action of propagated motility and flushing secretion.