Mechanism of propagation of canine migrating motor complex--a reappraisal

This study quantitatively evaluated the characteristics of the aboral propagation of the canine migrating motor complex (MMC). Five conscious dogs were implanted with extraluminal force transducers along the small intestine. After constructing a 30-cm Thirty-Vella loop of jejunum, 56 of 91 activity fronts were outside the tolerance limits for propagation from the proximal intestine to the loop established in the same dogs before operation. Similarly, 44 of 109 activity fronts were outside the tolerance limits for propagation from the loop to the distal intestine. After surgery, the propagation time from the proximal jejunum to the loop was significantly increased, and activity fronts were observed to originate in the loop and in the intestine distal to the anastomosis. Our study indicates that the hypothesis that extrinsic nerves alone control the migration of the MMC is incomplete. We suggest that the extrinsic and the intrinsic innervation of the gastrointestinal tract are both required for the precise pattern of the migration of the MMC.