Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
09:44
Functional Assessment of Intestinal Motility and Gut Wall Inflammation in Rodents: Analyses in a Standardized Model of Intestinal Manipulation
Published on: September 11, 2012
Acute intestinal obstruction: an electromyographic study in dogs
Gastroenterology
|December 1, 1983
Summary
Acute intestinal obstruction in dogs significantly alters gut motility. Proximal contractions initially increase then decrease, while distal activity is consistently inhibited, impacting intestinal function.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency.
- Understanding the associated changes in gastrointestinal motility is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acute experimental intestinal obstruction on canine jejunal motility.
- To characterize the changes in contractile activity proximal and distal to the obstruction.
Main Methods:
- Acute midjejunal obstruction was induced in dogs using a Biebl loop clamp or an intraluminal balloon.
- Serosal electrodes recorded myoelectric activity proximal and distal to the obstruction.
- Prolonged obstruction was studied using an intraluminal Foley catheter.
- Fluoroscopic monitoring of barium passage through a Thiry-Vella loop assessed luminal patency.
Main Results:
- Proximal spike burst activity increased markedly during acute obstruction.
- Distal spike burst activity decreased significantly.
- With prolonged obstruction (5.5 h), proximal activity returned to baseline but became clustered with periods of absent motor activity.
- Distal inhibition persisted, and similar clustered contractions were observed to obliterate the lumen.
Conclusions:
- Acute intestinal obstruction causes significant and complex alterations in canine jejunal motility.
- Both proximal and distal segments exhibit distinct changes in contractile patterns.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these motility changes.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
01:26Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
This lesson explores three gastrointestinal imaging techniques: radionuclide testing, colonic transit studies, and virtual colonoscopy.
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
01:29Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...