Relation between intestinal motility and mesenteric blood flow in the conscious dog

Blood flow in a mesenteric artery and electrical activity of the corresponding segment of jejunum or ileum were simultaneously measured in eight conscious dogs. Each was fitted chronically with an electromagnetic flow probe and transparietal electrodes. In some dogs an intestinal cannula was placed cephalad to the segment investigated. Continuous 24-h records were obtained in each dog receiving a daily meal. Jejunal blood flow increased after the meal, decreased progressively during the postprandial period (7-12 h), and then exhibited cyclic variations associated with the occurrence of migrating myoelectric complexes (MMCs) during the next 6-10 h. The ileal blood flow increased, then remained high and nearly constant during the postprandial disorganization of the MMC pattern, and exhibited cyclic variations associated with all MMCs even when the dog was fasted for 48 h. Cyclic variations in blood flow were abolished when the intestinal content was drained through the cannula. It is concluded that in the conscious dog the blood flow profile in a mesenteric artery is associated with the motor profile of the segment. This association is due to the presence of digestive matter, probably nutrients in the jejunum and bile in the ileum.