Gastrointestinal myoelectric activity in fasting and nonfasting canine models of ileus
R. E. Brolin, M. T. Reddell and D. A. Thompson
We studied postoperative gastrointestinal (GI) tract myoelectric activity
(MEA) in three fasting and nonfasting models of ileus. After implantation
of a gastric cannula and bipolar electrodes in the antrum, duodenum,
proximal jejunum, midjejunum, terminal ileum, and ascending and descending
colon, five dogs underwent ileus-producing laparotomies, including
handling, in which the entire GI tract was manually crushed, obstruction,
in which a distal ileal obstruction was created and released 24 hours
later, and peritonitis, in which an ileal perforation was created and
closed 24 hours later. The fasting 24-hour postoperative colonic MEA in the
handling and obstruction models was significantly less than control levels
but returned to normal by 48 hours. The nonfasting 24-hour postoperative
duodenal and jejunal MEA in the obstruction model was significantly less
than control levels. These significantly decreased MEA levels persisted for
72 hours. Nonfasting 24-hour postoperative ileal and colonic MEA in the
peritonitis model was significantly greater than control levels and
remained significantly elevated for 48 to 72 hours before returning to
normal.
