title: Anal sphincter pressure and the rectosphincteric reflex in the dog.
abstract: Anal sphincter pressure (ASP) was measured in healthy conscious dogs, and the rectosphincteric reflex that causes inhibition of the internal sphincter was identified. Pressures were measured in 6 dogs by use of a perfused miniature 4-lumen catheter. To identify the rectosphincteric reflex, a balloon (fitted over the distal opening of the catheter) was insufflated with 25 ml of air. Mean (+/- SE) ASP was 74.7 +/- 4.2 mm of Hg. When the rectosphincteric reflex was stimulated by balloon distension, ASP decreased to 35.9 +/- 4.9 mm of Hg. The reduction in pressure persisted for 22 +/- 1.5 s, and ASP returned to predistension values, despite the maintenance of balloon distension. Atropine did not affect ASP or its reduction during balloon distension.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Strombeck
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Harrold
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry / Q000662:veterinary; D011312:Pressure; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology