title: Lower oesophageal contractility: a new monitor of anaesthesia.
abstract: The value of measuring lower oesophageal contractility (LOC) as a guide to the depth or adequacy of anaesthesia was investigated. Two forms of activity were recorded during light anaesthesia- nonpropulsive tertiary and provoked secondary peristalsis. Deepening anaesthesia resulted in progressive suppression of LOC. The smooth muscles of the lower oesophagus remain active despite the skeletal-muscle paralysis produced by muscle-relaxant drugs. The activity of the lower oesophagus may be a useful guide to the adequacy of anaesthesia.
mesh_terms: D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects; D010528:Peristalsis; D011312:Pressure
chemical_list: D000777:Anesthetics