Ambulatory 24-h colonic manometry in healthy humans.
Our aim was to investigate motor activity of the healthy, relatively unprepared colon in the ambulatory state. Twenty-five age- and gender-matched adults had a six-sensor solid-state probe inserted into the proximal transverse colon without sedation. Subjects ambulated freely and ate standard meals. In 528 h of recording, we found a lower (P < 0.05) area under the curve during the night. Waking induced a threefold increase in motility, whereas meals induced a twofold increase. Women showed less activity (P < 0.05) in the transverse/descending colon than men. The transverse/descending colon showed more (P < 0.05) activity than the rectosigmoid colon. Seven patterns were recognized; predominantly, they were simultaneous, propagated, or periodic bursts of 3-cycles/min (cpm) waves. A specialized propagating pressure wave with a high amplitude (>105 mmHg) and a prolonged duration (>14 s) occurred in all subjects (mean 10/day), mostly after waking, after meals, or with defecation. A 3-cpm motor activity was seen in the rectosigmoid region predominantly at night. The colon exhibits a wide spectrum of pressure activity around the clock, with gender and regional differences and circadian rhythm. This comprehensive study provides qualitative and quantitative normative data for colonic manometry.
Rao
S S
SS
Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. satish_rao@uiowa.edu
Sadeghi
P
P
Beaty
J
J
Kavlock
R
R
Ackerson
K
K
D000368:Aged; D019540:Area Under Curve; D003106:Colon / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000379:methods*; D011312:Pressure; D012727:Sex Characteristics