Small intestinal motility.
OBJECTIVE
To review recently published studies presenting novel and relevant information on small intestinal motility in humans and animals.


RESULTS
The reviewed studies covered a variety of topics with several themes emerging. The relation between bacterial overgrowth and altered intestinal motility gathers support in a variety of conditions including portal hypertension and senescence. The mechanisms of postoperative ileus are becoming better understood. Cannabinoids play an important role in ileus and this further highlights the importance of these compounds in intestinal motility. Luminal impedance appears to be an important tool for investigation of intestinal flow.


CONCLUSIONS
Small intestinal motility remains an understudied area. Recent publications have shed additional light on myogenic, neural, and hormonal control mechanisms. Novel investigative techniques will likely further improve our understanding.
Jones
Michael P
MP
Division of Gastroenterology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. mpjones@nmh.org
Wessinger
Sarah
S
D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D045823:Ileus / Q000503:physiopathology; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology*; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology