Inhibitory effects and mechanisms of colonic electric stimulation on gastric and rectal tone in conscious dogs.
OBJECTIVE
Colonic electric stimulation has been shown to alter motor functions of the colon; however, its effects on other organs of the gut have been investigated rarely.


METHODS
This study was performed in 12 dogs implanted with one pair of colonic serosal electrodes and a gastric cannula. Experiments were performed to study: 1) the effect of colonic electric stimulation on proximal gastric tone and compliance; 2) the effect of colonic electric stimulation on rectal tone and compliance; 3) the sympathetic mechanism involved in the effects of colonic electric stimulation on gastric/rectal tone. A computerized barostat was used to assess gastric/rectal tone and compliance.


RESULTS
Colonic electric stimulation inhibited both gastric and rectal tone with a higher potency in gastric tone. Colonic electric stimulation reduced gastric but not rectal compliance. The inhibitory effect of colonic electric stimulation on gastric tone but not rectal tone was abolished by an adrenergic blockade, guanethidine.


CONCLUSIONS
Colonic electric stimulation inhibits both gastric and rectal tone with a higher potency in inhibiting gastric tone. Colonic electric stimulation reduces gastric but not rectal compliance. The inhibitory effect of colonic electric stimulation on gastric tone seems to be mediated by the sympathetic pathway.
Liu
Shi
S
Division of Gastroenterology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA.
Lei
Yong
Y
Chen
J D Z
JD
D018663:Adrenergic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D003106:Colon / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D004285:Dogs; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D006145:Guanethidine / Q000494:pharmacology; D009129:Muscle Tonus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012007:Rectum / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D013270:Stomach / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*
D018663:Adrenergic Agents; D006145:Guanethidine