Effects of intestinal electrical stimulation on postprandial small-bowel motility and transit in dogs

Abstract 

Background

Intestinal electrical stimulation (IES) with long pulses has been reported to inhibit motility as well as accelerate transit of continuous infusion. However, it is unknown whether there is a correlation between the IES-induced alterations in motility and transit and whether there is a difference in transit during IES between continuous infusion and bolus infusion.

Methods

The study was performed in 2 postprandial sessions (control and stimulation) in dogs with 2 pairs of serosal electrodes and 2 intestinal cannulas. Intestinal motility and transit with and without IES were measured by manometry and phenol red, respectively.

Results

IES significantly decreased intestinal motility and increased transit time. There was a significant correlation between motility index and transit during IES.

Conclusions

IES inhibits both intestinal bolus motility and transit. There is correlation between motility and transit during IES.

Keywords: Intestinal electrical stimulation, Long pulses, Small-bowel transit, Small-intestinal motility