THE REFLEX INFLUENCE OF THE LOWER PORTION OF THE LARGE INTESTINE ON THE TONUS AND MOVEMENTS OF THE EMPTY STOMACH IN DOGS

¹ Department of Physiology, Wayne University College of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan

1. A small amount of pressure (6-18 mm. of mercury) in an intrarectal balloon does not produce any effect on the tonus or motility of the empty stomach in dogs.

2. An intrarectal pressure of 20-48 mm. of mercury generally produces an inhibition of gastric tonus and motility. The duration and the degree of this inhibition is somewhat dependent on the magnitude of the intrarectal pressure. The stomach generally recovers from inhibition even while the pressure is maintained in the rectum, although the pressure may decrease when the rectum adapts itself.

3. Undiluted gall-bladder bile of the dog affects the gastric hunger activity in the direction of inhibition when introduced into the rectum in such a manner that the dog is undisturbed during the administration. Glucose and physiological saline solutions have no effects.

4. The inhibition of the rhythmical activity of the stomach during hunger, which is produced by rectal distention or irritation of the mucosa, may be indicative of other alterations in the physiologic activity of the animal organism.