Pacesetter potential of the human gastroduodenal junction

Abstract

The pacesetter potential of the gastric antrum and proximal duodenum has been recorded in man by electrodes placed under the serosal coat of the gut. The typical 3 cycle/min of the stomach was found to be conducted across the pylorus into the first part of the duodenum at a rate (2 cm/sec) about four times as fast as its conduction in the more proximal antrum (0·5 cm/sec). A 3 cycle/min pacesetter potential could be detected as far distally in the duodenum as 10 cm from the pylorus.