THE ROLE OF THE GANGLION CELLS IN THE SMALL INTESTINE TAKEN IN THE INTESTINAL INTRINSIC REFLEX

Abstract

A denervated jejunal loop of dogs is kept in a state of complete anemia by perfusing the blood vessels of the loop with TYRODE solution for varying periods from 1/4 to 4 hours. The blood circulation of the loop is them reestablished, and intestinal intrinsic reflexes are traced at intervals. At the end of the experiments intramural ganglion cells of the loop are examined histologically. Where complete anemia of the loop is continued for 4 hours, the intrinsic reflexes remain abolished permanently, almost all the intramural ganglion cells of the loop undergoing the degenerative changes. It may be thus confirmed that the intrinsic reflexes are produced by a mechanism involved in the intramural ganglion cells. There obviously occur the rhythmic contractions in the loop described above. Consequently it may be concluded that rhythmic contractions of the small intestine are essentially of myogenic origin.