THE MEASUREMENT AND RECORDING OF GASTRODUODENAL BLOOD FLOW IN MAN BY MEANS OF A THERMAL GRADIENTOMETER 1

Abstract
An improved instrument was described for measuring blood flow in the intact gastrointestinal tract of man. The subject swallows a duodenal tube with a small balloon attached. This balloon, about 8 cm. in length and 2.5 cm. in greatest diam., has molded into its wall 6 constantan-Cu thermocouples equally spaced around its greatest circumference. On the duodenal tube passing through the center of the balloon is wound the heating coil with the reference thermocouples beneath it. The temp. of the heater is raised 10[degree] above that of the body and heat is radiated to the whole surface of the balloon, thus warmina adjacent tissues. The device measures the cooling effect which is in proportion to the amt. of blood flowing through the mucosa. Contractions of the wall of the stomach and duodenum were accompanied by a transitory acceleration of blood flow, while histamine induced a prolonged acceleration of blood flow in the gastric mucosa. Also, contemplation or even mere discussion of appetizing food, as well as states of anxiety, tension and resentment, were accompanied by an accelerated blood flow.

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