The Effect of Adrenalectomy on Propulsive Motility of the Small Intestine in Rats

Abstract

By the method of Van Liere, propulsive motility of the small intestine was studied after adrenalectomy in male albino rats. Increased motility occurred in 67% of the adrenalectomized rats as compared with the motility in intact, sham-operated, or partially starved controls. Reduced motility after adrenalectomy occurred in 10%. An explanation is suggested based on disturbances in the K balance and the fact that hyperpotassemia may stimulate smooth muscle.