Human colonic myoelectric activity in response to prostigmin and the gastrointestinal hormones

Abstract

Colonic myoelectric activity was determined using a mucosal clip electrode in normal human subjects, in the basal state and following the administration of prostigmin, pentagastrin, cholecystokinin, or secretin. Slow-wave activity was present 49±3.0% of the recording time and occurred at two frequencies, 6.5±0.1 cycles/min and 3.5±0.1 cycles/min, in the rectum. Spike potentials were infrequent in the basal state. Prostigmin, pentagastrin, or cholecystokinin did not affect the slow-wave activity or frequency, but these agents significantly increased the number of spike potentials (P<0.05). Secretin had no effect on myoelectric activity. The electrode system was tested in the cat and showed excellent correlation of the myoelectric activity between the mucosal clip electrode and a serosal electrode. These studies indicate: (1) a mucosal clip electrode provides an accurate method of recording colonic myoelectric activity when compared to a serosal electrode in the cat; (2) in man, slow-wave activity is present only intermittently and exists at two frequencies, approximately 6 cycles/min and 3 cycles/min; (3) gastrointestinal hormones and prostigmin increase spike potential discharge without altering slow-wave activity or frequency.