ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

Abstract

V. Previously it has been reported that epinephrine and nicotine have differential effects on all mechanical move ment and potential variations during rhythmic contrac tion of the small intestine. Epinephrine inhibits the mechanical movement while the characteristic electrical changes are relatively unaffected; nicotine abolishes the electrical variations while the mechanical movement is not diminished. It is now reported that atropine has an effect similar to epinephrine, curare similar to nico tine, and ephedrine intermediate between the two. The results are taken to be in accord with the hypothesis that the electrical variations are correlated with a rhythmic physiologic activity of the intrinsic nervous plexus of the intestine.[long dash]VI. The characteristic cycles of potential variation that accompany rhythmic con traction of the small intestine, can be abolished by application of nicotine if the circulation of the affected intestine is not active. Restoration of circulation results in recovery of the characteristic potential changes. The abolition cannot therefore be due to a permanent de structive effect on the intrinsic nervous ganglia.