Functional Hemodynamics of the Colon

Abstract

Continuous and direct measurement of colonic blood flow and pressure was carried out in the anesthetized dog. The 3 major, and functionally important, characteristics of colonic blood flow are (1) its inherently low value per g of tissue, (2) functional activity (defecation and peristaltic rushes) decreases blood flow through the colon, and (3) all investigated sensory inputs to the rest of the body result in a prolonged decrease in colonic blood flow. From these results it is concluded that the physiologic integrity of the colon may be compromised if factors working to maintain a relatively low blood flow situation are present over an extended period, or are additive over a shorter time period. The etiological background of the irritable colon syndrome, mucous colitis, and nonspecific ulcerative colitis may be based upon the above mentioned factors.