EFFECTS OF UNDIGESTIBLE PARTICLES ON THE MYOELECTRIC ACTIVITY OF THE CANINE COLON

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 8  (12) , 955-959
Abstract
The relationship between undigestible particle intake and myoelectric activity of the colon was examined in 3 dogs fed with a low-fiber diet alone or with polyethylene particles containing 10% and 45% dry matter. When compared to controls colonic electromyograms [EMG] of dogs fed on polyethylene revealed a 40% reduction in long spike bursts (LSB). The sequences of LSB propagated over long distances, or MSB (migrating spike bursts) were unchanged and only the myoelectric activity corresponding to LSB propagated for very short distances was abolished by polyethylene diets. Concurrently, the percentage of water excreted in the feces was increased. Undigestible and inert particles were thus able to modify the colonic motor profile and to increase the fecal excretion of water. Such effects were similar to those observed with dietary fibers. It is suggested that dietary fiber effects on fecal excretion and colonic motility are partially induced by their mechanical action on the intestinal wall. The absence of LSB propagated in both directions and for short distances on the canine proximal and transverse colons seems to be a limiting factor in the movement of water absorption.

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