FURTHER STUDY ON THE GASTRO-INTESTINAL MOTILITY FOLLOWING STIMULATION OF THE HYPOTHALAMUS

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Abstract
Because of the controversial reports on the hypothalamic influence on the gastro-intestinal motility, the hypothalamus of some 50 fasting cats was explored, using ether or chloralose as anesthesia. The stimulation was given through a bipolar nichrome wire electrode (oriented with the aid of the Horsley-Clarke stereotaxic instrument) connected to the secondary coil of a Harvard inductorium. The gastrointestinal motility was either visualized through a transparent window or recorded by the balloon method. In general, stimulation of the hypothaiamus anterior to the infundibular region yielded immediate blanching and occasional inhibition, followed by a marked excitatory response. Its onset was slow and gradual with a latent period of 40-60 secs., and its effect lasted for several mius. Section of both vagi did not abolish this effect. The nature of the mechanism is not clear. Vagal effects on the gut were also obtained when the hypothaiamus at or behind the infundibular level was stimulated. Such responses could be elicited in chronic spinal cats and were abolished after bilateral vagotomy.

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