Initiation of the migrating myoelectric complex in dogs.

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Abstract
Contractile and spiking activity in the conscious dog were recorded from strain gauge force transducers and electrodes chronically implanted on the antrum, duodenum and jejunum. The pattern of activity was related to the time elapsed after feeding a daily meal, both in intact dogs and in dogs with antro-jejunal or esophago-duodenal anastomoses. From 8-10 h after feeding, transient reductions of the continuous antral spiking activity were recorded while phases of regular spiking activity (RSA) and contractions developed on the proximal intestine. About 18 h after feeding, the post-prandial antral activity became intermittent, each period of contractions being accompanied by the duodenal development of a RSA phase. The RSA phases were still initiated on the duodenum after an antro-jejunal anastomosis and after gastrectomy. Phases of RSA of the migrating myoelectric complex are initiated in the proximal part of the small intestine rather than in the stomach. Probably, the RSA phase exerts an inhibitory effect on the antrum which may serve to reduce the flow of digesta through the pylorus when the ability of the duodenum to receive chyme is restricted.