RECIPROCAL INNERVATION IN THE SMALL INTESTINE

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Abstract
The movements of the small intestine were studied by the balloon method in cats and rabbits under urethane or dial. The vagi exert a tonic motor influence on the small intestine. Faradization of the central stump of the sciatic nerve usually causes intestinal inhibition and a loss of tone. The decline in activity takes place even after the splanchnic nerves are destroyed. The inhibition is shown to be due to a decrease in the normal activity of the vagi[long dash]hence, reciprocal innervation. In rare instances increase in movements and tone follows sciatic stimulation. Central excitation of one vagus, with the other vagus and splanch-nics intact, produces enhanced motility. When both vagi are removed and the splanchnics are intact, central stimulation of one vagus causes either augmentor or inhibitory reflexes. These are shown to be mediated by the splanchnic nerves and the augmentor reflex is advanced as possible evidence of reciprocal innervation. The significance of reciprocal innervation in the gastro-intestinal canal is briefly discussed.

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