Experimental investigation of gastrointestinal secretions and motility following burns and their relation to ulcer

Abstract

Abstract The effects of burns on gastrointestinal secretion and motility were studied in anesthetized dogs. Salivary, biliary, and pancreatic secretions were diminished, with the exception of one experiment in which a considerable increase in salivary secretion was observed. Gastric secretion and acidity increased in a number of experiments following a burn. In one of these animals a prepyloric ulcer was found. Increased volume of gastric secretion seemed to depend on infusions, and increased acidity seemed to be related to infusions and previous feeding of the animals. A considerable increase in intra-abdominal pressure and of gastric motility was observed following burns; the latter was particularly strong in the pyloric antrum and began immediately after starting of the burn. Section of the splanchnic nerves and of the vagi, or of both, did not diminish or abolish gastric motility following burns. Section of the vagi seemed to enhance the gastric motor response to a burn. The intravenous injection of atropine sulfate abolished the motility of the stomach following a burn. The relation of the above findings to Curling's ulcer are discussed.