Abstract
In sheep, the motor function of the large intestine is not fully understood. Therefore, ileo-caecal-colonic motility was investigated by chronically implanted extraluminal strain gauge transducers and simultaneous videofluoroscopy. Motility parameters were evaluated manually and by computer analysis. The ileal motility was characterized by slowly propagating peristaltic waves and by giant contractions sweeping the ileal contents into the caecum. The dominant motor patterns of the caecum and the first flexure of the proximal colon were peristaltic and antiperistaltic waves resulting in a vigorous mixing and prolonged storage of digesta. In contrast, the proximal colon beyond the first flexure only showed peristaltic waves propelling digesta from the caecum to the spiral colon. The aboral transport from the caecum to the spiral colon was supported by caecal and colonic giant contractions which differed significantly from the peristaltic waves . The spiral colon mainly exhibited clusters of contractions. These consisted of prolonged tonic contractions superimposed by high frequency phasic contractions. The prolonged tonic contractions divided the digesta into small boli and pushed them aborally due to a slow aboral migration. Additionally, peristaltic waves and giant contractions caused filling and rapid transport of digesta along the spiral colon. In conclusion, the ileal, caecal and colonic motor patterns and the flow of digesta along the ileum and large intestine of sheep could be clearly identified by recording of motility combined with videofluoroscopy. The various segments of the large intestine showed different motor patterns providing storage, mixing and aboral transfer of digesta.
Published Version
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