The Myoelectric Activity of the Small Intestine of the Dog during Total Parenteral Nutrition 1 2

Summary

The myoelectric activity of the small intestine was monitored in conscious dogs before, during, and after periods of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Before TPN, each animal displayed two distinct patterns of myoelectric activity. One pattern was seen in an animal that had been fasted for 18 hr (the interdigestive myoelectric complex); the other pattern was seen after feeding (fed pattern). TPN was then begun and continued for up to 11 weeks, during which time the animals maintained their weight. During TPN, the only myoelectric pattern evident was the interdigestive myoelectric complex and its characteristics were similar to those seen before TPN. The first oral feeding after TPN was followed by the development of a fed pattern. We conclude that: (1) The fasted pattern of myoelectric activity is present during prolonged periods of food deprivation. (2) The presence of nutrients in the blood is not the factor required for presence of the fed pattern. (3) The factors responsible for development of the fed pattern are not impaired by oral food deprivation.