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PubMed2001

Strain gauge force transducer and its application in a pig model to evaluate the effect of probiotic on colonic motility.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of probiotic, i.e., fermented milk prepared with Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, on colonic motility by the strain gauge force transducer (SGFT) in a pig model. The contractions of the circular muscle layer of the cecum, upper colon, lower colon, and terminal colon in pigs were directly measured in conscious status by this method. This method was useful for quantitatively evaluating the effects of stimuli on colonic motility. Feeding significantly stimulated the motilities of the upper and lower colon. Defecation significantly stimulated the motilities of the upper and terminal colon. Two weeks' feeding of the fermented milk significantly activated the response to feeding in four portions of the large intestine. It increased motility of the terminal colon that did not promote defecation. The frequency of defecation from 9:00 to 10:00 (the period just after the morning meal) increased significantly, but from 0:00 to 1:00 (the midnight period) it decreased as a result of the ingestion of fermented milk. Such effects of the fermented milk on motility of the terminal colon are discussed in relation to the movement of digesta. The effects may relate to the stimulation of colonic fermentation as shown by a decrease in fecal pH.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Amygdalar nmda receptors are critical for the expression of multiple conditioned fear responses.

There is conflicting evidence regarding the issue of whether NMDA receptors in the basolateral amygdalar complex (BLA) are critically involved in the expression of conditioned fear. This matter was addressed by infusing the rat BLA with d,l-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV), a competitive NMDA receptor antagonist. APV infusion into the BLA was reported to block the expression of conditioned fear when measured by freezing but not when measured by fear-potentiated startle response to a loud noise. To examine this issue further, here we used multiple indices of conditioned fear, including analgesia, 22 kHz ultrasonic vocalization (USV), defecation, and freezing. Rats with bilateral BLA cannula implants underwent fear conditioning consisting of 10 tone-footshock pairings. Before context and tone fear-retention tests, animals received intra-BLA infusions with APV (2.5 microg/side) or artificial CSF. Both tone and context tests demonstrated that the expression of conditioned freezing, USV, defecation, and analgesia were significantly impaired by intra-amygdalar infusions of APV. In a second set of experiments, intra-BLA infusions of APV markedly impaired the normal expression of postshock fear responses during training, as measured by freezing, USV, and defecation. Immediate postshock fear expression was predictive of subsequent fear retention to the tone and context when the animals were not infused. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that amygdalar NMDA receptors participate in normal synaptic transmission and therefore the overall functioning of the amygdala.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗
PubMed2003

[Functional childhood gastrointestinal disorders. II. Constipation and solitary encopresis: physiology and pathophysiology].

The childhood prevalences of constipation and encopresis are 0.3-8% and 1-3% respectively. Following a recent stricter definition and classification, constipation and solitary encopresis are now recognised to be two separate entities. Constipation is characterised by infrequent defecation, often in combination with involuntary loss of faeces. Solitary encopresis most often occurs once a day after school hours. When there is no defecation, the frequency of encopresis increases, the abdominal pain becomes more severe and the appetite becomes less, until a large quantity of faeces is produced (often once per week). The physiology of the defecation and continence mechanism is complex and has only been unravelled in part. The multiple physiological mechanisms involved have a complementary and compensatory effect on each other. This makes it difficult to determine the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of these functional disorders.

Child↗
PubMed2003

Bowel function in Danish children with myelomeningocele.

Spinal cord lesions affect colorectal motility, anorectal sensation and anal sphincter function. The aim of this study was to describe bowel habits in children with Myelomeningocele (MMC). Questionnaires describing age, gender, neurological deficit, bowel function and the Child Behaviour Checklist were send to all Danish children with MMC aged 2-18 years. Among 208 patients, 125 (60%; 63 girls) responded. Defecation was described as abnormal in 85 (68%). Digital stimulation or evacuation were used by 25 (20%), suppositories by 13 (10%) and enemas 35 by (28%). Time spent at each defecation was > 30 minutes in 29 (24%). Among children aged four years or more (n = 100), daily faecal incontinence was reported by 14 (14%) and weekly incontinence by another 14 (14%). Bowel dysfunction had some or major impact on social activities or quality of life in 48 (40%). Time spent on defecation increased and the impact on quality of life became more severe with advancing age. Information about bowel management had been given to 56% of parents and 9% of children. In conclusion colorectal problems are common in children with MMC and their impact of quality of life becomes more severe as the children grow older. There is an unfullfilled need for information about bowel management.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Pattern of gastrointestinal and psychosomatic symptoms across the menstrual cycle in women with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of defecation, gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI symptoms among women with ulcerative colitis (UC) (n=38) and Crohn's disease (CD) (n=21), and to compare the results with those from healthy women (n=38) across the menstrual cycle. METHODS: Women were followed for three menstrual cycles with a symptom diary consisting of frequency of defecation, and GI and non-GI symptoms. One point was allowed for each symptom in the same phases of three cycles, and total scores for GI and non-GI symptoms were obtained. RESULTS: Frequency of defecation was found to be higher during menstruation in controls and in remitting UC and CD. GI symptom scores were higher in all three phases in patients with CD. These decreased in the postmenstrual phase in controls, and in patients with UC and remitting CD. In all three cycles, non-GI symptom scores were higher in patients with CD. These symptoms decreased during the postmenstrual period in all three groups. The activation of UC and CD did not affect the non-GI symptom score in the same menstrual cycle. Patients on mesalamine had less GI and non-GI complaints than those on sulfasalazine in all phases. There was no correlation between GI and non-GI symptom scores during all menstrual phases. CONCLUSION: Cyclic pattern present in healthy women persisted in patients with UC and CD. Disease activity and the drug used may modify the severity of the symptoms.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2004

[Hygiene practices and contamination risks of surface waters by schistosome eggs: the case of an infested village in Northern Senegal].

The transmission of intestinal schistosomiasis presumes that faecal materials containing viable schistosome eggs reach natural water bodies infested with snail intermediate host. So far there is little knowledge about the contamination dynamics of streams with schistosome eggs. We conducted a pilot study on defecating behaviour and hygienic practices in an Schistosoma mansoni endemic focus in Northern Senegal. Questionnaires were used to obtain quantitative data on hygienic practices and the use of latrines in 59 children. Although the community was well endowed with pit latrines, most of the children declared that they usually defecated somewhere else, in particular near the streams where the vegetation offers hideouts. Observations based on mapping of defecation sites showed that a considerable number of stools were left just a few meters from the riverbank, thus bearing a high risk of being washed off into the water. All these practices can easily lead to contamination of water bodies with schistosomae eggs. In order to improve hygienic practices and reduce fecal pollution of the environment, a health education model respecting local beliefs and customs would be indispensable.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Simplified defecography technique. Description and results].

Defecography is a useful paraclinical examination to explore disturbances of continence or defecation. The purpose of this study was to present a simplified defecography technique and assess its validity in subjects without defecation problems (n = 10) and in patients complaining of idiopathic chronic constipation (n = 35). The anorectal angle at rest (RAA) and when straining at stool was not significantly different in constipated patients and in controls. Defecography often gave abnormal results. Anterior rectocele was found in almost 50 percent (17/35) of constipated patients and in 20 percent (2/10) of controls (P less than 0.05). None of the patients had posterior rectocele. Persistent imprint of the puborectal muscle during straining was present in 36 percent (9/35) of constipated patients and in 10 percent (1/10) of controls (NS). The imprint was not always associated with closure of the RAA between rest and straining; this closure was never found in controls but was observed in 6 out of 17 constipated patients (35 percent; P less than 0.05). Perineal descent (PD) varied from 0.6 to 3.7 cm (mean +/- s.e.m.: 2.0 +/- 0.63 cm) in controls, as against 0.6 to 7.9 cm (mean +/- s.e.m.: 2.7 +/- 0.45 cm) in constipated patients. In 24 percent of the constipated patients PD was greater than 3.7 cm (the maximum value recorded in controls). All constipated patients with closure of the RAA during defecation had a PD of less than 1 cm, thus confirming the concept of "pelvic floor muscle hypertonia". Disorders of rectal statics are more frequent in subjects with constipation, but their significance is varied. Some abnormalities could be the cause of constipation (e.g. anismus) and others its consequence (anterior rectal prolapse, anterior rectocele, PD).

Adult↗
PubMed1987

The behaviour of rats selected for their voluntary ethanol consumption.

New strains of rats, preferent (HAP) and non-preferent (NAP) for ethanol were selectively outbred from a Wistar stock. The strains have now been raised to the F13 generation. The F9/10 animals, selected for this behavioural investigation, exhibited a significant phenotypic drinking behaviour and/or ethanol consumption. During a free choice between tap water and 10% ethanol solution (v/v), the mean daily alcohol intake for male and female HAP rats was 8.42 +/- 0.69 g/kg/24 h (n = 20 o) and 11.50 +/- 0.42 g/kg/24 h (n = 20 o), for male and female NAP rats 0.74 +/- 0.09 g/kg/24 h (n = 20 o) and 1.76 +/- 0.20 g/kg/24 h (n = 20 o), respectively. The NAP rats exhibited a strong aversion to the 10% ethanol solution when it was the only source fluid. In the open-field test (OFT), as compared to the NAP rats, male individuals of the HAP strain showed a lower motility in the first minute, in penetration into the inner squares, showed a longer latency to start exploration (latency to leave the center), exhibited larger rearing and grooming activity and shorter latencies to start these activities. The defecation rate was smaller and latency to defecation prolonged. Female HAP rats showed higher activity scores in penetration of outer and inner squares and a shorter latency to start exploration. They also had higher rearing but smaller grooming activity. The females exhibited identical defecation but different urination behaviour in comparison to the males. The time-to-emerge latencies of HAP rats were longer than in NAP individuals.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1983

Effect of elymoclavine on open field behaviour of rats and pharmacological analysis of its catecholaminergic mechanisms.

The effect of elymoclavine on rat open field behaviour was examined. The participation of catecholaminergic mechanisms in the elymoclavine effect on rat open field behaviour was also studied using pharmacological tools for analyzing these mechanisms. Elymoclavine in increasing doses stimulated ambulation and rearing but inhibited defecation. Haloperidol blocked the responses to all doses of elymoclavine. The effect of elymoclavine on ambulation was potentiated by propranolol, desipramine and pargyline. Its effect on rearing was reduced by desipramine, pargyline, alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (alpha-MpT), L-DOPA, DDC (diethyldithiocarbamate) and 6-OHDA (applied intracerebroventricularly). The effect of elymoclavine on defecation was reduced only by DDC. It is concluded that elymoclavine influences both locomotor components of exploratory behaviour in the open field (ambulation and rearing) and defecation. These behavioural effects of elymoclavine are realized through the participation of central catecholaminergic mechanisms (dopaminergic and to a less extent noradrenergic).

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Differences in anal sphincter function and clinical presentation in patients with pelvic floor descent.

Perineal descent is found in patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence and patients with the descending perineum syndrome, who have little or no incontinence but present with a symptom pattern that suggests obstructed defecation. To investigate why patients with perineal descent present in different ways, manometric, radiologic, and neurophysiologic studies were performed in 53 patients with radiologically proven perineal descent and 34 control subjects. Thirty-two patients exhibited incontinence to rectally infused saline, while 21 patients presented with obstructed defecation but exhibited no incontinence. Both patient groups exhibited similar degrees of perineal descent on straining and increases in the motor unit potential duration of the external anal sphincter, indicative of neuropathic damage. Both groups had an abnormal rectoanal inhibitory reflex and an abnormal anorectal angle, though the latter was more obtuse in idiopathic fecal incontinence. However, although patients with incontinence had lower maximum basal and maximum squeeze sphincter pressures than normal, these values were normal in patients with obstructed defecation. Our findings suggest that perineal descent and neuropathy are not necessarily associated with incontinence as long as sphincter pressures remain normal.

Action Potentials↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Role of the orienting and defensive components in the "open field" behavior of white rats].

Stress effects (of bright light, sound) on the behaviour in the "open field" were studied on male albino rats. It was shown that distribution of motor and vertical activity is close to normal whereas distribution of the number of groomings and defecations considerably differs from it. In a "stressless" situation as compared to a "stressful" one there is an increase in motor and vertical activity and the number of groomings along with a considerable decrease in the number of defecations. In estimating correlation coefficients in pairs between animal's weight and behavioural reaction parameters, the absence of correlation between motor activity and the number of defecations was observed.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed1981

[Simultaneous electromyographic and manometric study of the function of the anorectum (author's transl)].

The contractile and myoelectrical activity of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and the rectum 2 and 4 cm orad of the IAS were measured in 20 healthy volunteers. Perfused manometry catheters and bipolar wire electrodes penetrating the musculature were used. We evaluated anorectal activity under basal conditions and after provocation of the defecation reflex by inflation (20 to 150 ccm) of a balloon in the rectum. Basal pressure in the IAS was 54.9 +/- 5.2 (SEM) mm Hg. If fluctuated spontaneously. The IAS generated sinusoidal slow potentials (LP) continuously, mean frequency was 21.14 +/- 0.43 cycles/min (cpm). LIP in the rectum 2 and 4 cm orad of the IAS occurred intermittently, their frequency was 9.72 +/- 0.45 and 8.95 +/- 0.30 cpm, respectively. In addition, the rectum generated LP of 3.10 +/- 0.94 cpm temporarily. Provocation of the defecation reflex caused the IAS to relax partially at distending volumes of 20 ccm and completely at volumes of 50 to 100 ccm. At the same time, the myoelectrical activity of the IAS became irregular. An initial interruption of the LP of 4 to 12 second duration occurred in most experiments. The defecation reflex was accompanied by a brief contraction and an increase in spike activity in the rectum. Thus, the simultaneous electromyographic and manometric examination of the anorectum yields quantitative data on the function of this area. The diagnostic values of the procedure has to be tested in comparative studies of patients without and with functional disorders of the colon and anorectum.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Reversal of a muscle response to GABA during C. elegans male development.

In the C. elegans hermaphrodite the expulsion step of defecation depends on the coordinated contraction of three enteric muscle groups: the anal depressor muscle, the intestinal muscles, and the sphincter muscle. These muscles are activated by excitatory GABA neurotransmission. Mutations in 13 genes that affect activation of these enteric muscles have previously been identified. We show that the larval male defecates by contracting the same set of enteric muscles, and that these contractions require 12 of these 13 genes. However, near the end of the last larval stage, the male anal region undergoes a developmental change, including dramatic hypertrophy of the anal sphincter muscle and the opening of a cloacal canal. We find that this modified sphincter must now relax to permit defecation. In contrast to the larval male, we find that in the adult male only 2 of the 13 genes required for enteric muscle contraction, unc-25 and unc-47, are important for sphincter muscle relaxation. unc-25 and unc-47 are required for the synthesis and utilization of GABA. We also find that two other genes, unc-46 and unc-49, previously implicated in the inhibitory action of GABA on body-wall muscle, are also required for normal adult male sphincter relaxation. In these mutants, failure to relax the sphincter muscle results in a constipated phenotype, and killing the sphincter muscle rescues this phenotype. We also find that a GABA agonist or GABA itself can suppress the adult male sphincter relaxation defect of unc-25 mutants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aging↗
PubMed1994

[Anorectal functional study. The state of the art].

Disturbances of anal continence and evacuation are frequent. Numerous techniques are now available to measure anorectal function. There is also a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor which has a major role in anorectal function. ANORECTAL MANOMETRY. Manometry of the anal canal is an index of the resistance of sphincters to the passage of faeces. Resting pressure is due mainly to the internal anal sphincter whereas voluntary contraction is due mainly to the external anal sphincter. Anorectal manometry is essential in measuring the length of the anal canal and in establishing the presence of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex. Several techniques are employed to evaluate anorectal manometry which is useful in the investigation of patients with faecal incontinence and constipation. PUDENDAL LATENCIES: Pudendal latencies are valuable in the study of the innervation of the external anal sphincter. Pudendal latencies are measured thanks to the stimulation of the S2-S4 nerves lying in the proximity of the ischial spine through the use of a special glove (St Mark's glove). Prolonged pudendal latencies are typical of neurogenic faecal incontinence but it can be brought about by childbirth, rectal prolapse, obstructed defecation and old age. ELECTROMYOGRAPHY. Electromyography is useful in the study of the function of the pelvic floor. This technique can be performed with single fibre needles which make it possible to measure the action potentials and the fibre density of the muscular fibres. Fibre density is raised in neurogenic faecal incontinence and the action potentials are polyphasic in this condition. Concentric needles are employed to map the anal sphincters and this is useful for evaluating the extent of the damage caused by traumatic events like a third degree tear. ANAL ENDOSONOGRAPHY. Anal ultrasound is very effective in the study of the morphology of the anal sphincters and it requires a rectal probe fitted with a 7-MHz transducer. It is as accurate as electromyography in evaluating the damage to the anal sphincters but it is not painful and it is more acceptable to the patient. DEFECOGRAPHY. This radiological test is a dynamic study of the pelvic floor during defecation. It is very useful for investigating the function and the morphology of the rectum and the pelvic floor during defecation. Important parameters like: the anorectal angle, the opening of the anal canal, the position of the pelvic floor and the descent of the perineum can be evaluated with this test. Defecography is useful in the study of patients with rectal prolapse and constipation. CONCLUSION. All these tests provide extremely useful information on the pelvic floor and are reproducible. They can be of great help in evaluating patients with pelvic floor disorders but they are no substitute for clinical judgement.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1995

A prospective study of the quality of life after pelvic pouch operation.

BACKGROUND: For surgeons familiar with pelvic pouch operation, it is disappointing that the patients, although very satisfied to have a pouch instead of an ileostomy, often have difficulty in specifying exactly how their quality of life really has improved. The present study is an attempt to examine this situation. STUDY DESIGN: In 48 patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing pelvic pouch operation, quality of life (QOL) was studied prospectively when the patients had an ileostomy, and at follow-up evaluation at least one year after restitution of anal defecation. The surgeons' evaluation of functional outcome was compared with those of three independent evaluators (the patient, a psychiatrist, and a psychologist). The Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale, the Well-being Profile, the Global Assessment of Function Scale, and surgical evaluation scales were used. RESULTS: As assessed by surgeons using the surgical evaluation scales, functional outcome correlated significantly with most of the assessments of QOL done by the three independent evaluators (the patient, a psychiatrist, and a psychologist). Quality of life did not improve with increasing time, either with an ileostomy or with a functioning pelvic pouch. On most evaluations, there was no further significant improvement in QOL after restitution of anal defecation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that QOL is already satisfactory after "cure" of the disease, and restitution of normal defecation does not yield much further improvement.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1994

[Inhibitory action of chlorpromazine on intestinal movement in mice and its antagonistic agents].

Adynamic ileus is a toxic effect produced by chlorpromazine (Chl). The present study is to analyze the inhibitory action of Chl on the intestinal movement of mice and to search its antagonistic remedies. Inhibition was evaluated by 2 tests: the loss of defecation reflex and the inhibited transport of phenol red in the intestinal tract. Chl (1-2 mg.kg-1 i.p. or 1 microgram per mouse i.c.v.) inhibited the intestinal movement powerfully. Scopolamine (Sco 4 mg.kg-1 i.p. or 4-8 micrograms per mouse i.c.v.) produced the same effect. The i.v. ED50 (L95) of Chl and Sco for inhibition of the defecation reflex were 0.85 (0.79-0.93) and 3.49 (3.24-3.78) mg.kg-1, respectively. Haloperidol (1-4 mg.kg-1 i.p.), sulpiride (10 mg.kg-1 i.p.), and phentolamine (2-4 mg.kg-1 i.p. or 4 micrograms per mouse i.c.v.) did not affect the defecation reflex. In the isolated guinea pig ileum the pA2 value of Chl against carbachol (Car) was 4.5 and that of Sco was 9.1. In addition, the inhibitory effect caused by Sco was antagonized by physostigmine (Phy 0.08 mg.kg-1 sc), but not by pilocarpine (Pil 100-200 micrograms per mouse i.c.v.) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP 1 microgr per mouse i.c.v.), whereas that caused by Chl was antagonized by Pil (100 micrograms per mouse i.c.v.) and 4-AP (1 microgram per mouse i.c.v.), but not by Phy. Neostigmine (Neo 0.05 mg.kg-1 sc) or Car (0.05 mg.kg-1 sc) combined with 4-AP (2 mg.kg-1 sc) exhibited a synergetic effect against Chl-induced inhibition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

4-Aminopyridine↗
PubMed1995

Cultural bowel patterns and sex difference in sigmoid volvulus morbidity in an Ethiopian hospital.

A qualitative anthropological study in Gondar region, northwestern Ethiopia, revealed a very striking difference in cultural patterns of defecation in the two sexes which coincided with a high male/female ratio (16.5:1) of sigmoid volvulus morbidity in the regional hospital. Adult males show very irregular bowel behaviour, with bowel motions varying from zero to four per day. Irregular bowel behaviour in males, combined with the population's consumption of high fibre diets producing flatus and bulky stools, appears to overload the sigmoid colon, which elongates and dilates gradually, and subsequently undergoes volvulus occasionally. In women, on the other hand, the custom of limiting defecation to dawn and dusk is strictly adhered to and this regularity of bowel movements seems to protect them from overloading of the sigmoid colon and its consequences, despite their consumption of similar diets. In conclusion, it is believed that the high male/female ratio in sigmoid volvulus morbidity in Gondar region appears to be connected to gender specific patterns of defecation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Manometric evaluation of constipation--Part I.

Tests of anorectal function have evolved into clinically useful investigations, and they should no longer be regarded as esoteric tools. This transformation has led to major advances in understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of defecation disorders, such as constipation. Because constipation is a heterogeneous condition, it cannot be assessed by a single test. Judicious use of anorectal manometry, colon transit study, a test of simulated defecation, and defecography may provide invaluable pathophysiological information. Undoubtedly, examination of rectal and anal pressure activity, rectal sensation, rectoanal reflexes, and the functional morphology of the defecation unit provides more information than any other test of gastrointestinal motor function; however, there is no uniform criteria for defining manometric abnormalities. There is also an urgent need for establishing international standards for manometric techniques and for diagnosis. Nevertheless, knowledge and experience have paved the way for innovative diagnostic techniques and therapeutic approaches for patients with constipation.

Anal Canal↗