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.