Function of the pylorus and pyloric antrum in gastric emptying.

The function of the pylorus and the pyloric antrum in the control of gastric emptying has been studied in an isolated rat stomach-duodenum preparation. Pressures in the body and pyloric antrum and flow through the duodenum were recorded using electronic transducers. Vigorous peristalsis and episodic flow were induced by electrical stimulation. The pylorus is normally open until it is transiently closed by an advancing peristaltic wave. High pressures could develop in the antrum when it was separated from the body by another peristaltic wave. Exclusion of the pylorus had very little effect on the pressures developed in body and antrum. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.