The effects of humoral agents on the myoelectrical activity of the terminal ileum.

Electrical and motor activities of the terminal ileum have been recorded in 25 patients with a permanent ileostomy. Records made within a week of formation of the ileostomy show an increased motor activity which is significantly reduced after four weeks. Intravenous infusion of gastrin, 1 mug/kg-hr, was accompanied by a significant increase in action potentials and in the percentage motility. Conversely, secretin 1 unit/kg-hr was associated with a decrease in action potentials and in percentage motor activity.