Patterns of spike burst spread and flow in the canine small intestine.

We are describing a new method to illustrate the spread of spike bursts along the small intestine. Spike bursts migrate aborally in the longitudinal axis (from distances up to 30 to 40 cm at the same rate as slow waves). These were detected through the use of multiple closely and evenly spaced serosal electrodes in conscious dogs. Their occurrence is plotted with respect to electrode and time using a computer and printer. Patterns of contractile activity after fasting and feeding are illustrated. Outflow from an intraluminal cannula occurs in pulses preceded by spike burst activity in electrodes proximal to the cannula. This lends support to the concept that intestinal flow is accomplished by migrating ring contractions.