Quantitative morphology of Auerbach's plexus in rat intestinal wall undergoing ischemia.

To clarify the causes of abnormal peristalsis after free jejunum transplantation, the authors focused on Auerbach's plexus inducing peristalsis, and conducted an experimental study to investigate the relationship between the morphologic changes and intestinal ischemic time. Results showed that the sectional area per one ganglion cell was reduced statistically significantly at 2 and 4 hr of ischemic time, and subsequently remained almost constant. Therefore, it was assumed that atrophy of the ganglion cells might occur and might effect abnormal peristalsis.