Motor Activity of the Duodenum in Man: Correlation with Antral Contraction

Abstract

In fasting human beings, the manometrically recorded duodenal contractions show, on the average, a significant time correlation with the contractions of the prepyloric antrum, for a length greater than 14 cm from the antrum. The number and average amplitude of duodenal contractions are increased for about 40 sec after the onset of the antral pressure wave, recorded with an open tip catheter in the prepyloric antrum. The propagation velocity for the pressure waves is estimated at 0.6–1 cm/sec from the prepyloric antrum to the duodenal cap; and 1.5–2.5 cm/sec from the first part to the second part of the duodenum.