Postischemic intestinal motility in rat is inversely correlated to length of ischemia

An inverse correlation between postischemic gastrointestinal motility and the length of intestinal ischemia was found in an animal model. Intestinal ischemia was caused without concurrent laparotomy and for a predetermined time period (ischemia time) by pulling on an external nylon thread that was threaded through a double-lumen catheter. This catheter was passed into the abdominal cavity to encircle the superior mesenteric artery. Gastrointestinal motility was determined by the introduction of a color-marked meal into the animal's stomach and the measurement of the proportionate length of the small bowel filled with it (transit index). This simple and reliable animal model can also be used for the evaluation of techniques and pharmacological manipulations aimed at modulation of the effects of intestinal ischemia on intestinal motility and its consequences.