The cyclic motor patterns in the human colon
Maham Pervez
Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorElyanne Ratcliffe
Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorSean P. Parsons
Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Ji-Hong Chen
Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Correspondence
Ji-Hong Chen, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, HSC-3H1F, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton L8N 3Z5, ON, Canada.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorJan D. Huizinga
Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorMaham Pervez
Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorElyanne Ratcliffe
Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorSean P. Parsons
Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Ji-Hong Chen
Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Correspondence
Ji-Hong Chen, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, HSC-3H1F, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton L8N 3Z5, ON, Canada.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorJan D. Huizinga
Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Background
High-resolution colonic manometry gives an unprecedented window into motor patterns of the human colon. Our objective was to characterize motor activities throughout the entire colon that possessed persistent rhythmicity and spanning at least 5 cm.
Methods
High-resolution colonic manometry using an 84-channel water-perfused catheter was performed in 19 healthy volunteers. Rhythmic activity was assessed during baseline, proximal balloon distention, meal, and bisacodyl administration.
Key Results
Throughout the entire colon, a cyclic motor pattern occurred either in isolation or following a high-amplitude propagating pressure wave (HAPW), consisting of clusters of pressure waves at a frequency centered on 11-13 cycles/min, unrelated to breathing. The cluster duration was 1-6 minutes; the pressure waves traveled for 8-27 cm, lasting 5-8 seconds. The clusters itself could be rhythmic at 0.5-2 cpm. The propagation direction of the individual pressure waves was mixed with >50% occurring simultaneous. This high-frequency cyclic motor pattern co-existed with the well-known low-frequency cyclic motor pattern centered on 3-4 cpm. In the rectum, the low-frequency cyclic motor pattern dominated, propagating predominantly in retrograde direction. Proximal balloon distention, a meal and bisacodyl administration induced HAPWs followed by cyclic motor patterns.
Conclusions and Inferences
Within cyclic motor patterns, retrograde propagating, low-frequency pressure waves dominate in the rectum, likely keeping the rectum empty; and mixed propagation, high-frequency pressure waves dominate in the colon, likely promoting absorption and storage, hence contributing to continence. Propagation and frequency characteristics are likely determined by network properties of the interstitial cells of Cajal.
DISCLOSURE
No competing interests declared.
Supporting Information
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