The participation of enteric inhibitory nerves in accommodation of the intestine to distension

Abstract

1. The amounts by which various weights distended isolated segments from the distal colons of guinea-pigs were measured. 2. Tetrodotoxin substantially reduced the distensibility of the intestine, but bretylium, guanethidine, hyoscine and methysergide had no significant effect. 3. It is concluded that a local reflex involving enteric inhibitory nerves causes an accomodation of the intestine to stretch.