Certain morphological alterations in isolated portions of the intestine after their denervation

Summary

Isolated intestinal segments were prepared in dogs. One segment was made by the usual Thiry method. The other was additionally “denervated” by one of two methods and then, either left within the abdominal cavity, or else transplanted subcutaneously.

The morphological and physiological alterations produced were observed over a period of several years.

The central nervous system exerts a powerful trophic effect upon the intestine. The “denervated” segments are restored to central nervous system control by ingrowth of new nerve fibers. In the segment that had been left within the abdomen, these fibers come from nerves which normally innervate the digestive organs. The transplanted segment receives nerve fibers from the subcutaneous net. It is an experimental fact that the intra-abdominal segments tend to return to normal to a much greater extent than do the segments transplanted under the skin.