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Gastroesophageal transmural potential difference measured by a new constant infusion method

The effect of skin scarification on this potential difference

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Abstract

An improved method of measurement of potential difference (PD) in the stomach and esophagus was devised. The exploring electrolyte bridge was a polyvinyl tube through which Ringer's solution was infused at a constant speed of 0.382 ml./min. With this method, a steadier PD reading could be obtained than with the methods previously described. The exclusion of concentrated potassium chloride from the system made the exploring probe less traumatic to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Simultaneous PD and intraluminal pressure recordings using the constant infusion technic could be achieved with ease. The artifact and variation due to presence and the changes of skin potential were excluded by means of superficial scarification of the skin.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Naomi A. Hernandez M.D.

    Present address: , Manila, The Philippines

Authors and Affiliations

  1. From the Division of Gastroenterology and the Gastroenterology Clinical Investigative Unit, Department of Medicine, Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

    Naomi A. Hernandez M.D. &  Ivan T. Beck M.D., Ph.D. (F.R.C.P. (C)., F.A.C.P.)

  2. the Departments of Medicine and of Physiology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

    Naomi A. Hernandez M.D. &  Ivan T. Beck M.D., Ph.D. (F.R.C.P. (C)., F.A.C.P.)

Authors
  1. Naomi A. Hernandez M.D.
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  2. Ivan T. Beck M.D., Ph.D.
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Additional information

Supported by Grant MT-3240 MA-2085 from the Medical Research Council of Canada.

The authors wish to acknowledge the help and advice received from D. W. Lywood, B. Sc., Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Biomedical Electronics Unit at Queen's University. Thanks are due to Dr. Harold Serebro, Clinical Assistant. Department of Medicine, Queen's University, for critical review of the manuscript. The enthusiastic support of Mrs. E. Phelps, R.N., Supervisor of the G.I. Division, and the technical assistance of Mrs. Lorna McMaster (clinical technician) and Mr. Derek Walter, A.M.I.E.E. (electronic technologist), have greatly contributed to the successful completion of this study.

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Hernandez, N.A., Beck, I.T. Gastroesophageal transmural potential difference measured by a new constant infusion method. Digest Dis Sci 14, 206–216 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02235884

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02235884

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