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The intraluminal pressures and flows in the human esophagus have been investigated using a novel luminal flow velocimeter featuring a video fluoroscopy and manometry assembly. Recordings from the fiber-optic laser Doppler velocimeter were compared with concurrent fluoroscopy and manometry following 50 barium swallows in healthy participants. Results show that the velocimeter signals were closely related to fluoroscopic barium flow in a temporal manner, with upward catheter movement on swallowing occasionally appearing to induce a velocimeter signal. The proposed velocimeter concurrently measures intraluminal flow velocity and pressures and therefore allows direct analysis of pressure-flow relationships.

Research was conducted to study the function of the vagus in gastric emptying induced by erythromycin using a model that preserves the physiology of the distal stomach and pylorus. A midline abdominal incision was carried out to insert sensors designed to determine motor activity and transpyloric flow while vagal continuity was changed by the acute cooling of the nerve trunks during measurements of transpyloric flow and pyloric resistance. Results indicated the existence of a vagal pathway that associates in erythromycin prokinetic effects.

Research was conducted to study the frequency of cecoileal reflux episodes in intact pigs and to examine their occurrence with ileal motor patterns in pigs. A four-channel chart recorder was utilized to record signals from the strain gauges by half-bridge couplers while data analyses were carried out using Malbert Adelaide. Results showed that the titration curve of ileal chyme was inversely correlated with cecal fluid. They also indicated the relation of cecoileal reflux episodes with the motility patterns of the terminal ileum.

A study conducted on anesthetized pigs shows that the efferent vagal nerve controls pyloric resistance which determines the flow of liquids from the stomach. Stimulation of the cervical and thoracic vagi nerve increases transpyloric liquid flow by decreasing pyloric resistance and antral wall tension. This increased flow is accompanied by an increase in antropyloroduodenal pressure. Vagotomy has no effect on pyloric resistance but it reduces gastric emptying of liquids antral pressure and pyloric pressure events.