Search

The aim of this study was to determine whether transection and pacing alter the frequency of the human jejunal pacesetter potentials (PPs). In 8 patients undergoing Roux gastrectomy, three temporary bipolar electrodes were implanted on the jejunal seromuscularis at sites 5 cm proximal to and 10 and 20 cm distal to the jejunal transection. Three other patients not undergoing Roux transection (controls) had electrodes applied at similar sites. After recovery, the mean +/- SEM frequency of the jejunal PPs in Roux patients was slightly slower distal to the jejunal transection (11.0 +/- 0.2 cpm) than proximal to the transection (11.3 +/- 0.2 cpm, p less than 0.05), whereas the PP frequency in the two areas in control nontransected patients was identical (proximal, 12.0 +/- 0.3 cpm; distal, 12.0 +/- 0.3 cpm). In contrast to the change in frequency with transection, pacing with electric pulses (strength, 15 mA; duration, 50 ms; frequency, 0.2-1.0 cpm faster than native PP frequency) speeded the jejunal PP frequency in only 1 of 9 patients tested. We conclude that transection decreased the frequency of the human jejunal PPs, but only slightly. Pacing did not readily entrain the PPs in either intact or transected jejunum.