Implantable gastric stimulation inhibits gastric motility via sympathetic pathway in dogs

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of implantable gastric stimulation (IGS) on gastric antral contractions and the involvement of the sympathetic pathway. Methods: The study was performed in 5 postprandial sessions in 8 dogs chronically implanted with stimulation electrodes and a gastric cannula: a) IGS via lesser curvature; b) IGS via antrum; c) and d) same as a) and b) but IGS initiated 1 hr before the meal; e) same as a) but with guanethidine. Results: It was found that: 1) IGS significantly inhibited postprandial antral contractions assessed by manometry, and no significant difference was noted in the effect between the two stimulation sites; 2) IGS initiated 1 hr before the meal was more potent than that initiated 30 minutes after the meal; 3) the inhibitory effect of IGS on postprandial antral motility was completely blocked by guanethidine. Conclusion: Acute IGS inhibits postprandial antral contractions, and this inhibitory effect is mediated via the sympathetic pathway.