Temperature Changes in Gastrointestinal Tract in Relation to Heat and Cold on Skin

Abstract

For our temperature readings of a mucous membrane of gastrointestinal tract we used a Queen's potentiometer.

Ten dogs were used. Under nembutal anesthesia, the abdomen was opened and an opening in the stomach or intestine was made. For measurements of temperature of mucous membrane of the stomach the ends of 3 thermocouples (devised by Bachem), covered with shellac and embedded in celloidin, were introduced into the stomach and fastened to the inner surface by a ligature. For recording the temperature of the mucous membrane of the intestine the 3 thermocouples mounted on a piece of a rubber tubing of suitable diameter, and fastened with a rubber band were introduced into the intestine (duodenum). For measuring the temperature of the rectum the thermocouples were introduced through the anus. Heparin was injected intravenously (10 mg. per kilo), the femoral artery opened and a long glass thermometer introduced through it into the abdominal aorta. Ice packs and hot moist towels were applied to the skin of the chest of dogs.

The results are shown on the accompanying graphs. The abscissa represents the time from the beginning of the experiment, the ordinates—temperature in centigrade. Dotted lines represent the findings of the temperature in the abdominal aorta, the straight line—the temperature of the surface of the mucous membranes. The perpendicular lines show the time of application of cold and heat to the body surface of the dog.