Effect of Divinyl Oxide on Intestinal Activity in vivo . ∗

Abstract

The knowledge of the effect of the newer inhalation anesthetic agents on intestinal contraction is far from adequate. In a previous report 1 it was indicated that during the first two planes of surgical anesthesia the effect of cyclopropane on intestinal activity in the intact animal consists of an increase of both intestinal contractions and tone followed by inhibition if narcosis is further deepened. These results agree with the in vitro effects observed by Peoples and Phatak 2 on isolated intestinal muscle. Divinyl oxide, another of the newer anesthetic agents, was shown by the same authors 3 likewise to increase the tonicity of the isolated intestinal segment. The present study is concerned with the effect of divinyl oxide on intestinal activity in vivo.

Six dogs were prepared with Thiry-Vella loops of the upper jejunum. When healing had occurred, tracings of the intestinal movements were recorded after inserting a balloon, connected to a water manometer, into the lumen of the proximal end of the Thiry-Vella loop. Respiratory tracings by means of a pneumograph applied about the chest were simultaneously recorded in order to rule out the possibility that the tracings taken from the balloon were not due to respiratory movements. No preanesthetic medication was administered. All animals were anesthetized with divinyl oxide (Vinethene—Merck) and oxygen by means of a Foregger Metric machine using the closed carbon dioxide-absorption technic. 4 An endotracheal tube fitted with an inflatable cuff was introduced as soon as the state of surgical anesthesia was reached in order to assure a patent airway and thereby obviate the effect of respiratory obstruction and the ensuing anoxemia.