Attempt to Produce Experimental Cardiospasm in Dogs. ∗

Abstract

Summary

A combined operation of bilateral vagotomy 4 cm above the diaphragm and girdling of the esophagus at the same level is described as a means of producing in dogs an experimental condition comparable to clinical cardiospasm. In the majority of cases the regurgitation of food can be shown to be accompanied by a failure of receptive relaxation of the cardiac orifice of the stomach. Since neither bilateral vagotomy in the thorax 14 nor girdling the esophagus above the diaphragm is sufficient in itself to produce these results, it may be concluded that some but not all of the fibers responsible for receptive relaxation of the cardia of the dog course downward within the wall of the esophagus.