Normal equine gastroduodenal secretion and motility.
Abstract: This article represents an attempt to provide an overview of the current knowledge of equine gastroduodenal secretory and motor activity, with respect to how these functions are controlled and interact. First, the equine gastric mucosal anatomy is discussed in comparison with other monogastric species, with some attention directed at the large nonglandular portion in relation to its function, or lack thereof. Next, control of gastric acid secretion, as assessed by the collection of gastric contents from a cannula or continuous measurement of their changes in pH, is reviewed, pointing out that there appears to be a relatively unobstructed movement of contents between stomach and duodenum in the horse, which can have a strong influence on pH of the gastric contents in particular. Then, methods of evaluating gastroduodenal motility, including recording of myoelectrical activity and changes in intraluminal pressure, and transit of radiolabelled contents from stomach into duodenum, are discussed. Finally, the apparent influence of the gastroduodenal migrating motility complex (MMC) on the composition of fasting gastric contents is introduced to underscore the observation that reflux of duodenal contents into the stomach is probably a common occurrence in the horse, particularly during periods of MMC-related cessation of antral motility.
Publication Date: 2000-03-04 PubMed ID: 10696286DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05161.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article provides an overview of the current knowledge and understanding regarding the secretory and motor activity in a horse’s stomach and upper part of the small intestine. It discusses the structure of a horse’s stomach, how acid secretion in the stomach is controlled, how the movement of stomach and duodenal contents is evaluated, and finally, the influence of certain movement patterns on fasting stomach contents.
Gastric Mucosal Anatomy in Horses
- The research first examines the structure of the horse stomach compared to other single-chambered stomach species. It places focus on the large non-glandular part of the horse stomach, discussing its function or potential lack thereof.
Control of Gastric Acid Secretion
- This section reviews how gastric acid secretion is regulated in horses. Acid secretion is evaluated by either collecting gastric contents from a cannula or by continuous pH measurement of said contents.
- The research underline the unhindered movement of contents between the stomach and duodenum. This movement can significantly impact the pH of the gastric contents.
Evaluating Gastroduodenal Motility
- Next, the authors discuss different methods for assessing movement within the gastroduodenal area, including monitoring of myoelectrical activity and changes in intraluminal pressure.
- Another method involves tracking the transition of radiolabelled contents from the stomach to the duodenum.
Influence of Gastroduodenal Migrating Motility Complex (MMC)
- The final part of the paper discusses the gastroduodenal migrating motility complex (MMC) and its impact on the composition of gastric contents during fasting.
- The research suggests that reflux of duodenal contents into the stomach is likely a regular event in horses, particularly during periods when antral motility is paused due to MMC.
Cite This Article
APA
Merritt AM.
(2000).
Normal equine gastroduodenal secretion and motility.
Equine Vet J Suppl(29), 7-13.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05161.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Island Whirl Equine Colic Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Duodenum / metabolism
- Duodenum / physiology
- Gastric Mucosa / anatomy & histology
- Gastric Mucosa / metabolism
- Gastrointestinal Motility / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
- Intestinal Secretions / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Munsterman AS, Dias Moreira AS, Marqués FJ. Evaluation of a Chinese herbal supplement on equine squamous gastric disease and gastric fluid pH in mares. J Vet Intern Med 2019 Sep;33(5):2280-2285.
- de Laat MA, Kheder MH, Pollitt CC, Sillence MN. Sweet taste receptor inhibitors: Potential treatment for equine insulin dysregulation. PLoS One 2018;13(6):e0200070.
- Perkins GA, den Bakker HC, Burton AJ, Erb HN, McDonough SP, McDonough PL, Parker J, Rosenthal RL, Wiedmann M, Dowd SE, Simpson KW. Equine stomachs harbor an abundant and diverse mucosal microbiota. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012 Apr;78(8):2522-32.
- Hodgson E, Thirouin M, Narayanan P, Romano TR, Wise J, Bond S. A novel placement method of a calibration-free pH capsule for continuous wireless measurement of intragastric pH in horses. J Vet Intern Med 2025 Jan-Feb;39(1):e17273.
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