Extrinsic neural regulation of antroduodenal motor activity in preterm infants

This study was designed to assess whether extrinsic neural regulation of antroduodenal motor function is present in preterm neonates. Antroduodenal motor patterns were recorded in 48 infants during fasting and after a 10 ml/kg/15 min orograstric feeding. Plasma concentrations of pancreatic polypeptide were determined before and after each feeding. Of 48 infants, 24 had adult like duodenal motor responses to feeding, and they released pancreatic polypeptide postprandially. When 18 of these 24 infants were given atropine, their heart rates increased. Feedings, however, now failed to trigger adultlike duodenal motor responses or postprandial release of pancreatic polypeptide. Those 24 infants who lacked adultlike responses failed to release pancreatic polypeptide postprandially. When a subset of 10 of these infants was given atropine, feedings failed to trigger adultlike motor responses or release of pancreatic polypeptide. We conclude that extrinsic neural regulation of duodenal motor patterns is present in only about half of preterm infants.