Some Factors in the Physiology and Pathology of Gastric Secretion

The following studies were commenced nearly three years ago, the end in view at that time being to ascertain, if possible, the effect induced on gastric function by a simple, mechanical narrowing of the pyloric orifice. In the course of numerous experiments to determine certain limits and variations of normal secretion, new questions arose, the solution of each of which appeared interesting in itself or necessary as a preliminary to the furtherance of the original plan. Some of the data collected in these observations will be presented in this paper. These experiments were conducted on dogs on which the Pawlow operation had been done. This operation in our hands has been modified in no essential particular except that it has been found necessary to unite with special care the muscle layer forming the division between the two stomachs. When this is not done the flaps of mucous membrane used to cover this wall do not have suffi. cient strength and a communication between the two stomachs results, necessitating a second operation. The manner of conducting an observation was simple. The dog was suspended from a frame by means of a canvas hammock in which were holes for the legs and a small opening at the orifice of the fistula. By means of a flanged rubber cannula the escaping gastric juice was collected in small graduates. In a hammock such as is here described the dogs can be left for a number of hours without discomfort, indeed they usually sleep unless disturbed3