Fig. 9.

Correlation of distal colonic contractions and fecal pellet output. A miniature pressure transducer catheter was placed in the distal colon of mice (2 cm proximal to the anus) under brief isoflurane anesthesia and mice were placed for 60 min in a partial restraint tube. Distal colonic pressure changes as well as the 60-min fecal pellet output were monitored. Distal colon contractility during the first 20 min is positively correlated with the 60-min fecal pellet expulsion in conscious mice (n = 60, r = 0.43, P < 0.05).