Strain gauge force transducer and its application in a pig model to evaluate the effect of probiotic on colonic motility

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of probiotic, i.e., fer mented milk prepared with Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, on colonic mo tility by the strain gauge force transducer (SGFT) in a pig model. The cont ractions of the circular muscle layer of the cecum, upper colon, lower colo n, and terminal colon in pigs were directly measured in conscious status by this method. This method was useful for quantitatively evaluating the effe cts of stimuli on colonic motility. Feeding significantly stimulated the mo tilities of the upper and lower colon. Defecation significantly stimulated the motilities of the upper and terminal colon. Two weeks' feeding of the f ermented milk significantly activated the response to feeding in four porti ons of the large intestine. It increased motility of the terminal colon tha t did not promote defecation. The frequency of defecation from 9 : 00 to 10 : 00 (the period just after the morning meal) increased significantly, but from 0 : 00 to 1 : 00 (the midnight period) it decreased as a result of th e ingestion of fermented milk. Such effects of the fermented milk on motili ty of the terminal colon are discussed in relation to the movement of diges ta. The effects may relate to the stimulation of colonic fermentation as sh own by a decrease in fecal pH.