Abstract

Dilute solutions of volatile oils cause primarily a relaxation of the walls and decrease in the peristaltic contractions of the stomach in unanesthetized dogs. The rhythmic contractions are not modified. The relaxation lasts from five minutes to half an hour. In about half of the observations the relaxation and decrease in peristalsis was followed by some increase in tone or in amplitude of the contractions or both. The presence of food in the stomach does not modify its reaction to carminatives.

In less than half of the tests where it could be observed, there was some increase in the activity of a loop if intestine when the carminative was placed in the stomach. No such effect was observed under similar conditions in the colon.

When introduced into the colon, dilute solutions of volatile oils increase the tone and contractions, just as they do in the small intestine, but the effect lasts longer in the colon than it does in the ileum.

Degeneration of the extrinsic nerve fibers to a loop of ileum, increases the effect of small amounts of volatile oils.