Neuropathophysiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders

Figure 9 Power propulsion is a protective response to the presence of food allergens or other threatening agents in the intestinal lumen. It is an ENS programmed motility pattern that can be recorded with sensors (e.g. force transducers) as strong, long lasting contractions of the circular muscle that propagate rapidly for extended distances along the intestine. Power propulsion quickly strips the lumen clean as it travels along extended lengths of intestine. Abdominal cramping, urgency, diarrhea and threat of incontinence are associated with this motor program. Application of irritants to the mucosa, the introduction of luminal parasites, enterotoxins from pathogenic bacteria, allergic reactions and exposure to ionizing radiation each can trigger the propulsive motor program.