GASTROESOPHAGEAL TRANSMURAL POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE MEASURED BY A NEW CONSTANT INFUSION METHOD - EFFECT OF SKIN SCARIFICATION ON THIS POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE

An improved method of measurement of potential difference (PD) in the stomach and esophagus was devised. The exploring electrolyte bridge was a polyvinyl tube through which Ringer's solution was infused at a constant speed of 0.382 ml./min. With this method, a steadier PD reading could be obtained than with the methods previously described. The exclusion of concentrated potassium chloride from the system made the exploring probe less traumatic to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Simultaneous PD and intraluminal pressure recordings using the constant infusion technic could be achieved with ease. The artifact and variation due to presence and the changes of skin potential were excluded by means of superficial scarification of the skin. © 1969 Hoeber Medical Division • Harper & Row, Publishers, Incorporated.