AJP - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, Vol 256, Issue 3 598-G603, Copyright © 1989 by American Physiological Society
Migrating myoelectric complex demonstrated in four avian species
M. H. Clench, V. M. Pineiro-Carrero and J. R. Mathias
Veterans Administration Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida.
The migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) is demonstrated in four avian
species: three gallinaceous birds (Gallus, Phasianus, Coturnix) and an owl
(Strix). The complex in birds is strikingly similar to the MMC that is
known in mammalian species. It has the same basic pattern of quiescence,
followed by a period of irregular spike activity, then a period of intense
regular spike activity, and finally a return to quiescence. The frequency
and duration of avian MMCs are similar to those of mammals, but the
propagation velocity and slow-wave frequency are slower. Granivorous birds
(Gallus, Phasianus) and carnivores (Strix) exhibit the same basic motility
patterns whether in the fed or fasted states. Interspecific differences
occur, however, in the details of frequency, propagation velocity,
duration, and slow-wave frequency. The closely related galliforms
(chickens, pheasants) are more similar to each other in MMC characteristics
than either is to the more distantly related owls.
