Transmural recordings of gastrointestinal electrical activity using a spatially-dense microelectrode array

Objective. High-resolution serosal recordings provide detailed information about the bioelectrical conduction patterns in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, equivalent knowledge about the electrical activity through the GI tract wall remains largely unknown. This study aims to capture and quantify the bioelectrical activity across the wall of the GI tract. Approach. A needle-based microelectrode array was used to measure the bioelectrical activity across the GI wall in vivo. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations of transmural slow wave characteristics were carried out in comparison to the serosal slow wave features, through which the period, amplitude, and SNR metrics were quantified and statistically compared. Main results. Identical periods of 4.7 0.3 s with amplitudes of 0.17 0.04 mV versus 0.31 0.1 mV and signal to noise ratios of 5.5 1.3 dB versus 14.4 1.1 dB were observed for transmural and serosal layers, respectively. Four different slow wave morphologies were observed across the transmural layers of the GI wall. Similar amplitudes were observed for all morphology types, and Type 1 and Type 2 were of the highest prevalence, dominating the outer and inner layers. Type 2 was exclusive to the middle layer while Type 4 was primarily observed in the middle layer as well. Significance. This study demonstrates the validity of new methodologies for measuring transmural slow wave activation in the GI wall and can now be applied to investigate the source and origin of GI dysrhythmias leading to dysmotility, and to validate novel therapeutics for GI health and disease.

Automated summary

This study successfully captured and quantified the bioelectrical activity across the wall of the GI tract using a needle-based microelectrode array. Differences in slow wave characteristics between transmural and serosal layers were observed in terms of period, amplitude, and signal to noise ratio. Additionally, four different slow wave morphologies were identified across the transmural layers, with Type 1 and Type 2 being the most prevalent.