Abstract

Background: Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) is a congenital disorder in neonates which results from the absence of parasympathetic ganglion cells in the myenteric and submucosal plexus of the rectum, possibly extending to the colon. Aims &
Objective: To assess the contractile status of intestinal tissue of HD for better understanding of motility problems.
Materials and Methods: Circular muscle strips were prepared from freshly excised specimens of HD obtained from pediatric surgery operation theatre. The in vitro contractile activity of the tissue was assessed in an organ bath filled with physiological solution.
Results: Spontaneous contractions were recorded in 66% cases. Dose-dependent increase in response with the application of histamine and acetylcholine (0.1–100 µM) was observed. Responses of histamine were significantly (P < 0.05) blocked by pre-application of H1 blocker pheniramine (80%). Pre-application of atropine significantly (P < 0.05) blocked (62%) acetylcholine responses. Conclusion: Large number of cases showed spontaneous contractions indicating functionally normal tissue.