giant peristaltic contraction

giant peristaltic contraction,

a propulsive contraction of the bowel that normally occurs periodically in the distal small intestine and colon. The contractions are 1.5 to 2 times larger than normal in amplitude and 4 to 6 times longer in duration than usual. In certain disease states, giant peristaltic contractions may start in the proximal small intestine and proceed uninterrupted. They may also be induced by a variety of stimuli including certain antibiotics, radiation therapy, and parasitic infections.

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giant peristaltic contraction

GI disease A prolonged, high-amplitude forward propagating contraction that represents a heightened peristaltic contraction; GPCs may be induced by cholera toxin, are present in Pts with irritable bowel syndrome, and identical in nature to the migrating action potential complex. Cf Local reflex peristalsis.