1.   By a process of computer subtraction a time activity curve representing small intestinal transit was also obtained.

2.   During treatment with loperamide oxide, small intestinal transit and whole gut transit were not significantly different from the control group.

3.   In particular, the terminal ileum seems to have an important role in the regulation of small intestinal transit.

4.   Other studies indicate that loperamide may prolong intestinal transit, normalise intestinal fluid and electrolyte movement, and increase anal sphincter tone.

5.   Similarly, infusion of bile salts into the jejunum or ileum of healthy volunteers slows small intestinal transit and inhibits intestinal myoelectrical activity.

6.   An analogous phenomenon has been noted in some diarrhoeal syndromes such as tropical sprue, coeliac disease, and short gut syndrome, where intestinal transit is reflexly inhibited.