Alcohol inhibition of rectosigmoid motility in humans.

The effects of acute intravenous alcohol infusion or sham treatment with normal saline on rectosigmoid motility was determined in healthy adult volunteer subjects. A significant reduction of rectosigmoid wave frequency, amplitude, percent activity and motility index occurred in subjects infused with alcohol when compared to their basal period or corresponding periods in the sham-treated group. Chemical intoxication was achieved in all subjects given alcohol and the percent of the basal motility index varied inversely with the blood alcohol level.