Changes in antroduodenal resistance to flow may participate in the regulation of gastric emptying and duodenogastric reflux. Little is known, however, about the relationship between antroduodenal resistance and the physiological patterns of contractile activity in this area. We have developed an instrument that maintains an electronically regulated constant-pressure gradient of 2 mmHg across both ends of a flaccid cylinder positioned fluoroscopically across the pylorus. Because resistance bears a constant inverse relationship to flow at a fixed pressure gradient, changes in the recorded rate of airflow through the cylinder are a measure of antroduodenal resistance. In vitro studies showed that, under these conditions, airflow was a function of the diameter and length of the air path and the frequency and duration of external pressure waves greater than 2 mmHg. In vivo studies in four dogs examined the relationship between interdigestive phases of motor activity and variations in resistance exerted by the antroduodenal area. We found that flow rates varied markedly with each phase. Antroduodenal resistance was lowest during motor quiescence (phase I), rose gradually during irregular activity (phase II), and reached its peak during maximal contractile activity (phase III) (P less than 0.05). Resistance was similar for antegrade and retrograde flow. Additional studies suggested that the pyloric area contributes mostly to resistance during phase I, whereas duodenal resistance at least matches that of the pylorus during phase III.