The objectives of this study were to validate a novel ultrasound technique and to use it to study the circumferential stress-strain properties of the human esophagus in vivo. A manometric catheter equipped with a high-compliance bag and a high-frequency intraluminal ultrasonography probe was used to record esophageal pressure and images. Validation studies were performed in vitro followed by in...

The pathogenesis of achalasia involves the degeneration of enteric and autonomic nervous systems with resultant effects on esophageal motility. The neural degeneration could affect visceral sensation in achalasia. The aim of this study was to examine mechanosensitivity and chemosensitivity in patients with achalasia. Perceptual responses to esophageal distension and acid perfusion were assessed...

The volume dependence of balloon distension-evoked esophageal rhythmic motor responses and their neural correlates was investigated in 72 urethane-anesthetized rats. With increasing balloon volume (75--200 microl), distal esophageal rhythmic contractions decreased in rate and became tonic in the range of 150--250 microl. This change in motor pattern involved only the striated musculature of the...

c 2017 The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility J Neurogastroenterol Motil, Vol. 23 No. 4 October, 2017 www.jnmjournal.org Stress exacerbates heartburn symptoms in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients and also affects visceral sensitivity. The mechanism of visceral hypersensitivity in functional gastrointestinal disorders and functional heartburn remains unclear. Howe...

Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs) are vagally mediated in response to gastric cardiac distension. Nine volunteers, eight gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients, and eight fundoplication patients were studied. Manometry with an assembly that included a barostat bag was done for 1 h with and 1 h without barostat distension to 8 mmHg. Recordings were scored for tLE...

The intravenous injection of prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) causes a dose-dependent relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in the intact, lightly anesthetized opossum. The action of PGE(1) is not inhibited by the drugs that produce muscarinic or nicotinic cholinergic antagonism or alpha and beta adrenergic antagonism in the doses that inhibited the action of respective agonists. Moreov...

A preterm newborn required pulmonary surfactant administration and high frequency oscillatory ventilation due to respiratory distress syndrome. VACTERL association was suspected after diagnosis of several congenital anomalies (butterfly vertebra, double left ureteral system, double outlet right ventricle and limbs anomalies). A nasogastric tube was passed and tip position was confirmed in the s...