Gastric distension is a potent stimulus of transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation. To investigate the time effect of prolonged gastric distension on the rate of transient LES relaxations, LES pressure, and the motor and sensory functions of the proximal stomach, we performed a continuous isobaric distension of the proximal stomach at the 75% threshold pressure for discomfort for ...

The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in the control of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) motility, especially the occurrence of transient LES relaxations (TLESRs), was studied in eight H. pylori-positive and eight H. pylori-negative healthy subjects. During endoscopy, biopsy specimens were taken from the cardia, fundus, and antrum for determinations of H. pylori status, gastritis, and proin...

In large-type goats that were fed on dry forage twice daily, dry forage intake was markedly suppressed after 40 min of feeding had elapsed. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not marked decreases in dry forage intake after 40 min of feeding are mainly caused by the two factors, that is, ruminal distension and increased plasma osmolality induced thirst produced by dry forage...

Tricyclic antidepressants treat chronic pain both in patients with somatic illness and with functional bowel disorders. We compared the effects of amitriptyline on perception of cutaneous and gastrointestinal stimulation to assess differential analgesic effects of tricyclics on somatic and visceral pain. Cutaneous electrical stimulation and rectal and esophageal distension were performed before...

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) are classified into group I, II, and III mGluR. Group I (mGluR1, mGluR5) are excitatory, whereas group II and III are inhibitory. mGluR5 antagonism potently reduces triggering of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations and gastroesophageal reflux. Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations are mediated via a vagal pathway and initiated by ...

Acupuncture has been shown to modulate visceral sensation and function. Traditionally, stimulation at the Neiguan (pericardial meridian) has been used to treat upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Some of the effects of acupuncture may be mediated through release of endogenous opioids and are reversed by naloxone. Gastric distension is the major trigger for transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES...

Sensitization of esophageal sensory afferents by inflammatory mediators plays an important role in esophageal nociception. We have shown esophageal mast cell activation induces long-lasting mechanical hypersensitivity in vagal nodose C-fibers. However, the roles of mast cell mediators and downstream ion channels in this process are unclear. Mast cell tryptase via protease-activated receptor 2 (...

Patients that do not respond satisfactorily to standard proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment have become the most common presentation of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in third referral gastrointestinal practices. The causes of refractory GERD include lack of compliance with treatment, residual acid reflux and weakly acidic reflux, esophageal hypersensitivity and persistent symptoms n...