View clinical trials related to Esophageal Sensitivity.
Filter by:Esophageal hypersensitivity is considered an important pathophysiological mechanism in patients suffering form non-erosive gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Serotonin (5-HT) is predominantly found in the central nervous system and in the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. 5-HT plays a major role in the regulation of GI secretion, motility and sensitivity, and has been associated with emotion regulation. Acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) temporarily reduces the availability of tryptophan (TRP), thereby decreasing central and peripheral 5-HT synthesis. From previous studies, ATD is known to affect GI physiology and enhance visceral pain perception in the colon. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of ATD on esophageal sensitivity in healthy volunteers (HV). Esophageal multimodal sensitivity was assessed after intragastric infusion of an amino-acid mixture (AA-mix) containing 15 AAs with TRP (control condition) or without TRP (ATD condition). After an incubation period of 5 hours, a probe with a polyurethane bag was positioned in the distal esophagus. Thermal (recirculating a heated saline solution through the bag), mechanical (increasing bag volume), electrical (2 stimulation electrodes) and chemical sensitivity (modified Bernstein) were tested and at 3 time points blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. General mood was assessed by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires.
The purpose of the study is to compare sensitivity and sensitization of visceral pain in the esophagus using different pain stimuli