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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Objective Nociceptive Assessment in Ventilated ICU Patients: A Feasibility Study Using Pupillometry and the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex
Published on: July 4, 2018
Investigation of fundo-antral reflex in human beings
Satish S C Rao1, Anjana Kumar, Brent Harris
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. satish-rao@uiowa.edu
Aim:
To examine the sensory and motor response(s) of the stomach following fundic distention and to assess whether cholinergic mechanisms influence these responses.
Methods:
Fundic tone, gastric sensory responses and antral motility were evaluated in eight healthy volunteers after a probe with two sensors was placed in the antrum and a highly compliant balloon in the fundus. Isobaric balloon distentions were performed with a barostat. Study was repeated in six volunteers after intravenous atropine was given.
Results:
Fundic distention induced large amplitude antral contractions in all subjects. The area under the curve was higher (P<0.05) during fundic distention. First sensation was reported at 12+/-4 mmHg, moderate sensation at 18+/-4 mmHg and discomfort at 21+/-4 mmHg. Discomfort was associated with a decrease in antral motility. After atropine was given, the area under the curve of pressure waves and fundic tone decreased (P<0.05). Sensory thresholds were not affected.
Conclusions:
Fundic balloon distention induces an antral motor response, the fundo-antral reflex, which in part may be mediated by cholinergic mechanisms.
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