Adenosine modulates oesophageal sensorimotor function in humans

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Neuroscience
• Physiology

Background:

• Adenosine is known to mediate pain but its role in gut visceral nociception is not well understood.
• The specific effects of adenosine on esophageal sensorimotor function required investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypothesis that adenosine alters esophageal sensorimotor function.
• To assess adenosine's impact on visceral nociception in the esophagus.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 14 healthy volunteers.
• Intravenous administration of adenosine or placebo, followed by stepwise esophageal balloon distensions using impedance planimetry.
• Assessment of sensory responses and biomechanical properties of the esophagus.

Main Results:

• Adenosine significantly reduced thresholds for esophageal perception, discomfort, and pain compared to placebo.
• Lowered median threshold pressures were observed for first perception, discomfort, and pain after adenosine infusion.
• Adenosine increased esophageal cross-sectional area and stiffened the esophageal wall.

Conclusions:

• Adenosine induces visceral hyperalgesia and reduces esophageal distensibility in humans.
• The observed sensorimotor changes mimic those in patients with functional esophageal chest pain.
• Adenosine modulates esophageal sensorimotor function and may contribute to the pathogenesis of functional chest pain.