Effect of bilateral vagosympathetic nerve blockade on response of the dog upper esophageal sphincter (UES) to intraesophageal distention and acid
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.This study reveals how the upper esophageal sphincter reacts to esophageal distention and acid. Nerve blockade partially reduced responses to distention but eliminated acid-induced responses, highlighting vagosympathetic pathways.
Area Of Science
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background
- The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) plays a critical role in preventing aspiration.
- Understanding UES reflexes is crucial for managing swallowing disorders.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate UES pressure changes in response to esophageal distention and acid perfusion in dogs.
- To determine the impact of bilateral nerve blockade on these UES responses.
Main Methods
- Dogs underwent balloon distention and acid (HCl) perfusion at varying distances from the UES.
- Bilateral nerve blockade was performed to assess its effect on UES pressure.
- UES pressure was continuously monitored throughout the experiments.
Main Results
- Esophageal distention and acid perfusion significantly increased UES pressure, with responses diminishing at more distal stimulation points.
- Nerve blockade partially reduced the distention response but abolished the acid response.
- Resting UES pressure and swallow-induced responses remained unchanged after nerve blockade.
Conclusions
- The vagosympathetic trunks, likely via recurrent laryngeal nerves, serve as significant afferent pathways for UES responses to distention and acid.
- Acid perfusion elicits a stronger UES response mediated primarily through these neural pathways.