Gastroenterology
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The development and maintenance of human visceral pain hypersensitivity is dependent on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor.
Visceral hypersensitivity is a common feature of functional gastrointestinal disorders. One speculated mechanism is an activity-dependent increase in spinal cord neuronal excitability (central sensitization), which is dependent on activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Our aims were to determine whether the development and maintenance of human visceral hypersensitivity is NMDA receptor mediated. ⋯ The induction and maintenance of acid-induced esophageal hypersensitivity is prevented and reversed by ketamine. This finding strongly indicates that central sensitization is a mechanism of visceral hypersensitivity.