The gastrointestinal (GI) tract must balance ostensibly opposite functions. On the one hand,
it must undertake the process of digestion and absorption of nutrients. At the same time, the …

Sensory functions of the vagus nerve are critical for conscious perceptions and for
monitoring visceral functions in the cardio-pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems. Here, we …

The sensory nervous and immune systems, historically considered autonomous, actually
work in concert to promote host defense and tissue homeostasis. These systems interact …

Transient receptor potential (TRP) A1 and TRPM8 are ion channels that have been localized
to afferent nociceptive nerves. These TRP channels may be of particular relevance to …

Cold thermoreceptors have been described in different territories of the vagus nerve.
Application of cold temperature to these visceral afferents can evoke major protective …

Aims The aim of the study is to investigate transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1)-
induced responses in the vasculature and on blood pressure and heart rate (HR), in …

Capsaicin-sensitive sensory C-fibers derived from vagal ganglia innervate the visceral
organs, and respond to inflammatory mediators and noxious stimuli. These neurons play an …

Anesthetic agents can induce a paradox activation and sensitization of nociceptive sensory
neurons and, thus, potentially facilitate pain processing. Here we identify distinct molecular …

Irritable bowel syndrome is in part characterized by an increased sensitivity to colonic
distension. Stress is an important trigger factor for symptom generation. We hypothesized …

Lactobacillus species ingestion can decrease autonomic responses and spinal fiber
discharge to nociceptive colorectal distension (CRD), even in the absence of inflammation …