Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Downstream effects of esophageal distention

  • Published:
Current Gastroenterology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This review focuses on primary peristalsis and the normal swallow and secondary peristalsis as it relates to esophageal distention. In addition, high-pressure zones in the esophageal sphincters and innervation in the esophageal body are discussed. Distention-induced protective reflexes for the pharynx and airway are described, as are extraesophageal effects of esophageal distention. Experimental and clinical research in these areas is summarized, along with its possible clinical applications.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References and Recommended Reading

  1. Castell DO, Richter JE: The Esophagus, edn 4. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004:1–36. A comprehensive discussion of the physiology and normal motor function of swallowing in the esophagus.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Shafik A: Effect of esophageal distention on pharyngoesophageal sphincter. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1997, 114:968–974.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Blinkofski F, Schnitzler A, Enck P, et al.: Somatic and limbic cortex activation in esophageal distention: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Ann Neurol 1998, 44:811–815.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Shaker R, Hogan WJ: Reflex-mediated enhancement of airway protective mechanisms. Am J Med 2000, 108(Suppl 4A):8S-14S. A comprehensive review of reflexes that affect the upper esophageal sphincter and glottis and pharynx to protect the airway from aspiration.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Lang IM, Medda BK, Shaker R: Mechanisms of reflexes induced by esophageal distention. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2001, 281:G1246-G1263.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Shaker R, Dodds WJ, Ren J, et al.: Esophagoglottal closure reflex: a mechanism of airway protection. Gastroenterology 1992, 102:857–861.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Gayheart PA, Gwirtz PA, Bravenec JS, et al.: An alphaadrenergic coronary constriction during esophageal distention in the dog. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1991, 17:747–753.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Wright RA, Miller SA, Corsello BF: Acid-induced esophagobronchial-cardiac reflexes in humans. Gastroenterology 1990, 99:71–73.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Temple University School of Medicine, 3401 North Broad Street, 19140, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Robert S Fisher MD

Authors
  1. Harvey Licht MD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Robert S Fisher MD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robert S Fisher MD.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Licht, H., Fisher, R.S. Downstream effects of esophageal distention. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 8, 186–189 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-006-0073-x

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-006-0073-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation