Baclofen blocks LES relaxation and crural diaphragm inhibition by esophageal and gastric distension in cats.

Crural diaphragm inhibition during esophageal distension correlates with contraction of the esophageal longitudinal muscle in cats.

Esophageal distension causes simultaneous relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and crural diaphragm. The mechanism of crural diaphragm relaxation during esophageal distension is not well understood. We studied the motion of crural and costal diaphragm along with the motion of the distal esophagus during esophageal distension-induced relaxation of the LES and crural diaphragm. Wire...

Baclofen Blocks Lower Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation and Crural Diaphragm Inhibition by Esophageal and Gastric Distension in Cats

Evidence for a peripheral mechanism of esophagocrural diaphragm inhibitory reflex in cats.

The esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is guarded by two sphincters, a smooth muscle lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and a skeletal muscle crural diaphragm. These two sphincters relax simultaneously under certain physiological conditions, i.e., swallowing, belching, vomiting, transient LES relaxation, and esophageal distension. Esophageal distension-induced crural diaphragm relaxation is mediated ...

Electrical and mechanical activity in the human lower esophageal sphincter during diaphragmatic contraction.

To determine the effect of contraction of the diaphragm on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, we studied eight healthy volunteers during spontaneous breathing, maximal inspiration, and graded inspiratory efforts against a closed airway (Muller's maneuver). Electrical activity of the crural diaphragm (DEMG) was recorded from bipolar esophageal electrodes, transdiaphragmatic pressure ...

Pathophysiology of GERD: Lower Esophageal Sphincter Defects

44 INTRODUCTION T he most common cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is lower esophageal sphincter (LES) dysfunction. The LES is a 3–4 cm high-pressure zone of muscular activity in the distal esophagus. The LES is anatomically and histologically distinct from the esophageal body. Manometric and radiographic studies can be used to identify the LES. Intraluminal manometry can detect t...