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Sawada A, Zhang M, Ustaoglu A, Nikaki K, Lee C, Woodland P, Yazaki E, Takashima S, Ominami M, Tanaka F, Ciafardini C, Nachman F, Ditaranto A, Agotegaray J, Bilder C, Savarino E, Gyawali CP, Penagini R, Fujiwara Y, Sifrim D. Superficial oesophageal mucosal innervation may contribute to severity of symptoms in oesophageal motility disorders. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:100-112. [PMID: 37845817 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanisms underlying perception of dysphagia and chest pain have not been completely elucidated, although oesophageal mucosal afferent nerves might play an important role. AIMS To evaluate the relationship between oesophageal mucosal afferent nerves and the severity of dysphagia and chest pain in oesophageal motility disorders. METHODS We prospectively recruited patients with oesophageal motility disorders having dysphagia and/or chest pain from whom oesophageal biopsies were obtained. High-resolution manometry classified patients into disorders of oesophagogastric junction (OGJ) outflow and disorders of peristalsis. Symptom severity was assessed using validated questionnaires including Brief Oesophageal Dysphagia Questionnaire (BEDQ). Immunohistochemistry was performed on oesophageal biopsies to evaluate the location of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive mucosal afferent nerves. Findings were compared to existing data from 10 asymptomatic healthy volunteers. RESULTS Of 79 patients, 61 patients had disorders of OGJ outflow and 18 had disorders of peristalsis. CGRP-immunoreactive mucosal nerves were more superficially located in the mucosa of patients with oesophageal motility disorders compared to healthy volunteers. Within disorders of OGJ outflow, the location of CGRP-immunoreactive nerves negatively correlated with BEDQ score both in the proximal (ρ = -0.567, p < 0.001) and distal oesophagus (ρ = -0.396, p = 0.003). In the proximal oesophagus, strong chest pain was associated with more superficially located mucosal nerves than weak chest pain (p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis showed superficial nerves in the proximal oesophagus was independently associated with severe dysphagia in disorders of OGJ outflow (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Superficial location of mucosal nerves in the proximal oesophagus might contribute to symptoms, especially severe dysphagia, in disorders of OGJ outflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinari Sawada
- Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mengyu Zhang
- Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Ahsen Ustaoglu
- Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Kornilia Nikaki
- Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Chung Lee
- Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Philip Woodland
- Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Etsuro Yazaki
- Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Shingo Takashima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaki Ominami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Fumio Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Clorinda Ciafardini
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Nachman
- Fundacion Favaloro Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Edoardo Savarino
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - C Prakash Gyawali
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Roberto Penagini
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Yasuhiro Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daniel Sifrim
- Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
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Nikaki K, Sawada A, Ustaoglu A, Sifrim D. Neuronal Control of Esophageal Peristalsis and Its Role in Esophageal Disease. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2019; 21:59. [PMID: 31760496 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-019-0728-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Esophageal peristalsis is a highly sophisticated function that involves the coordinated contraction and relaxation of striated and smooth muscles in a cephalocaudal fashion, under the control of central and peripheral neuronal mechanisms and a number of neurotransmitters. Esophageal peristalsis is determined by the balance of the intrinsic excitatory cholinergic, inhibitory nitrergic and post-inhibitory rebound excitatory output to the esophageal musculature. RECENT FINDINGS Dissociation of the longitudinal and circular muscle contractions characterizes different major esophageal disorders and leads to esophageal symptoms. Provocative testing during esophageal high-resolution manometry is commonly employed to assess esophageal body peristaltic reserve and underpin clinical diagnosis. Herein, we summarize the main factors that determine esophageal peristalsis and examine their role in major and minor esophageal motility disorders and eosinophilic esophagitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nikaki
- Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, 26 Ashfield Street, Whitechapel, London, E1 2AJ, UK
| | - A Sawada
- Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, 26 Ashfield Street, Whitechapel, London, E1 2AJ, UK
| | - A Ustaoglu
- Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, 26 Ashfield Street, Whitechapel, London, E1 2AJ, UK
| | - D Sifrim
- Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, 26 Ashfield Street, Whitechapel, London, E1 2AJ, UK.
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Hoff DAL, McMahon B, Gregersen H. Esophageal multimodal stimulation and sensation. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1434:210-218. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dag Arne Lihaug Hoff
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Ålesund HospitalMøre and Romsdal Hospital Trust Ålesund Norway
| | - Barry McMahon
- Trinity Academic Gastroenterology Group (TAGG)Trinity College and Tallaght Hospital Dublin Ireland
| | - Hans Gregersen
- Department of Surgerythe Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin Hong Kong
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Hoff DAL, Brock C, Farmer AD, Dickman R, Ruffle JK, Shaker A, Drewes AM. Pharmacological and other treatment modalities for esophageal pain. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1380:58-66. [PMID: 27442914 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of esophageal pain remains a major challenge for the clinician. Although many patients have heartburn and may respond to proton pump inhibitors, there in an unmet need for other treatment modalities in patients where there are no obvious pathological findings. Although analgesics are the mainstay in esophageal pain treatment, many patients are nonresponders to these drugs. The current concise review focuses on other systems affecting pain processing, where better understanding may serve as a framework for therapy. These are the parasympathetic nervous system, exercise, and personality profiles. Finally, treatment with analgesics for functional chest pain remains a challenge, and an overview of treatment with antidepressive drugs is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dag Arne Lihaug Hoff
- Clinic of Medicine HMR Hospital Trust, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalesund Hospital, Aalesund, Norway.
| | - Christina Brock
- Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital and Clinical Institute, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Adam D Farmer
- Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital and Clinical Institute, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.,Centre for Digestive Diseases, Blizard Institute, Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals of North Midlands, Stoke on Trent, United Kingdom
| | - Ram Dickman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva & Sackler School of Medicine, University of Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - James K Ruffle
- Centre for Digestive Diseases, Blizard Institute, Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anisa Shaker
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Asbjørn M Drewes
- Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital and Clinical Institute, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Mittal RK. Regulation and dysregulation of esophageal peristalsis by the integrated function of circular and longitudinal muscle layers in health and disease. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2016; 311:G431-43. [PMID: 27445346 PMCID: PMC5076012 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00182.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Muscularis propria throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract including the esophagus is comprised of circular and longitudinal muscle layers. Based on the studies conducted in the colon and the small intestine, for more than a century, it has been debated whether the two muscle layers contract synchronously or reciprocally during the ascending contraction and descending relaxation of the peristaltic reflex. Recent studies in the esophagus and colon prove that the two muscle layers indeed contract and relax together in almost perfect synchrony during ascending contraction and descending relaxation of the peristaltic reflex, respectively. Studies in patients with various types of esophageal motor disorders reveal temporal disassociation between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers. We suggest that the discoordination between the two muscle layers plays a role in the genesis of esophageal symptoms, i.e., dysphagia and esophageal pain. Certain pathologies may selectively target one and not the other muscle layer, e.g., in eosinophilic esophagitis there is a selective dysfunction of the longitudinal muscle layer. In achalasia esophagus, swallows are accompanied by the strong contraction of the longitudinal muscle without circular muscle contraction. The possibility that the discoordination between two muscle layers plays a role in the genesis of esophageal symptoms, i.e., dysphagia and esophageal pain are discussed. The purpose of this review is to summarize the regulation and dysregulation of peristalsis by the coordinated and discoordinated function of circular and longitudinal muscle layers in health and diseased states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder K. Mittal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, San Diego VA Health Care System, San Diego, California and University of California, San Diego, California
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Jiang Y, Mittal RK. Low esophageal mucosal blood flow in patients with nutcracker esophagus. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2016; 310:G410-6. [PMID: 26702139 PMCID: PMC4796296 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00359.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Nutcracker esophagus (NE) is characterized by high-amplitude peristaltic esophageal contractions, and these patients often present with symptoms of "angina-like" or noncardiac chest pain. Tissue ischemia is a known cause of visceral pain, and the goal of our present study was to determine whether esophageal wall blood perfusion (EWBP) is reduced in patients with NE. Fourteen normal subjects (mean age 51 yr, 11 men) and 12 patients (mean age 53 yr, 9 men) with NE and noncardiac chest pain were investigated. The EWBP was measured continuously using a custom-designed laser Doppler probe tethered to a Bravo capsule, which anchored it to the esophageal wall. The baseline EWBP in normal subjects was 651 ± 27 perfusion units. In patients with NE, the baseline EWBP was significantly lower than in the normal subjects (451 ± 32 perfusion units). The EWBP decreased after injection of edrophonium (which increases muscle contractions) and increased following sublingual nitroglycerin administration (which relaxes muscle) in normal subjects, as well as in NE patients. Spontaneous pain events during the recording period were often associated with drops in the EWBP. We propose that low EWBP leads to hypoxia of the esophageal tissue, which may be a mechanism of esophageal pain in patients with NE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfen Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, San Diego Veterans Affairs Health Care System, and University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Ravinder K. Mittal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, San Diego Veterans Affairs Health Care System, and University of California, San Diego, California
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Herregods TVK, Bredenoord AJ, Smout AJPM. Pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease: new understanding in a new era. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015; 27:1202-13. [PMID: 26053301 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has increased in the last decades and it is now one of the most common chronic diseases. Throughout time our insight in the pathophysiology of GERD has been characterized by remarkable back and forth swings, often prompted by new investigational techniques. Even today, the pathophysiology of GERD is not fully understood but it is now recognized to be a multifactorial disease. Among the factors that have been shown to be involved in the provocation or increase of reflux, are sliding hiatus hernia, low lower esophageal sphincter pressure, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, the acid pocket, obesity, increased distensibility of the esophagogastric junction, prolonged esophageal clearance, and delayed gastric emptying. Moreover, multiple mechanisms influence the perception of GERD symptoms, such as the acidity of the refluxate, its proximal extent, the presence of gas in the refluxate, duodenogastroesophageal reflux, longitudinal muscle contraction, mucosal integrity, and peripheral and central sensitization. Understanding the pathophysiology of GERD is important for future targets for therapy as proton pump inhibitor-refractory GERD symptoms remain a common problem. PURPOSE In this review we provide an overview of the mechanisms leading to reflux and the factors influencing perception, in the light of historical developments. It is clear that further research remains necessary despite the recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of GERD.
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Affiliation(s)
- T V K Herregods
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A J Bredenoord
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A J P M Smout
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Manometry and impedance provide only surrogate information regarding longitudinal wall function and are focused on contractile amplitude and lumen content. Ultrasound imaging provides a unique perspective of esophageal function by providing important information regarding longitudinal muscle contraction. Laser Doppler assessment of perfusion may be an important complementary tool to assess abnormal wall blood perfusion as a possible mechanism of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder K. Mittal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, San Diego VA Health Care System & University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Patcharatrakul T, Gonlachanvit S. Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in typical and atypical GERD: roles of gastroesophageal acid refluxes and esophageal motility. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 29:284-90. [PMID: 23926926 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM To determine the roles of gastroesophageal acid reflux (GER) and esophageal dysmotility on typical and atypical GERD symptoms. METHODS Two hundred thirty-six patients (159 females, age 47 ± 14 years) with typical and atypical GERD symptom(s) for > 3 months underwent standard water perfused esophageal manometry (EM) and 24 h esophageal pH studies during off therapy. RESULTS Eighty seven and 93 patients had positive lower esophageal pH tests and abnormal EM, respectively. Patients with positive lower esophageal pH test were significantly older (50 ± 13 vs 45 ± 13 years, P < 0.005) and had higher prevalence of acid regurgitation symptoms than patients with negative test (56/87 vs 72/149, P < 0.05). Patients with positive upper esophageal pH test (n = 67) also had significantly higher prevalence of acid regurgitation symptoms (43/67 vs 74/152, P < 0.05). Prevalence of other upper gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms were similar between patients with positive and negative upper and lower pH test. Patients with abnormal EM were significantly older (49 ± 14 vs 45 ± 13 years, P < 0.05) and had higher prevalence of chronic cough than patients with normal EM(30/93 vs 26/143, P < 0.05). In patients with positive pH tests, the prevalence of dysphagia, chronic cough, and hoarseness of voice were significantly higher in patients with abnormal than those with normal EM (18/31 vs 18/56, P < 0.05; 12/31 vs 6/56, P < 0.005 and 19/31 vs 18/56, P < 0.01, respectively). Whereas in patients with negative lower pH tests, only the prevalence of heartburn was significantly lower in patients with normal than those with abnormal EM (26/87 vs 30/62, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Acid regurgitation but not heartburn was associated with GER. Esophageal dysmotility had no significant effect on acid regurgitation symptom but associated with chronic cough, hoarseness of voice, and dysphagia only in patients with abnormal esophageal acid exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanisa Patcharatrakul
- Gastrointestinal Motility Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The muscularis propria of the esophagus is organized into circular and longitudinal muscle layers. The function of the longitudinal muscle and its role in bolus propulsion are not clear. The goal of this review is to summarize what is known of the role of the longitudinal muscle in health, as well as in sensory and motor disorders of the esophagus. RECENT FINDINGS Simultaneous manometry and ultrasound imaging reveal that, during peristalsis, the two muscle layers of the esophagus contract in perfect synchrony. On the contrary, during transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation, longitudinal muscle contracts independent of the circular muscle. Recent studies have provided novel insights into the role of the longitudinal muscle in LES relaxation and descending relaxation of the esophagus. In certain diseases (e.g. some motility disorders of the esophagus), there is discoordination between the two muscle layers, which likely plays an important role in the genesis of dysphagia and delayed esophageal emptying. There is close temporal correlation between prolonged contractions of the longitudinal muscles of the esophagus and esophageal 'angina-like' pain. Novel techniques to record longitudinal muscle contraction are reviewed. SUMMARY Longitudinal muscles of the esophagus play a key role in the physiology and pathophysiology of esophageal sensory and motor function. Neuro-pharmacologic controls of circular and longitudinal muscle are different, which provides an opportunity for the development of novel pharmacological therapies in the treatment of esophageal sensory and motor disorders.
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Mittal RK, Hong SJ, Bhargava V. Longitudinal muscle dysfunction in achalasia esophagus and its relevance. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2013; 19:126-36. [PMID: 23667744 PMCID: PMC3644649 DOI: 10.5056/jnm.2013.19.2.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 03/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscularis propria of the esophagus is organized into circular and longitudinal muscle layers. Goal of this review is to summarize the role of longitudinal muscle in physiology and pathophysiology of esophageal sensory and motor function. Simultaneous manometry and ultrasound imaging that measure circular and longitudinal muscle contraction respectively reveal that during peristalsis 2 layers of the esophagus contract in perfect synchrony. On the other hand, during transient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), longitudinal muscle contracts independently of circular muscle. Recent studies provide novel insights, i.e., longitudinal muscle contraction of the esophagus induces LES relaxation and possibly descending relaxation of the esophagus. In achalasia esophagus and other motility disorders there is discoordination between the 2 muscle layers. Longitudinal muscle contraction patterns are different in the recently described three types of achalasia identified by high-resolution manometry. Robust contraction of the longitudinal muscle in type II achalasia causes pan-esophageal pressurization and is the mechanism of whatever little esophageal emptying that take place in the absence of peristalsis and impaired LES relaxation. It may be that preserved longitudinal muscle contraction is also the reason for superior outcome to medical/surgical therapy in type II achalasia esophagus. Prolonged contractions of longitudinal muscles of the esophagus is a possible mechanism of heartburn and "angina like" pain seen in esophageal motility disorders and possibly achalasia esophagus. Novel techniques to record longitudinal muscle contraction are on the horizon. Neuro-pharmacologic control of circular and longitudinal muscles is different, which provides an important opportunity for the development of novel pharmacological therapies to treat sensory and motor disorders of the esophagus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder K Mittal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, San Diego VA Health Care System and University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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