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Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. May 14, 2006; 12(18): 2806-2817
Published online May 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i18.2806
Experimental human pain models in gastro-esophageal reflux disease and unexplained chest pain
Asbjørn Mohr Drewes, Lars Arendt-Nielsen, Peter Funch-Jensen, Hans Gregersen
Asbjørn Mohr Drewes, Hans Gregersen, Lars Arendt-Nielsen, Center for Visceral Biomechanics and Pain, Department of Gastroenterology, Aalborg Hospital, and Center for Sensory-Motor Interactions, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Denmark
Peter Funch-Jensen, Department of Surgical Gastroenterology L, Aarhus Hospital, Denmark
Supported by Det Obelske Familiefond and Spar Nord Fonden
Correspondence to: Professor Asbjørn Mohr Drewes, MD, PhD, DMSc, Center for Visceral Biomechanics and Pain, Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Aalborg University Hospital, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark. drewes@smi.auc.dk
Telephone: +45-99326228 Fax: +45-99326507
Received: March 25, 2006
Revised: March 28, 2006
Accepted: April 10, 2006
Published online: May 14, 2006
Abstract

Methods related to experimental human pain research aim at activating different nociceptors, evoke pain from different organs and activate specific pathways and mechanisms. The different possibilities for using mechanical, electrical, thermal and chemical methods in visceral pain research are discussed with emphasis of combinations (e.g., the multimodal approach). The methods have been used widely in assessment of pain mechanisms in the esophagus and have contributed to our understanding of the symptoms reported in these patients. Hence abnormal activation and plastic changes of central pain pathways seem to play a major role in the symptoms in some patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease and in patients with functional chest pain of esophageal origin. These findings may lead to an alternative approach for treatment in patients that does not respond to conventional medical or surgical therapy.

Keywords: Pain; Gut; Experimental; Chest pain; Esophagitis