To study visceral pain modulation we are working on appropriate models of esophageal pain to be used in experimental studies with healthy volunteers and then in patients.
For mechanical stimulation we use rapid balloon distension method at distal esophagus. Compared to rapid balloon distension method, the electrical stimulation is less technically demanding and more programmable and controllable. But, is the mechanical stimulation more ecologically valid than the electrical stimulation as a visceral pain method?
Dear Ali,
Electrical stimulation of oesophagus will likely activate both sensory and motor pathways (axons) and therefore may not be a good model for visceral pain studies (see below). Mechanical stimulation may therefore be more relevant.
best wishes, Refik
Article An electrophysiological and morphological study of esophagea...
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