Demonstration of mucous mechanoreceptors in the lower esophageal sphincter. Comparison with muscle mechanoreceptors
Clerc, N.; Mei, N.
Comptes Rendus des Seances de la Societe de Biologie et de ses Filiales 175(3): 352-356
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-9026 PMID: 6456046 Document Number: 178741
In anaesthetized cats, vagal unitary discharges originating from the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (L.O.S.) were recorded in nodose ganglia by means of glass microelectrodes. Numerous mechanoreceptors located both in mucosa and muscular layers were found in L.O.S. The mucus mechanoreceptors (high threshold receptors) were activated by strong compressions and distensions, by rapid passage of liquid through the oesophagus and by striking the mucosa. The muscular mechanoreceptors (low threshold receptors) responded to contraction and distension of L.O.S. Both receptors were connected to nonmyelinated fibres (conduction velocity: 0.9-1.4 m/sec).