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. 2002 Jul;51(Suppl 1):i34–i40. doi: 10.1136/gut.51.suppl_1.i34

Testing the sensitivity hypothesis in practice: tools and methods, assumptions and pitfalls

M Camilleri
PMCID: PMC1867712  PMID: 12077062

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Figure 1 .

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Viscus compliance curves: a shift to the left of the curves is reflected in a change in inflection point (tone) although the elasticity (slope) is unaltered.

Figure 2 .

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Erroneous interpretation of sensations based on effects of glucagon compared with saline when distension is based on different parameters. However, the linear relationships for perception (C) and volume (A) (r=0.82; r=0.86; p<0.05), and tension (B) (r=0.96; p<0.005) are all significant and not qualitatively different. *p<0.05, **p<0.01. Reproduced with kind permission from Distrutti and colleagues.7

Figure 3 .

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Use of tensostat as distending device provided data suggesting that, even in the relaxed state, perception was unchanged by glucagon. *p<0.05 versus saline. Reproduced with kind permission from Distrutti and colleagues.7

Figure 4 .

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Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images of the stomach, demonstrating differences in shape in health and disease, making calculations of volume difficult.

Figure 5 .

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Plot of the relationship between intraluminal pressure, with firing of colonic mechanosensory afferents, and synaptic input recorded by a mesenteric ganglion neurone. Data suggest in parallel tension receptors in circular muscle. F-EPSP, fast excitatory postsynaptic potential; SMG, superior mesenteric ganglion. Reproduced with kind permission from Miller and Szurszewski.46

Figure 6 .

Figure 6

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Model of the effects of distension, relaxation, and contraction on sensory activation. Reproduced with kind permission from Camilleri and colleagues.47

Figure 7 .

Figure 7

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Effects of clonidine (A) and nitroglycerin (B) on gastric tone and sensation. Note both agents relax the stomach but pain scores are reduced only with clonidine. Reproduced with permission from Kim and colleagues.17

Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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