Volume 126, Issue 1, Pages 49-56 (January 2004) Mechanoreceptors of the proximal stomach: Role in triggering transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation  Roberto Penagini, Stefania Carmagnola, Paolo Cantù, Mariangela Allocca, Paolo A. Bianchi  Gastroenterology  Volume 126, Issue 1, Pages 49-56 (January 2004) DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2003.10.045

Figure 1 Design of the glucagon and high-volume erythromycin experiments. The design of the low-volume erythromycin experiment differed only with respect to the intrabag volume used during distention, which was the one at perception threshold. Arrows indicate blood glucose determinations. Gastroenterology 2004 126, 49-56DOI: (10.1053/j.gastro.2003.10.045)

Figure 2 Number of intrabag pressure waves during the glucagon and the high- and low-volume erythromycin experiments. Open bars indicate placebo, and closed bars indicate glucagon or erythromycin. Mean values ± SE. ∗P < 0.05 vs. placebo within the same experiment; #P < 0.05 vs. placebo of the high-volume erythromycin experiment. Gastroenterology 2004 126, 49-56DOI: (10.1053/j.gastro.2003.10.045)

Figure 3 Representative tracings during (A ) placebo, (B) glucagon, and (C ) high-volume erythromycin. Arrows indicate pressure waves. The horizontal broken line in the LES tracing indicates intragastric pressure. TLESR, transient LES relaxation. Note the absence of pressure waves with glucagon and a high rate with erythromycin. Gastroenterology 2004 126, 49-56DOI: (10.1053/j.gastro.2003.10.045)

Figure 4 Number of transient LES relaxations during the glucagon and the high- and low-volume erythromycin experiments. Open bars indicate placebo, and closed bars indicate glucagon or erythromycin. Mean values ± SE. #P < 0.01 vs. placebo of the high-volume erythromycin experiment. Gastroenterology 2004 126, 49-56DOI: (10.1053/j.gastro.2003.10.045)

Figure 5 Plain upper abdominal radiograph from left to right (A ) in a subject during high-volume distention after placebo, glucagon, and erythromycin (note the similar shape and location of the bag) and (B) in a subject with the bag deflated, during low-volume (250 mL) and high-volume (500 mL) placebo distention (note the progressive elevation of the diaphragm and increase in the diameter of the fundus). Gastroenterology 2004 126, 49-56DOI: (10.1053/j.gastro.2003.10.045)