1. Volume 17, Issue 2, Pages 129-133 (April 2010)
The neural regulation of the mammalian esophageal motility and its implication for esophageal diseases 
Takahiko Shiina, Takeshi Shima, Jürgen Wörl, Winfried L. Neuhuber, Yasutake Shimizu 
Pathophysiology 
Volume 17, Issue 2, Pages (April 2010)
DOI: /j.pathophys
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2. Fig. 1
A schema of the local neural reflex in the esophagus proposed on the basis of this study. Electrical stimulation of vagal nerves evokes contractile responses of striated muscle that is mediated by acetylcholine (ACh) release in the esophagus. Inhibition of vagally evoked responses by the stimulants of afferent neurons such as capsaicin is due to a mediation of myenteric nitrergic neurons that are activated by capsaicin-sensitive tachykininergic afferent neurons. NO: nitric oxide.
Pathophysiology  , DOI: ( /j.pathophys )
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd Terms and Conditions

3. Fig. 2
A speculated pathogenic mechanism of some esophageal disorders. The esophageal muscles are controlled centrally by vagal neurons from the brainstem and locally by myenteric neurons. Dysfunction of the neural regulation might induce the abnormal motility, resulting in some esophageal disorders.
Pathophysiology  , DOI: ( /j.pathophys )
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd Terms and Conditions

4. Fig. 3
A predicted vicious circle model of inflammation in the esophagus. The circle might exacerbate esophageal disorders. LES, lower esophageal sphincter; TRPV1, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1.
Pathophysiology  , DOI: ( /j.pathophys )
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd Terms and Conditions