Chapter 10 Pharmacological aspects of visceral sensory receptors

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the existence of the polymodal receptors in the visceral afferent type C - neurones. However, the concept of nociception is difficult to apply to the viscera; cutting, crushing, or burning the visceral tissue generally produces no pain. Excessive distension of the hollow viscera, such as the intestine or the bladder, can activate mechanoreceptors of C-fibres and evoke pain, but it is not possible to say if such stimuli are tissue-damaging. Furthermore, in many cases, this chapter discusses the visceral disease pain that arises from the existence of the polymodal receptors in the visceral afferent type C-neurones. However, the concept of nociception is difficult to apply to the viscera; cutting, crushing, or burning the visceral tissue generally produces no pain. Furthermore, in many cases of the visceral disease pain arises from the somatic structures innervated from the same spinal segments as the troubled viscus, and this suggests that the phenomenon has a spinal mechanism.