{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.0199479618386817, 'fraction_numerical': 0.0, 'mean_word_length': 6.2578616352201255, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Activation of intestinal spinal afferent endings by changes in intra‐mesenteric arterial pressure

A major class of mechano‐nociceptors to the intestine have mechanotransduction sites on extramural and intramural arteries and arterioles (‘vascular afferents’). These sensory neurons can be activated by compression or axial stretch of vessels. Using isolated preparations we showed that increasing intra‐arterial pressure, within the physiological range, activated mechano‐nociceptors on vessels in intact mesenteric arcades, but not in isolated arteries. This suggests that distortion of the branching vascular tree is the mechanical adequate stimulus for these sensory neurons, rather than simple distension. The same rises in pressure also activated intestinal peristalsis in a partially capsaicin‐sensitive manner indicating that pressure‐sensitive vascular afferents influence enteric circuits. The results identify the mechanical adequate stimulus for a major class of mechano‐nociceptors with endings on blood vessels supplying the gut wall; these afferents have similar endings to ones supplying other viscera, striated muscle and dural vessels.