The pharmacology of gastrointestinal nociceptive pathways

Abstract

The principal conscious sensations that arise from the gastrointestinal tract are discomfort and pain. Chronic visceral discomfort and pain are generally managed poorly with currently available pharmacological agents. Receptors and ion channels present on extrinsic visceral primary afferent (sensory) neurons are targets for the development of new pharmacological strategies for control of visceral pain.