Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy induces a functional change in visceral Aδ primary afferent fibers in rats

Abstract

Vagal nerves modulate not only physical homeostasis, but also pain transmission. It has been reported that subdiaphragmatic vagal dysfunction causes visceral pain. However, the functional changes in nociceptive primary afferent fibers under such visceral pain soon after subdiaphragmatic vagal dysfunction are not fully documented. The present study was designed to investigate changes in the sensitivity of primary afferent fibers in the distal colon using a Neurometer which individually stimulates C, Aδ and Aβ fibers. Under stimulation with a handmade stimulus electrode in the distal colon, the current threshold in the distal colon was recorded with high reproducibility. Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy significantly decreased the current threshold of Aδ fibers in the distal colon with no change in the sensitivity of C or Aβ fibers. These results suggest that vagal dysfunction at an early stage may cause, at least in part, hypersensitivity of visceral Aδ fibers. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.