Abstract #3273

Shaker R, Pawela C, Kounev V, Hyde J

Functional disorders are the most common disease diagnosed by Gastroenterologists. The mechanisms behind these diseases are poorly understood but are believed to involve a disturbance in the interaction between the enteric nervous system, central nervous system, and the autonomic nervous system. The goal of this study was to develop a working fMRI protocol for an animal model of these disorders using rectal distention. A graded neurosensory response was observed for varying levels of balloon inflation.