Animal models of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Animal models of visceral pain: pathophysiology, translational relevance, and challenges

Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2015 Jun 1;308(11):G885-903. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00463.2014. Epub 2015 Mar 12.

Abstract

Visceral pain describes pain emanating from the thoracic, pelvic, or abdominal organs. In contrast to somatic pain, visceral pain is generally vague, poorly localized, and characterized by hypersensitivity to a stimulus such as organ distension. Animal models have played a pivotal role in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of visceral pain. This review focuses on animal models of visceral pain and their translational relevance. In addition, the challenges of using animal models to develop novel therapeutic approaches to treat visceral pain will be discussed.

Keywords: IBS; gastrointestinal; models; pain; rodent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases* / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Liver Diseases* / metabolism
  • Liver Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Models, Animal
  • Nociception* / drug effects
  • Nociception* / physiology
  • Therapies, Investigational / methods
  • Translational Research, Biomedical
  • Visceral Pain* / etiology
  • Visceral Pain* / metabolism
  • Visceral Pain* / physiopathology
  • Visceral Pain* / psychology
  • Visceral Pain* / therapy