Neurophysiological Mechanisms in Production of Gastrointestinal Ulcers

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Abstract
PEPTIC ULCERATION has long been classified by most of the medical profession as a psychosomatic or psychobiologic disease. This very classification of peptic ulceration implies that cortical structures of the brain are intimately involved in initiating and probably perpetuating the cerebral processes which, over a period of time, express themselves through the autonomic nervous system as peptic ulceration. Presumably, these cortical processes are concerned with emotional factors, frustrations, and other mental experiences which produce stresses, dissatisfaction, and unrest which may or may not be externally obvious. Tremendous efforts have been expended in studying the target organ, the stomach and duodenum, as well as the peripheral nerve supply to these organs. Likewise, subcortical areas of the brain, such as the hypothalamus, have been investigated intensely by electrical stimulation and ablation techniques, using both acute and chronic animal preparations. It has been only recently, however, that experimental methodologies have developed sufficiently to

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