New models for large prospective studies: is there a better way?

Large prospective cohort studies are critical for identifying etiologic factors for disease, but they require substantial long-term research investment. Such studies can be conducted as multisite consortia of academic medical centers, combinations of smaller ongoing studies, or a single large site such as a dominant regional health-care provider. Still another strategy relies upon centralized conduct of most or all aspects, recruiting through multiple temporary assessment centers.

Bombesin changes excitability of rat brain stem neurons sensitive to gastric distension.

The responses of single neurons in the dorsal vagal complex to physiological gastric distension were investigated in anesthetized control and capsaicin-treated rats. In both groups, the responses of brain stem neurons to close arterial injection of the regulatory peptide bombesin (BBS) were studied. These experiments observed whether selective chemical deafferentation by capsaicin caused any significant change in the central representation of responses to gastric distension and peripheral BBS administration.