Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 21, 2026

In vitro Functional Characterization of Mouse Colorectal Afferent Endings
14:09

In vitro Functional Characterization of Mouse Colorectal Afferent Endings

Published on: January 21, 2015

Alterations in rectal sensitivity and motility in childhood irritable bowel syndrome

R Van Ginkel1, W P Voskuijl, M A Benninga

  • 1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. r.vanginkel@amc.uva.nl

Gastroenterology
|February 24, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experience lower pain thresholds and abnormal rectal responses to meals. These sensory and motor issues may explain their chronic abdominal pain.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Visceral Pain Research
  • Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Background:

  • Chronic abdominal pain in children often lacks an organic cause.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder in children.
  • Underlying mechanisms like visceral hypersensitivity and motor abnormalities are suspected in childhood IBS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate visceral hypersensitivity and rectal motor abnormalities in children with IBS.
  • To compare these mechanisms between children with IBS, functional abdominal pain (FAP), and healthy volunteers (HVs).

Main Methods:

  • Rectal sensory perception and contractile responses to meals were assessed.
  • Evaluations were conducted in 8 children with IBS, 8 with FAP, and 9 HVs.

Main Results:

  • Children with IBS showed a significantly decreased pain threshold compared to FAP patients and HVs.
  • A disturbed rectal motor response to meals, characterized by an absent decrease in rectal volume, was observed in IBS patients.
  • Fasting rectal motor activity (rapid volume waves) was reduced in IBS patients compared to FAP patients and HVs.

Conclusions:

  • Children meeting Rome II criteria for IBS exhibit a lowered pain threshold and abnormal rectal contractile responses.
  • These sensory and motor dysfunctions are comparable to findings in adults and suggest a pathophysiological role in childhood IBS.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice07:41

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice

Published on: February 3, 2016

Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform10:37

Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform

Published on: November 30, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders01:20

Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are: