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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

In vitro Functional Characterization of Mouse Colorectal Afferent Endings

In vitro Functional Characterization of Mouse Colorectal Afferent Endings

Published on: January 21, 2015

Centrally acting agents and visceral sensitivity.

J Fioramonti¹, L Bueno

¹NeuroGastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 180 Chemin de Tournefeuille, BP 3, 31931 Toulouse, France. jfioramo@toulouse.inra.fr

|June 22, 2002

Summary

Centrally acting medications, including antidepressants and opiates, can reduce visceral pain. Central nervous system cytokines may also influence visceral hypersensitivity, offering future therapeutic targets.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Pharmacology
Gastroenterology

Background:

Visceral sensitivity is modulated by centrally acting agents.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves visceral hypersensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the mechanisms of centrally acting agents affecting visceral sensitivity.
To explore the role of cytokines in visceral hypersensitivity.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on centrally acting drugs and visceral pain.
Examination of evidence for cytokine involvement in central pain modulation.

Main Results:

Antidepressants (SSRIs) and opiates (morphine) act on the CNS to reduce visceral nociception.
Centrally acting cytokines are implicated in visceral hypersensitivity.

Conclusions:

Central nervous system targets, including cytokines, are promising for managing visceral hypersensitivity.
Further research into cytokine pathways could yield novel IBS therapies.