Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Non-invasive Assessment of Microvascular and Endothelial Function
Published on: January 29, 2013
Characterization of autonomic dysfunction in patients with irritable bowel syndrome using fingertip blood flow
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan. n_manabe@hkg.odn.ne.jp
Abstract:
Fingertip blood flow (FTBF) as measured by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) measurement is considered an indicator of sympathetic nerve function. We evaluated autonomic function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by assessing FTBF with both LDF and continuous-wave (cw) Doppler sonography. Firstly, the two methods were compared in 40 healthy volunteers. Next, 59 patients with IBS as well as 118 healthy volunteer controls were studied. In the supine position, FTBF in the right index finger was measured with cw Doppler sonography, whereas FTBF in the left index finger was assessed with LDF. After baseline measurement for at least 5 min, the volunteers received sympathetic stimulation from cold stress applied without notification in the form of an icebag (0 degrees C) upon the left forearm for 1 min. The new cw Doppler sonography method can be used in place of the old LDF method for clinical purposes. FTBF velocity before stimulation (V(pre)) was significantly lower in the IBS group than that in the healthy volunteers (P < 0.01). In addition, the time required for FTBF to return to V(pre) after stimulation was significantly longer in the IBS group than that in the control group. (P = 0.02). Thus, measurement of FTBF with cw Doppler sonography can be useful in the assessment of sympathetic nerve function. The IBS patients showed an abnormal FTBF response suggesting the presence of excess sympathetic activity.
Related Concept Videos
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
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 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:
Autoregulation of Blood Flow
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...

