Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026

In vitro Functional Characterization of Mouse Colorectal Afferent Endings
Published on: January 21, 2015
Targeting the 5-HT(3) receptor in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
1NIHR Biomedical Research Unit, Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom. robin.spiller@nottingham.ac.uk
Abstract:
Irritable bowel syndrome, which affects 5-10% of the population includes around 25% with predominantly diarrhoea (IBS-D). Several lines of evidence suggest an increase in mucosal 5-HT availability in IBS-D including a decrease in the serotonin transporter (SERT) which is also seen following acute diverticulitis. 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists have proved effective in suppressing urgency, prolonging small and large bowel transit and relieving symptoms in IBS-D. Alosetron continues to be used under restricted availability without any serious morbidity despite ischemic colitis which occurs at a rate of <1/1000 patient year. Other agents such as ramosetron and ondansetron are still in use and have not been associated with ischemic colitis. 5-HT(3) receptor agonists stimulate intestinal motility, shorten transit times and in a pilot trial accelerated transit in patients with IBS-C.
More Related Videos
10:37Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
11:27Methods to Study Epithelial Transport Protein Function and Expression in Native Intestine and Caco-2 Cells Grown in 3D
Published on: March 16, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
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 III: Medical and Nursing Management