Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
05:08
A TNBS-Induced Rodent Model to Study the Pathogenic Role of Mechanical Stress in Crohn's Disease
Published on: March 1, 2022
Tolerance for rectosigmoid distention in irritable bowel syndrome
W E Whitehead1, B Holtkotter, P Enck
1Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Gastroenterology
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients show lower pain tolerance for rectosigmoid balloon distention, but psychological factors and gut contractions are not the cause. Peripheral mechanisms may explain IBS pain.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurogastroenterology
- Visceral Pain Research
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by visceral hypersensitivity.
- Two hypotheses proposed psychological overreaction and gut motility as causes of IBS pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of rectosigmoid distention pain in IBS patients.
- To test the roles of psychological factors and colonic contractions in IBS visceral pain.
Main Methods:
- Compared balloon distention tolerance in IBS patients, functional bowel disorder patients, lactose malabsorbers, and controls.
- Assessed tolerance for ice water immersion as a control stimulus.
- Measured rectosigmoid motility and administered psychometric and psychiatric assessments.
Main Results:
- IBS patients exhibited significantly lower tolerance to balloon distention compared to controls.
- Pain tolerance did not correlate with psychological traits (neuroticism, anxiety, depression).
- Rectosigmoid motility was not associated with distention pain tolerance.
Conclusions:
- The study rejected hypotheses linking IBS distention pain to psychological exaggeration or colonic contractions.
- Findings suggest a peripheral mechanism, potentially altered receptor sensitivity, as the cause of visceral pain in IBS.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
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...
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...
01:21Drugs 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...
01:17Irritable 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...
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...
01:30Irritable 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:
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:
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:23Irritable Bowel Syndrome
DefinitionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent combinations of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndromeIts pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving disturbances in motility, sensory processing, microbial balance, barrier integrity, and gut–brain communication. These mechanisms interact to produce symptoms that vary across IBS subtypes.Altered Motility PatternsDisordered...