Sex specific alterations in autonomic function among patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with increased psychological symptoms, early life stressors, and alterations in visceral perception and brain responses to noxious visceral stimuli. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a likely mediator for these brain-gut interactions. The few studies directly examining ANS measures have been suggestive of alterations in some IBS patients, but no studies to date have examined the potentially critical variables of sex differences or response to visceral stimulation.

Aims

(1) To test differences in ANS function during rest and during a visceral stressor (rectosigmoid balloon distension) between IBS patients and healthy control subjects. (2) To examine the role of sex on the autonomic responses of IBS patients.

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SUBMITTER: Tillisch K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1774694 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature