Myoelectric and autonomic nervous system activity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Folia Med Cracov. 2008;49(3-4):49-58.

Abstract

Explanation of the main causes of symptoms and dysfunctions in the FGIDs is focused on visceral hypersensitivity. Sympathetic stimulation increases sensitivity of visceral receptors. Thus overall influences of the autonomic nervous system are important not only in regulation of secretion and motility of the gastrointestinal tract but also in visceral sensation. The aim of this study was to evaluate gastric motility disturbances and changes in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in irritable bowel syndrome patients (IBS). Our results show changes of the autonomic system activity in patients with IBS: decreased parasympathetic and increased sympathetic activity. The patients with autonomic dysfunction had also high percentage of dysrrhythmia time. We conclude that dyspeptic symptoms in patients with autonomic dysfunction are caused mostly by high adrenergic drive resulting in dysrrhythmias and decrease in the EGG amplitude.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autonomic Nervous System / physiopathology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Electromyography
  • Electrophysiology
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Motility*
  • Humans
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myoelectric Complex, Migrating
  • Reference Values
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiopathology