Visceral sensitivity: pathophysiological role and therapeutic advances in functional bowel disorders

ANATOMICAL BASIS OF DIGESTIVE SENSITIVITY NEUROMEDIATORS PHYSIOLOGY OF DIGESTIVE AFFERENT NERVE PATHWAYS VISCERAL HYPERSENSITIVITY AND IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME Clinical concept of visceral hypersensitivity Methods for measurement of hypersensitivity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome Factors influencing measurements of sensory thresholds Aetiology of hypersensitivity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome THERAPEUTIC PERSPECTIVES Substances acting on serotonine receptors 5-HT3 receptor antagonists 5-HT4 receptor antagonists Fedotozine, an agonist of peripheral opioid K receptors Other neurotransmitters CONCLUSION