Korean J Neurogastroenterol Motil.  2006 Jun;12(1):63-68.

beta-Adrenergic Receptor Sensitivity, Mood State and Colonic Sensation in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Yu BH
• Kang EH
• Kim HS
• Rhee PL

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Autonomic abnormalities and mood state have been frequently reported in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study was designed to assess beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity and mood in IBS patients without depressive or anxiety disorders, and to examine the relationship among beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity, mood and colonic sensation in IBS patients.
METHODS
Eighteen IBS patients were compared with the same number of age- and sex- matched normal control subjects. To assess beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity, we measured the chronotropic 25 dose (CD25). The balloon distension test was performed to measure colonic sensation in the IBS patients. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) were also used.
RESULTS
The beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group, and the IBS patients showed higher scores on the HAM-D and HAM-A. The beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity was positively correlated with HAM-A scores in all IBS patients and the perception of discomfort in the constipation-predominant IBS patients.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity is increased in IBS patients who do not have depressive or anxiety disorders. Anxiety and altered beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity may be related to colonic sensation in some IBS patients.

Keyword

Irritable bowel syndrome; beta-Adrenergic receptor; Anxiety; Colonic perception

MeSH Terms

Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Colon*
Depression
Humans
Irritable Bowel Syndrome*
Sensation*