Current treatments, which mostly aim to restore bowel habits, are ineffective for intestinal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Abnormal gut-derived serotonin metabolism and mucosal neurite outgrowth are linked to visceral hypersensitivity. Enhanced mucosal innervation dependent on 5-HT7 contributes to hyperalgesia in two IBS-like mouse models. A positive-feedback loop between serotonin and neurotrophin is involved in intensifying nerve fiber elongation. A novel 5-HT7 receptor antagonist may be administered orally as an intestinal analgesic for IBS-related pain.
- Wen-Ying Chang
- Yi-Ting Yang
- Linda Chia-Hui Yu
