| Abstract: |
This article describes the interrelationship between stress and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition characterized by abdominal pain and discomfort associated with changes in bowel habits, namely constipation and diarrhea. The author notes the expression of IBS reflects a disorder in which various factors interact. Among these factors, psychosocial trauma and a high rate of stressful life events have been identified as important risk factors. The author describes the physiology of the stress response, then explains the role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF1) receptors in IBS symptoms. The CRF1 receptors are structures on cells that receive a stimulus or message and, in turn, induce a physiological response in the body. CRF1 receptors play a key role in the endocrine, behavioral, and gut responses to stress. The author briefly reviews some medications that are being studied that blockade the CRF1 receptors. 1 reference. |