Are functional constipation and constipation-subtype irritable bowel syndrome distinct with respect to 5-hydroxytryptamine signalling and motor-sensory function?

Abstract

Introduction Recent studies suggest that patients identified by Rome III criteria for functional constipation (FC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) are not distinct groups. We have shown that patients with IBS-C exhibit limited 5-HT response to meal ingestion, with plasma concentrations remaining similar to fasting. Our aim was to determine whether patients with FC show a similar 5-HT meal response as IBS-C, and to investigate relationships to motor-sensory function. Methods 23 IBS-C patients (aged 19–50 years; Rome III), 11 FC patients (25–46 years; Rome III) and 23 health..