Amitriptyline modifies the visceral hypersensitivity response to acute stress in the irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Background: Acute physical stress causes alteration in gut autonomic function and visceral hypersensitivity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We have developed a model to measure this stress response. Aim: To assess whether treatment with a drug effective in treating IBS (amitriptyline) alters the response to acute stress in IBS patients. Methods: Nineteen patients with IBS were given amitriptyline 25-50 mg. Patients underwent physical stress (cold pressor) test at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Physiological parameters measured were: stress perception; systemic autonomic tone [heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP)]; gut specific autonomic innervation [rectal muco..