Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and Brain Activity in IBS

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26870039
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Neurophysiology / General neuroscience; General internal medicine(including psychosomatic medicine)
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Tanaka Yukari 東北大学, 東北メディカル・メガバンク機構, 助教 (50721453)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 過敏性腸症候群 / 脳腸相関 / 自律神経活動 / 副腎皮質刺激ホルモン放出ホルモン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mediates stress responses in the brain-gut axis. Exogenous CRH differentially sensitizes brain regions of the emotional-arousal circuitry within the visceral pain matrix to colorectal distention and synergetic activation of noradrenergic function in IBS patients and healthy individuals. Administration of CRH also modulates the autonomic nervous system in response to colorectal distention. The relationship between HPA-sympathoadrenal responses and CRH levels during colorectal distention differs between patients with IBS and controls. Modulation of adrenal gland activity in response to ACTH stimulation may contribute to the brain-gut pathophysiology characteristic of IBS.

Free Research Field

消化器内科学