Neurogastroenterology and motility : the official journal of the European Gastrointestinal Motility Society
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The approach of this review is to give a pragmatic approach to using laxatives, based on a combination of what is known about mechanism of action and the available literature on evidence.
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Neurogastroenterol. Motil. · Nov 2006
ReviewElectrical stimulation - an evolving concept in the treatment of colonic motor dysfunctions.
Electrical stimulation of digestive organs is a new approach for the treatment of dismotility-based diseases affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The most significant advancement in this field has been obtained with stomach stimulation. ⋯ Over the past decade, several stimulation patterns to modulate colon motility have been tested in animal and human models. The results of these studies are reviewed here in connection with aspects regarding physiological mechanisms activated by electrical stimulation of the colon.
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Neurogastroenterol. Motil. · Apr 2005
ReviewAlvimopan, a selective peripherally acting mu-opioid antagonist.
Alvimopan is a novel, peripherally acting mu-opioid antagonist that is being developed for the management of acute postoperative ileus and for the reversal of the delayed gastrointestinal and colonic transit that result in symptoms such as constipation, nausea and motility disorders in patients treated with opiate analgesics. There is a clinical need for effective medications for the treatment of postoperative ileus and opiate-induced constipation and other motility disorders. This review addresses the basic and applied pharmacology and current evidence for the use of the medication, alvimopan, in clinical gastroenterology.
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Neurogastroenterol. Motil. · Apr 2004
ReviewRole of peripheral CRF signalling pathways in stress-related alterations of gut motility and mucosal function.
Central corticotrophin releasing-factor (CRF) signalling pathways are involved in the endocrine, behavioural and visceral responses to stress. Recent studies indicate that peripheral CRF-related mechanisms also contribute to stress-induced changes in gut motility and intestinal mucosal function. Peripheral injection of CRF or urocortin inhibits gastric emptying and motility through interaction with CRF2 receptors and stimulates colonic transit, motility, Fos expression in myenteric neurones and defecation through activation of CRF1 receptors. ⋯ Similarly, early trauma enhanced intestinal mucosal dysfunction to an acute stressor in adult rats and the response is prevented by peripheral injection of CRF antagonist. Chronic psychological stress results in reduced host defence and initiates intestinal inflammation through mast cell-dependent mechanisms. These findings provide convergent evidence that activation of peripheral CRF receptors and mast cells are important mechanisms involved in stress-related alterations of gut physiology.