Pathophysiology· 2026Q1· Review
Central Neural Circuits Underlying Stress-Associated Bowel Disorders
- 0citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
This review outlines central neural circuits, including hypothalamic, midbrain, limbic, and cortical regions, that modulate visceral sensation and colorectal motility, explaining their role in stress-associated bowel disorders like IBS.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS are classified as gut-brain interaction disorders involving central nervous system information processing.
- Understanding IBS pathophysiology requires focusing on central neural circuits regulating visceral sensation and colorectal motility.
- The review outlines autonomic outflow to the colorectum and descending neural pathways modulating spinal visceral sensory processing.
- Key brain regions discussed include the hypothalamus, midbrain, limbic system, and cortex, and their regulation of these processes under stress.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Psychological stress can cause or exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to the Rome V framework, functional gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS, are classified as gut–brain interaction disorders. These disorders involve information processing by the central nervous system. Therefore, to understand IBS pathophysiology, it is necessary to focus on the central neural circuits regulating visceral sensation and colorectal motility. In this review, we first outline the autonomic outflow that controls the colorectum and then focus on descending neural pathways that modulate spinal visceral sensory processing and colorectal autonomic outflow, as well as the hypothalamic, midbrain, limbic, and cortical regions that regulate these processes. Finally, we outline their effects within the context of stress.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Pathophysiology, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Gastroenterology
GastroenterologyMedicine