Colonic luminal serine-protease activity: a pathophysiological factor in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Introduction and aims: A recently detected elevated colonic luminal serine-protease activity in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) raised our interest in search for an organic background in the poorly understood pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of elevated fecal serine-protease activity in visceral hypersensitivity and increased colonic paracellular permeability (CPP), two characteristic features of IBS. Methods: Abdominal muscle EMG response evoked by colorectal balloon distensions was registered in mice 60min after intracolonic administrati…