Effect of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 on Post-inflammatory Visceral Sensory Function in a Rat Model

Objective: Visceral hyperalgesia plays a key role in the manifestation of functional gastrointestinal disorders. In a subgroup of patients the initial manifestation is preceded by gastrointestinal inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated an improvement of inflammation and symptoms during treatment with E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) (1). Aims: We aimed to characterize the effects of EcN on visceral sensitivity in a rat model of post-inflammatory visceral hyperalgesia. Methods: Male Lewis rats underwent colorectal instillation of Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) plus an equal amount of ethanol or physiologica…