J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2004 Jan;43(1):40-45.

Beta-adrenergic Receptor Function and Anxiety in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Kang EH
• Rhee PL
• Lee JH
• Kim HS
• Rhee JC
• Yu BH

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Recently, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is known to be related with neurotransmitters. This study was designed to determine beta-adrenergic receptor function in patients with IBS and to compared with normal controls to examine the relationship between beta-adrenergic receptor function and anxiety in IBS patients.
METHODS
Eighteen IBS patients were compared with the same number of age and sex-matched normal subjects in terms of beta-adrenergic receptor function and psychological variables reflecting anxiety levels. To assess beta-adrenergic receptor function, Chronotropic 25 dose (CD25) was calculated via isoproterenol stimulation test.
RESULTS
CD25 values in the patient group were significantly lower than those in the control group, which reflected increased beta-adrenergic receptor function (2.19+/-1.08 versus 3.89+/-1.64, p<0.05). Patients with IBS showed higher HAM-A scores (8.88+/-4.88 versus 3.59+/-2.65, p<0.01), HAM-D scores (6.41+/-4.02 versus 2.47+/-2.40, p<0.01), BDI scores (9.00+/-6.21 versus 4.72+/-4.30, p<0.05), and STAI scores (STAI-S: 43.41+/-6.34 versus 33.83+/-8.18, p<0.01, STAI-T: 44.65+/-7.43 versus 38.17+/-8.45, p<0.05). In addition, HAM-A scores were negatively correlated with CD25 values in the patient group (r=-0.424, p<0.01).
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that beta-adrenergic receptor function is increased in patients with IBS, which could affect increased anxiety levels in these patients.

Keyword

Irritable bowel syndrome; Beta-adrenergic receptor; Anxiety

MeSH Terms

Anxiety*
Humans
Irritable Bowel Syndrome*
Isoproterenol
Neurotransmitter Agents
Isoproterenol
Neurotransmitter Agents