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

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.