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Pathophysiology
Volume 33
Issue 4
10.3390/pathophysiology33040077
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Review

Central Neural Circuits Underlying Stress-Associated Bowel Disorders

by
Natsufu Yuki
1,
Tomoya Sawamura
2,
Takahiko Shiina
1,3 and
Yasutake Shimizu
1,3,*
1
Department of Basic Veterinary Science, Laboratory of Physiology, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
2
Institute for Glyco-Core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
3
Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Institute for Advanced Study, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Pathophysiology 2026, 33(4), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathophysiology33040077
Submission received: 5 August 2026 / Revised: 24 September 2026 / Accepted: 13 October 2026 / Published: 15 October 2026
Versions Notes

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.
Keywords: irritable bowel syndrome; disorders of gut–brain interaction; colorectal motility; visceral pain; descending pathways; lumbosacral spinal cord; pelvic nerve; monoaminergic pathways; brain–gut interaction irritable bowel syndrome; disorders of gut–brain interaction; colorectal motility; visceral pain; descending pathways; lumbosacral spinal cord; pelvic nerve; monoaminergic pathways; brain–gut interaction

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MDPI and ACS Style

Yuki, N.; Sawamura, T.; Shiina, T.; Shimizu, Y. Central Neural Circuits Underlying Stress-Associated Bowel Disorders. Pathophysiology 2026, 33, 77. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathophysiology33040077

AMA Style

Yuki N, Sawamura T, Shiina T, Shimizu Y. Central Neural Circuits Underlying Stress-Associated Bowel Disorders. Pathophysiology. 2026; 33(4):77. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathophysiology33040077

Chicago/Turabian Style

Yuki, Natsufu, Tomoya Sawamura, Takahiko Shiina, and Yasutake Shimizu. 2026. "Central Neural Circuits Underlying Stress-Associated Bowel Disorders" Pathophysiology 33, no. 4: 77. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathophysiology33040077

APA Style

Yuki, N., Sawamura, T., Shiina, T., & Shimizu, Y. (2026). Central Neural Circuits Underlying Stress-Associated Bowel Disorders. Pathophysiology, 33(4), 77. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathophysiology33040077

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