Research continues in the area of treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The role of neurotransmitters (which carry messages from the brain to the rest of the body) in intestinal motility and communicating pain signals is one area of research.

In addition, new medications are being tested for the treatment of symptoms in patients with IBS. These include:

• Cilansetron (a selective 5-HT3 antagonist) is being tested for effectiveness in treating men and women with diarrhea-predominant IBS.
  
  
• Kappa-opioid agonist (fedotozine) is a laboratory-produced narcotic pain reliever designed to reduce abdominal pain.
  
  
• Alpha-2-adrenergic agents are designed to relieve pain and maintain normal bowel functioning.

In addition, the manufacturer of the medication lubiprostone (used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation) is currently seeking market approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of a reduced dosage to treat patients with constipation-predominant IBS.

Specific types of imaging tests are being used in this research. These include brain imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a type of MRI. These imaging tests may identify areas of the brain which are activated following intestinal stimulation and aid in the development of new medications to help control symptoms of IBS.