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The papers in this chapter have examined the influence of the central nervous system (CNS) and other body systems on visceral sensitivity and adaptation, with particular reference to functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Recent studies suggest that hypersensitivity of the gut may result from moderate stimulation of intrinsic sensory neurones which leads to enhanced excitability of these neurones over several hours, that is, sustained slow postsynaptic excitation (SSPE). This phenomenon may explain long term changes in the responsiveness of enteric neurones and resultant hypersensitivity observed in conditions such as IBS. There is evidence from both human and animal studies that IBS-like changes can be induced by repeated stimulation of intrinsic sensory neurones. A probable mechanism behind SSPE is phosphorylation of ion channels or their regulator proteins and these channel alterations may …