Decreased substance P levels in rectal biopsies from patients with slow transit constipation

Abstract

Slow transit constipation is associated with abnormalities of the substance P content of the enteric nervous system of mucosa and submucosa. This seems not to be related to chronic laxative use, since anthranoids cause a reduction in the levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters (VIP, somatostatin), but not of substance P, in the rat colon.