Novel Mast Cell Stabilizers in the Treatment of Postoperative Ileus

SPM 8 was applied to test anatomical regions of interest in the pINS, aINS and the aMCC while maintaining a family-wise error rate at p<.05. We also tested the possible effects of gut distension on processing speed and cognitive performance, indexed by mean reaction time and accuracy.Results:Subliminal or supraliminal gut distention during performance of the high or low processing load task did not significantly increase activity in pINS or aINS. However, during the high cognitive load task,supraliminal distension resulted in a reduction of aMCC activity. As expected, reaction time was longer during the high processing load compared to the low processing load task. However,subliminal and supraliminal balloon inflation did not alter reaction time or accuracy rates on the task. Conclusions:In healthy participants: 1)When attention is focused away from the gut, subliminal andmildly supraliminal rectal distension is not associated with activation of the primary interoceptive cortex, while supraliminal distension is associated with a reduction of aMCC activity during a high processing load task. These findings are consistent with possible engagement of descending inhibitory systems during the attention task, reducing interoceptive inflow to the brain.2) Low intensity visceral stimulation does not interfere with cognitive performance.