Abstract #0840

Hoad C, Evans S, Totman J, Marciani L, Spiller R, Gowland P, Mistry A

The symptoms of IBS can be aggravated by bran but the underlying mechanisms are currently unknown. This study aimed to exploit the potential of MRI to test the hypothesis that bran acts via mechanical stimulation of secretions. We measured gastric emptying, small bowel water content and size of colon segments following a standard rice pudding test meal with or without bran in twelve healthy volunteers. We could confirm the substantial effect of coarse bran on the small intestine. The technique is non-invasive and allows serial studies. It is ideally suited to study mechanisms of secretion using serotonin agonists and antagonists.