Selection of agents modulating gastrointestinal pain
The present embodiments relate to selection of agents effective in reducing or preventing gastrointestinal pain in a subject. Such an agent is selected and identified if it is capable of reducing spontaneous and/or induced transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation.
1. A method of treating spontaneous and/or induced transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation locally within the gastrointestinal system of a subject having gastrointestinal pain associated with increased spontaneous and/or induced TRPV1 activation, the method comprising administering perorally to the subject a live probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri bacterial strain with the ability to reduce spontaneous and/or induced TRPV1 activation locally in the gastrointestinal system, wherein the reduction in spontaneous and/or induced TRPV1 activation by the live probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri bacterial strain occurs selectively in mesenteric afferent nerve bundles and/or in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in the gastrointestinal system.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the live L. reuteri bacterial strain does not induce cardiovascular complications caused by a decrease in vasoactive peptide release.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the live L. reuteri bacterial strain is L. reuteri DSM 17938.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the live L. reuteri bacterial strain is formulated for oral administration.