Method for selection of agents influencing intestinal motility disorders and pain

Abstract

A method is provided for evaluating agents for the treatment of different intestinal motility disorders, using distinct methodological parts related to musculature and nerves of the GI tract which communicate with the brain. In particular, the present invention provides a method for the selection of an agent effective for the treatment of an intestinal motility disorder, wherein said method comprises: a) a step of spatiotemporal (ST) mapping carried out on a gastrointestinal segment to analyse the effect of said agent on gastrointestinal motility; and b) a step of ex vivo nerve bundle recording carried out on a gastrointestinal segment to analyse the effect of said agent on mesenteric afferent nerve firing. Bacterial strains selected by the methods of the invention and the use of said bacterial strains in the treatment of intestinal motility disorders are also provided.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A method of decreasing migrating motor complex (MMC) frequency and MMC velocity in the jejunum and increasing MMC frequency and MMC velocity in the colon, wherein said method also decreases mesenteric afferent nerve firing in both jejunum and colon, comprising administering to a subject a single  Lactobacillus reuteri  bacterial strain with the ability to exert differential effects on said MMC frequency and MMC velocity in jejunum and in colon. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said  Lactobacillus reuteri  bacterial strain reduces jejunum motility and increases colon motility, when administered to a subject. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein decreasing migrating motor complex (MMC) frequency and MMC velocity in the jejunum by the  Lactobacillus reuteri  bacterial strain increases the transit time of material through the jejunum when administered to a subject, thereby increasing nutrient absorption from the transiting material in the jejunum. 
     
     
         30 . The method of claim  1 , wherein said  Lactobacillus reuteri  bacterial strain decreases the transit time of material through the colon when administered to a subject, thereby treating and/or reducing the risk of developing constipation in said subject. 
     
     
         31 . The method of claim  1 , wherein said bacterial strain is  Lactobacillus reuteri  DSM 17938, having been deposited under DSMZ Accession No. DSM 17938.