Context
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition arising from both genetic and environmental factors. It is characterized by a group of symptoms affecting the digestive system, including abdominal discomfort and altered bowel movements. Little is known about the environmental triggers for IBS. IBS symptoms might result from an altered immune response. [1]. Aluminum is a common additive in food and is also largely present as a food contaminant through contact with kitchen utensils or packaging. In Europe, it was estimated recently that the tolerable ingested amount of aluminum is far exceeded in a large share of the population, especially in children [2]. It has been shown that aluminum ingestion at a dose of 1.5mg.kg.d altered gut homeostasis and the expression of tight junction proteins in epithelial cells [3].
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of aluminum ingestion in rodent models of visceral hypersensitivity. The Precellys 24 homogenizer (Bertin Technologies, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France) was used to homogenize colon samples of rats that were treated orally with aluminum citrate (AlCi, a dietary form of aluminum). Then the Bertin Bioreagent Histamine ELISA kit (Bertin Bioreagent, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France) was used to evaluate the histamine levels in rat colon homogenates, as a marker for inflammation.
