Sensitization of colonic nociceptors by IL-13 is dependent on JAK and p38 MAPK activity

The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-13 (IL-13) is elevated in gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. This study confirms a role for IL-13 in colonic afferent sensitization and defines a role for downstream Janus kinase (JAK) and p38 MAPK signaling in colonic mechanosensitization. It is shown that IL-13-mediated increase in [Ca2+]i in capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons is dependent on p38 MAPK, and JAK signaling and IL-13-induced sensitization of colonic afferents to noxious mechanical distension is abolished by inhibition of p38 MAPK and JAK.