Neural autoantibody evaluation in functional gastrointestinal disorders: a population-based case-control study.

Background: Our goal is to investigate the serum profile of neural autoantibodies in community-based patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional dyspepsia. The pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including IBS and dyspepsia, are unknown. Theories range from purely psychological to autoimmune alterations in GI tract neuromuscular function.