Given that mechanical stretch induces marked expression of COX-2, and COX-2 derived prostaglandins suppress muscle contractions (Shi et al., 2011; Lin et al., 2012a), Lin et al. (2012b) studied the therapeutic and prophylactic effects of COX-2 inhibitors on smooth muscle function and gut motility in bowel obstruction in rats (Lin et al., 2012b). Here, PTGS2 is linked to intestinal obstruction.