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Age-induced changes in the enteric nervous system in the mouse.
M El-Salhy1, O Sandström, F Holmlund
1Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden. magdy.el-salhy@med.umu.se
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|April 10, 1999
Summary
Aging in mice leads to significant changes in the enteric nervous system (ENS), impacting gut motility. These findings suggest potential relevance for gastrointestinal dysfunction in older individuals.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
Background:
- The enteric nervous system (ENS) regulates gut function.
- Age-related changes in the ENS may contribute to gastrointestinal disorders in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related alterations in the murine enteric nervous system.
- To quantify changes in neuronal populations and nerve fiber density in aging mice.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry using protein gene product 9.5 (a general nerve marker).
- Quantitative analysis of myenteric and submucosal plexi in mice aged 1, 3, 12, and 24 months.
- Computerized image analysis for neuronal counts and nerve fiber volume density.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in neurons per ganglion in antrum, duodenum, and colon of older mice (12 and 24 months) compared to younger mice (3 months).
- Increased relative volume density of nerve fibers in the antral muscularis propria of older mice.
- Smaller myenteric ganglia and fewer submucosal ganglia per millimeter in the colon of aged mice.
Conclusions:
- Aging induces significant structural changes in the murine enteric nervous system.
- These ENS alterations may underlie age-associated gastrointestinal motility dysfunctions observed in humans.