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Endocrine cells in the denervated intestine
G C Santos1, S Zucoloto, S B Garcia
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
International Journal of Experimental Pathology
|September 6, 2000
Summary
Myenteric denervation of the jejunum using benzalkonium chloride (BAC) significantly reduced neurons and increased enteroendocrine cells. This suggests BAC-induced nerve damage causes neurotransmitter imbalance and cell hyperplasia in the gut.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurogastroenterology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The myenteric plexus regulates gastrointestinal function.
- Enteroendocrine cells play crucial roles in gut homeostasis and signaling.
- Neurotransmitter imbalances can disrupt normal gut physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of myenteric denervation on the endocrine cell population in the jejunum.
- To determine the long-term effects of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) treatment on the crypt-villus unit.
Main Methods:
- Myenteric denervation of the proximal jejunum was induced using benzalkonium chloride (BAC) in male Wistar rats.
- A control group was treated with saline solution.
- Endocrine cell populations (serotoninergic and argyrophilic cells) were quantified 5 months post-treatment.
Main Results:
- BAC treatment led to a significant reduction in neuron numbers within the jejunal myenteric plexus.
- A significant increase in both serotoninergic and argyrophilic endocrine cells was observed in the BAC-treated group.
- These changes occurred in the crypt-villus unit of the proximal jejunum.
Conclusions:
- Myenteric denervation induced by BAC causes a local neurotransmitter imbalance.
- This imbalance consequentially leads to hyperplasia of enteroendocrine cells (serotoninergic and argyrophilic) in the jejunum.
- The findings highlight a link between neural integrity and endocrine cell regulation in the gut.