The innervation of the human antro-pyloric region: organization and composition

Although the composition of the gastric innervation has been determined in animal models, relatively little known about the innervation of the human antro-pyloric region. We used immunocytochemical techniques to establish the localization and co-expression of neuropeptides and nitric oxide in the human antrum and upper duodenum. Our results demonstrate the existence of a clearly defined submucosal plexus in the antral region that is absent in rats and guinea pigs. The abundant innervation of the lamina propria contains 3 major nerve populations: VIP- and NOS-, SP- and CGRP-, and GRP-immunoreactive. For the first time, NOS-containing nerve fibers were observed throughout the length of the antral glands. Within the antrum somatostatin was confined to endocrine cells, however, at the pyloric sphincter both enteric plexi contained immunoreactive neurons and nerve fibres. Within the pyloric sphincter CGRP- and SP-immunoreactive fibres were significantly increased, correlating with the presence of large ganglia in the submucosal plexus. In conclusion, the organization and composition of the innervation of human antro-pylorus differed substantially from that reported in other mammals. The presence of an abundant mucosal innervation paralled by a well-defined submucosal plexus indicates that the functional regulation of the gastric-pyloric region will be distinct from that of smaller animal models.