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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Equine Enteric Glial Culture and Application to the Study of a Neural Inflammatory Mechanism in Equine Colic
Published on: October 4, 2024
Fundamentals of neurogastroenterology: basic science
David Grundy1, Elie D Al-Chaer, Qasim Aziz
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England.
Neurogastroenterology research highlights the gut-brain axis and enteric nervous system (ENS) in functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Understanding neural pathways is key to developing effective treatments for abdominal pain and gut dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neurogastroenterology
- Neurobiology
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
Background:
- Rome II focused on the enteric nervous system (ENS).
- This review covers advances in ENS neurobiology post-Rome II.
- Emphasis is placed on brain-gut-spinal cord interactions relevant to FGIDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a consensus overview of neurogastroenterology fundamentals related to FGIDs.
- To review basic science understanding of visceral sensation and its modulation.
- To examine advances in ENS neurophysiology and their relevance to FGIDs.
Main Methods:
- Literature evaluation by a neurogastroenterology expert committee.
- Review of basic science research, including animal studies on visceral sensitivity and neural control.
- Analysis of human brain imaging studies for translating basic science to FGID symptoms.
Main Results:
- Dysfunction in the nervous system is implicated in FGID symptoms.
- Inflammation and stress significantly modulate visceral sensation.
- Advances in understanding ENS neurophysiology provide insights into gut function.
Conclusions:
- Neurogastroenterologic factors are significant contributors to FGID symptom development.
- Mechanistic understanding of FGIDs is advancing through neurobiological research.
- This research is expected to benefit patients and caregivers dealing with FGIDs.
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