Physiopharmacology of the peristaltic reflex: an update

The peristaltic reflex is one of the simplest models which can be used to study the function of enteric neurons by recording intestinal motor activity. Peristalsis consists of a coordinated, aborally propagating motor activity which requires the functional integrity of receptor pathways, excitatory and inhibitory neural pathways and neuromuscular junctions. Luminal distension elicits polarized responses: an ascending excitatory response (ascending contraction) and a descending inhibitory response (descending relaxation). The present paper reviews the most recent acquisitions on the neural pathways and neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of the peristaltic reflex.