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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
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An In-vitro Preparation of Isolated Enteric Neurons and Glia from the Myenteric Plexus of the Adult Mouse
Published on: August 7, 2013
Dual purinergic synaptic transmission in the human enteric nervous system
J E Wunderlich1, B J Needleman, Z Chen
1Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
|December 15, 2007
Summary
Purinergic signaling modulates human intestinal nerve activity. Adenosine A3 receptors (AdoA3R) inhibit neurotransmission, while P2Y1 receptors (P2Y1R) activate it, offering targets for gut disorder treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurogastroenterology
- Cellular Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rodent studies suggest purinergic signaling influences intestinal synaptic transmission.
- The role of purinergic modulation in the human enteric nervous system (huENS) remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate purinergic modulation of synaptic transmission in the human intestine.
- To characterize the involvement of specific purinergic receptors (P2Y1R, AdoA3R) in huENS function.
Main Methods:
- Intraneuronal calcium (Ca2+) imaging in submucosal plexus (SMP) neurons from Roux-en-Y specimens.
- Fiber tract stimulation (FTS) and distension reflexes to assess synaptic responses and chloride secretion (Isc).
- Pharmacological manipulation using receptor antagonists, agonists, and knockdown techniques.
Main Results:
- FTS evoked frequency-dependent Ca2+ responses in 62% of huENS neurons, modulated by N-type Ca2+ channels and nicotinic receptors.
- P2Y1 receptor activation was linked to Ca2+ signaling via PLC, while AdoA3R activation inhibited FTS-evoked Ca2+ responses.
- AdoA3R inhibition augmented distension-induced chloride secretion, indicating its role in regulating huENS output.
Conclusions:
- The human submucosal plexus serves as a viable model for studying huENS synaptic transmission.
- Purinergic signaling, particularly via P2Y1R and inhibitory AdoA3R, plays a critical role in regulating neurotransmission in the human intestine.
- Targeting these purinergic pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal disorders.
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