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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
07:04
Modeling Age-Associated Neurodegenerative Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: August 15, 2020
Enteric neurodegeneration in ageing.
M Camilleri1, T Cowen, T R Koch
1Departments of Medicine and Physiology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. camilleri.michael@mayo.edu
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|February 9, 2008
Summary
Degeneration of the enteric nervous system, a cause of constipation in older adults, involves loss of excitatory neurons. Research into neurotrophins and 5-HT mechanisms may offer future treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Ageing is associated with increased prevalence of constipation, incontinence, and evacuation disorders.
- Healthy lower gastrointestinal function is crucial for maintaining independence and autonomy in the elderly.
- Enteric neurodegeneration contributes to functional gastrointestinal disorders, impacting quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation and neurobiology of enteric nervous system degeneration.
- To emphasize human data regarding enteric neurodegeneration and its impact on ageing.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for reversing enteric neurodegeneration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on clinical presentation and neurobiology of enteric nervous system degeneration.
- Emphasis on human data and available research findings.
- Analysis of mechanisms involving neurons, interstitial cells of Cajal, and neurotrophic factors.
Main Results:
- Constipation is a clinical manifestation of enteric neurodegeneration, often multifactorial.
- Evidence suggests loss of excitatory (cholinergic) enteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal.
- Inhibitory (nitrergic) neurons appear unaffected in this process.
- Neurotrophins may accelerate colonic transit and have antioxidant roles, but require further study in ageing colons.
- 5-HT(2) and 5-HT(4) mechanisms are implicated in enteric neuron development, maintenance, and survival.
Conclusions:
- Understanding enteric neurodegeneration is key to developing effective treatments.
- Neurotrophins show potential for medium-term relief of constipation and maintenance of enteric neurons.
- Further research is essential to elucidate and potentially reverse enteric neurodegeneration for improved gastrointestinal health in ageing populations.
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