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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)
08:15

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)

Published on: December 1, 2010

Oestrogen inhibits human colonic motility by a non-genomic cell membrane receptor-dependent mechanism

A M Hogan1, R Kennelly, D Collins

  • 1Institute for Clinical Outcomes Research and Education, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

The British Journal of Surgery
|May 1, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Oestrogen significantly reduces human colon muscle contractions through a rapid, non-genomic pathway. This finding may explain gastrointestinal symptoms in women related to oestrogen levels.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Classical oestrogen effects involve nuclear receptor binding and gene activation.
  • Rapid, non-genomic oestrogenic effects bypassing DNA transcription are known.
  • The impact of oestrogen on colonic motility remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of oestrogen on human colonic smooth muscle contractility.
  • To determine if the effect is genomic or non-genomic.
  • To explore the mechanism of oestrogen action on the colon.

Main Methods:

  • Human colon smooth muscle strips were isolated and mounted in organ baths.
  • Strips were exposed to 17beta-oestradiol or BSA-conjugated 17beta-oestradiol.
  • Contractile responses to carbachol were measured in the presence or absence of oestrogen receptor antagonist (fulvestrant) or protein synthesis inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Oestrogen significantly inhibited colonic smooth muscle contractility (P < 0.001).
  • The inhibitory effect was rapid, reversible, and occurred with both forms of oestrogen.
  • The effect was not altered by cycloheximide but was inhibited by fulvestrant, indicating receptor mediation.

Conclusions:

  • Oestrogen decreases contractility in human colonic smooth muscle.
  • The mechanism is non-genomic, involving cell membrane coupling.
  • This rapid action suggests a role for oestrogen in modulating colonic motility.

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