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Related Concept Videos

Nerve Supply of the GI Tract01:27

Nerve Supply of the GI Tract

The neuronal supply to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for regulating various functions, including digestion, absorption, and movement of food. This intricate network of nerves is known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), often referred to as the "second brain" of the body.
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of the GI tract...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease01:25

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla01:27

Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla

The sympathetic pathways of the collateral ganglia and adrenal medulla serve unique but interconnected roles in the sympathetic response.
Collateral Ganglia
Sympathetic preganglionic axons reach the collateral ganglia along the route of splanchnic nerves. These nerves bypass the sympathetic trunk and communicate with sympathetic postganglionic neurons housed in the prevertebral ganglia. These ganglia supply the organs of the abdominopelvic cavity.
The greater splanchnic nerve, formed by the...
Spinal Nerves: Plexus II01:21

Spinal Nerves: Plexus II

The plexuses of the lower body include the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal plexuses, which innervate the abdomen, pelvis, legs, and coccygeal region. These plexuses control the transmission of sensory information and coordinate motor functions of the lower body.
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...
Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity01:11

Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity

The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) plays a pivotal role in regulating gastrointestinal or GI motor activity. This complex network of nerves, deeply embedded within the gut wall, responds to changes in the gut environment and receives input from both the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system. By doing so, the ENS operates various programs tailored to the body's nutritional status and needs.
During periods of fasting, the ENS initiates the migrating myoelectric complex, a program...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...

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Related Experiment Video

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In vitro Functional Characterization of Mouse Colorectal Afferent Endings
14:09

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Published on: January 21, 2015

Hyperinnervation in intestinal deep infiltrating endometriosis.

Guoyun Wang1, Natsuko Tokushige, Peter Russell

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China. wangguoy@sdu.edu.cn

Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology
|November 10, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Endometriotic lesions in the bowel show significantly more nerve fibers than other locations. This increased innervation may explain the severe pain experienced by patients with intestinal deep infiltrating endometriosis.

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Innervation of Human Intestinal Organoids
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In vitro Functional Characterization of Mouse Colorectal Afferent Endings
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Innervation of Human Intestinal Organoids
07:23

Innervation of Human Intestinal Organoids

Published on: January 17, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Gynecologic pathology
  • Neuroscience
  • Surgical pathology

Background:

  • Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus.
  • Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) can affect various organs, including the bowel.
  • The innervation patterns of bowel endometriosis are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the extent and types of nerve fibers within endometriotic lesions of the bowel.
  • To compare the innervation of intestinal DIE with other DIE locations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective immunohistochemical study of 36 women with deep infiltrating endometriosis.
  • Specimens from sigmoid colon, appendix, and rectum were stained for various nerve markers.
  • Antibodies targeted myelinated, unmyelinated, sensory, and autonomic nerve fibers.

Main Results:

  • Intestinal DIE exhibited significantly higher nerve fiber density (172.6/mm²) compared to other DIE sites (67.6/mm²).
  • Sensory (Adelta, C), cholinergic, and adrenergic nerve fibers were abundant in intestinal DIE.
  • Nerve growth factor (NGF) pathway components (tyrosine kinase receptor A, p75) and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) were highly expressed.

Conclusions:

  • The bowel is significantly hyperinnervated in cases of deep infiltrating endometriosis.
  • This hyperinnervation likely contributes to the severe pain associated with intestinal endometriosis.
  • Understanding these neural mechanisms is crucial for managing endometriosis-associated pain.