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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Quantitative Cell Migration Assay for Murine Enteric Neural Progenitors

A Quantitative Cell Migration Assay for Murine Enteric Neural Progenitors

Published on: September 18, 2013

Intestinal epithelial stem/progenitor cells are controlled by mucosal afferent nerves.

Ove Lundgren¹, Mats Jodal, Madeleine Jansson

¹Section of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden. ove.lundgren@fysiologi.gu.se

|February 25, 2011

Summary

Enteric nerves regulate intestinal epithelial cell renewal. Stimulating mucosal nerves with capsaicin increases cell proliferation, highlighting the role of the nervous system in maintaining the gut barrier.

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Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Neuroscience
Cell Biology

Background:

Intestinal epithelium maintenance is crucial for organism survival.
Nervous control of epithelial cell renewal is a significant area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of nervous control in intestinal epithelial cell renewal.
To elucidate the mechanisms by which enteric nerves influence gut barrier maintenance.

Main Methods:

Stimulation of mucosal afferent nerves using capsaicin.
Measurement of thymidine kinase (TK) activity and DNA incorporation of (3)H-thymidine.
Assessment of crypt cell proliferation using BrdU labeling.
Pharmacological blockade of nerve pathways and receptor antagonists.

Main Results:

Luminal capsaicin significantly increased markers of epithelial cell renewal.
Nervous mediation of capsaicin's effects was confirmed by local anesthetics and receptor antagonists.
Evidence suggests an axon reflex and involvement of cholinergic nerves, Substance P, and CGRP.
Studies in capsaicin receptor knockout mice and atropine treatment in rats indicated a basal role for nerves in cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

Enteric nerves play a critical role in maintaining the intestinal epithelial barrier.
Cholinergic nerves, influenced by afferent neurons releasing acetylcholine, Substance P, and CGRP, appear to control intestinal stem/progenitor cells.