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A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis
Published on: July 28, 2023
Mast cell-nerve axis with a focus on the human gut
Sabine Buhner1, Michael Schemann
1Human Biology, Technische Universität München, Germany.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|June 28, 2011
Summary
This review explores the mast cell-nerve axis in the human intestine, a key component of the gut brain axis. It details how mast cell mediators influence enteric neurons and how neuropeptides modulate mast cell activity.
Area of Science:
- Neurogastroenterology
- Immunology
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
Background:
- The gut brain axis involves complex interactions between the nervous system and immune cells in the intestine.
- Mast cells are immune cells residing in the intestinal mucosa, known to interact with neural elements.
- Understanding the mast cell-nerve axis is crucial for comprehending gut function and dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the interactions between intestinal mast cells and enteric neurons within the human gut brain axis.
- To highlight the functional relevance of the mast cell-nerve axis in the human intestine.
- To compare and contrast the mast cell-nerve axis organization in humans versus rodents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on mast cell-nerve interactions in the human intestine.
- Analysis of functional roles of mast cell mediators (e.g., histamine, proteases, cytokines, serotonin) on human enteric nervous system (ENS).
- Examination of neuropeptide modulation of mast cell mediator release.
Main Results:
- Identified key human mast cell mediators (histamine, proteases, cytokines, chemokines, serotonin) that act on neural targets in the ENS.
- Described the reciprocal modulation where neuropeptides from enteric and visceral afferent nerves influence mast cell mediator release.
- Discussed similarities and differences in the mast cell-nerve axis organization between humans and rodents.
Conclusions:
- The mast cell-nerve axis is a functionally significant interaction in the human intestine, contributing to the gut brain axis.
- Human intestinal mast cells release mediators that directly impact neural function, while enteric nerves modulate mast cell activity.
- Further research into this axis may reveal therapeutic targets for gastrointestinal disorders.
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