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Updated: May 24, 2026
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In Vitro Recording of Mesenteric Afferent Nerve Activity in Mouse Jejunal and Colonic Segments
Published on: October 25, 2016
Nerve activity recordings in routine human intestinal biopsies
Carla Cirillo1, Jan Tack, Pieter Vanden Berghe
1Laboratory for Enteric Neuroscience (LENS), TARGID, KU Leuven, O&N 1 Herestraat 49-box 701, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
Gut
|March 6, 2012
Summary
Researchers successfully recorded live nerve activity in human intestinal biopsies, a breakthrough for studying enteric nervous system function and disease. This new imaging technique allows for in-vitro testing of potential therapeutic compounds on human tissue.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Understanding enteric nerve physiology has relied on animal models and surgical samples.
- Recording neuronal activity from accessible human tissues has been a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply imaging techniques for recording nerve activity in human intestinal biopsies.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of submucosal plexus from duodenal biopsies.
- Functional and morphological examination using calcium imaging and immunohistochemistry.
- Activation of enteric neurons via high-potassium solution, receptor agonists (DMPP, 5-HT), and electrical stimulation.
Main Results:
- Successfully identified 146 neurons in 70 ganglia across 44 biopsies.
- Demonstrated neuronal responses to agonists and electrical stimulation, with sensitivity to tetrodotoxin and calcium deprivation.
- Confirmed the presence of interconnected ganglia and neurons via immunohistochemistry.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first live recordings of nerve activity in human intestinal biopsies.
- This novel in-vitro approach is crucial for studying the enteric nervous system in health and disease.
- Enables in-vitro testing of novel compounds on human intestinal tissue.
