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Updated: May 22, 2026
08:20
Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: July 12, 2018
Colonic diverticular disease: abnormalities of neuromuscular function
Gabrio Bassotti1, Vincenzo Villanacci
1Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy. gabassot@tin.it
Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 11, 2012
Summary
Colonic diverticulosis, common in Western nations, arises from multiple factors beyond aging. Abnormal neuromuscular function and altered visceral perception in the large bowel contribute to this condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Diverticular disease of the colon (diverticulosis) is prevalent in Western countries but its pathophysiology is not fully understood.
- Traditionally viewed as age-related, colonic diverticulosis likely results from a combination of factors leading to anatomical and functional abnormalities.
- Abnormal neuromuscular function, including altered myoelectrical and motor activity, and visceral perception are observed in patients with diverticulosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifactorial pathophysiology of colonic diverticulosis.
- To investigate the role of neuromuscular dysfunction and visceral hypersensitivity in diverticular disease.
- To examine the relationship between enteric innervation, neuropeptides, inflammation, and symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on colonic diverticulosis pathophysiology.
- Analysis of studies reporting myoelectrical and motor function abnormalities.
- Examination of research on enteric innervation, including interstitial cells of Cajal and enteric glial cells.
- Investigation of mucosal neuropeptides and inflammation in diverticular disease.
Main Results:
- Abnormal neuromuscular function of the large bowel is a significant factor in diverticulosis.
- Derangements in enteric innervation, particularly interstitial cells of Cajal and enteric glial cells, are implicated.
- Mucosal inflammation may play a crucial role in developing visceral hypersensitivity and abdominal pain.
Conclusions:
- Colonic diverticulosis is a complex condition influenced by multiple interacting factors.
- Neuromuscular dysfunction and altered visceral perception are key contributors to diverticular disease.
- Mucosal inflammation is strongly linked to visceral hypersensitivity, explaining pain in some patients with diverticulosis.
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