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Updated: May 15, 2026

Technique for Intranasal Administration of α-Synuclein Aggregates
Published on: November 8, 2024
Activity-dependent secretion of alpha-synuclein by enteric neurons
Sébastien Paillusson1, Thomas Clairembault, Mandy Biraud
1Inserm, U913, Nantes, France.
Enteric neurons secrete alpha-synuclein, a protein implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD) spreading. This secretion occurs through a standard cellular process regulated by neuronal activity, offering new insights into PD's gastrointestinal origins.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Extracellular alpha-synuclein is increasingly implicated in the pathological spread of Parkinson's disease (PD).
- The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a potential early site for alpha-synuclein pathology in PD.
- The mechanism of alpha-synuclein release from enteric neurons remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether enteric neurons can secrete alpha-synuclein.
- To elucidate the mechanism and regulation of alpha-synuclein secretion by enteric neurons.
Main Methods:
- Primary cultures of the enteric nervous system (ENS) were established.
- Alpha-synuclein secretion into the culture medium was assessed using immunoblot analysis.
Main Results:
- Enteric neurons physiologically secrete alpha-synuclein.
- Secretion follows a conventional endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi-dependent exocytosis pathway.
- Alpha-synuclein release is regulated by neuronal activity.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence that enteric neurons secrete alpha-synuclein.
- The findings suggest a novel mechanism for alpha-synuclein propagation originating in the ENS.
- This highlights the enteric nervous system's significant role in Parkinson's disease pathophysiology.
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Published on: June 26, 2018
11:53Oral Administration of Rotenone using a Gavage and Image Analysis of Alpha-synuclein Inclusions in the Enteric Nervous System
Published on: October 26, 2010
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