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Intestinal microbiota influence the early postnatal development of the enteric nervous system
J Collins1, R Borojevic, E F Verdu
1Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|December 17, 2013
Summary
Early exposure to gut bacteria is crucial for the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) in the small intestine. Germ-free mice showed abnormal ENS development and reduced muscle contractions, highlighting the importance of microbiota.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Normal gastrointestinal function relies on a coordinated enteric nervous system (ENS).
- The ENS develops during fetal life but shows postnatal plasticity.
- Intestinal microbiota colonize the gut postnatally, potentially influencing ENS development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that intestinal microbiota colonization influences postnatal ENS development.
- To examine the impact of germ-free conditions on ENS structure and function.
Main Methods:
- Studied ENS development in specific pathogen-free (SPF), germ-free (GF), and altered Schaedler flora (ASF) mice at postnatal day 3.
- Analyzed myenteric plexi using PGP9.5 immunolabeling.
- Measured intestinal muscle contraction frequency and amplitude with and without pharmacological agents (lidocaine, NOLA).
Main Results:
- GF mice exhibited decreased nerve density and neuron count in the myenteric plexi of the jejunum and ileum.
- An increased proportion of myenteric nitrergic neurons was observed in GF mice.
- Muscle contractions were significantly reduced in GF jejunum and ileum, with altered responses to NOLA.
Conclusions:
- Early intestinal bacteria exposure is essential for postnatal ENS development in the mid to distal small intestine.
- Microbiota-driven mechanisms are critical for normal ENS maturation.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the interaction between enteric microbiota and the developing ENS.
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