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Related Concept Videos

Nerve Supply of the GI Tract01:27

Nerve Supply of the GI Tract

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The neuronal supply to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for regulating various functions, including digestion, absorption, and movement of food. This intricate network of nerves is known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), often referred to as the "second brain" of the body.
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Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity01:11

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The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) plays a pivotal role in regulating gastrointestinal or GI motor activity. This complex network of nerves, deeply embedded within the gut wall, responds to changes in the gut environment and receives input from both the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system. By doing so, the ENS operates various programs tailored to the body's nutritional status and needs.
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Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health01:05

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The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, is safeguarded by the intestinal barrier, which consists of secretory, physical, and immune components. At the forefront is the secretory barrier, composed of essential elements such as mucus, gut microbiota, and defense proteins. They collaborate to break down food particles, facilitate nutrient absorption, and maintain optimal gut health. These secretory components ensure the smooth functioning of the...
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Neural Regulation01:37

Neural Regulation

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Digestion begins with a cephalic phase that prepares the digestive system to receive food. When our brain processes visual or olfactory information about food, it triggers impulses in the cranial nerves innervating the salivary glands and stomach to prepare for food.
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Functional Divisions of the Nervous System01:23

Functional Divisions of the Nervous System

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The nervous system, responsible for sensing, integrating, and responding to various stimuli, is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS has two functional divisions: the sensory or afferent division and the motor or efferent division.
The sensory division transmits information from sensory receptors in the body to the CNS. It provides the CNS with knowledge about somatic senses (such as tactile, thermal, pain, and proprioceptive sensations)...
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Parasympathetic Signaling01:30

Parasympathetic Signaling

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Parasympathetic signaling plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. It involves the release of acetylcholine (ACh) by parasympathetic neurons, which can have localized and short-lived effects. The majority of ACh released is rapidly inactivated at the synapse by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which hydrolyzes Ach into choline and acetate. Additionally, the tissue cholinesterase deactivates any ACh diffusing into the surrounding tissues.
The effects of...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 11, 2026

An In-vitro Preparation of Isolated Enteric Neurons and Glia from the Myenteric Plexus of the Adult Mouse
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MeCP2 in the enteric nervous system.

G Wahba1, S C Schock2, E Claridge1

  • 1Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.

Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|June 3, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Rett syndrome (RTT) gastrointestinal issues may stem from the MeCP2 gene

Keywords:
MeCP2Rett syndromedevelopmententeric nervous systemgastrointestinal dysmotilitygastrointestinal tractmyenteric plexus

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Gastroenterology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting girls, characterized by intellectual disability and movement disorders.
  • While central nervous system dysfunction is recognized, the causes of peripheral ailments like gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction in RTT remain unclear.
  • The role of the MeCP2 gene in the peripheral nervous system, particularly the GI tract, is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and localization of the MeCP2 protein within the gastrointestinal tract.
  • To determine if MeCP2 is present in the enteric nervous system (ENS), which controls gut function.
  • To analyze MeCP2 expression patterns during different developmental stages in both human and murine GI tissues.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect MeCP2 and neuronal markers (HuC/D, juvenile beta tubulin, GFAP) in human and murine intestinal tissues.
  • Western blot analysis was performed to quantify MeCP2 protein levels and assess specific neuronal markers (vAChT, nNOS) in GI tissues.
  • Expression analysis spanned various developmental time points in murine models.

Main Results:

  • MeCP2 protein was detected throughout the entire length of the GI tract in both species.
  • Specifically, MeCP2 expression was localized to neurons within the enteric nervous system.
  • MeCP2 expression was observed in the developing GI tract, with detectable levels by embryonic day 11.5 in mice.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of MeCP2 in enteric neurons provides a potential explanation for GI dysmotility observed in Rett syndrome.
  • This suggests that mutations in MeCP2 may lead to dysfunction of the enteric neural network, contributing to intestinal problems in RTT patients.
  • Further research into MeCP2's role in the ENS is warranted to understand and potentially treat GI complications in Rett syndrome.