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Published on: March 16, 2017
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Serotonergic Integration In the Intestinal Mucosa.
1Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|June 14, 2020
Summary
Mucosal serotonin (5-HT) signals between gut cells, nerves, and immune cells. This communication can trigger defensive gut responses, potentially explaining irritable bowel syndrome symptoms like pain and diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurogastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mucosal serotonin (5-HT) acts as a crucial paracrine signaling molecule.
- It integrates physiological functions involving enterochromaffin cells, enteric mast cells, spinal afferent nerves, and the enteric nervous system (ENS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of mucosal serotonin and enteric mast cell mediators in gut physiology and disease.
- To understand how these signals contribute to pain and defensive gut responses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on mucosal signaling pathways.
- Analysis of the interactions between enterochromaffin cells, mast cells, and the ENS.
Main Results:
- Enterochromaffin cells release 5-HT, influencing mast cells and ENS neurons.
- Mast cells release mediators like histamine, chymase, tryptase, and serotonin, sensitizing nerve terminals and potentially causing pain.
- Spinal afferent neuropeptides (Substance P, CGRP) and antibodies trigger mast cell degranulation.
- Histamine can activate a defensive gut program (secretion, blood flow, propulsion), leading to diarrhea and pain.
Conclusions:
- Mucosal serotonin and mast cell mediators are key players in gut sensory and motor functions.
- These pathways are implicated in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome and other functional gastrointestinal disorders.
- The ENS operates like a system with stored behavioral programs, akin to digital apps.
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