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Fast synaptic excitatory neurotransmission in the human submucosal plexus
Klaus Michel1, Dagmar Krüger1, Stefanie Schäuffele1
1Department of Human Biology, TU München, Freising, Germany.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|May 7, 2021
Summary
Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter for fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials in the human enteric nervous system. Nicotinic receptors mediate these signals, influencing nerve-evoked chloride secretion.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Acetylcholine is a key excitatory neurotransmitter in the enteric nervous system (ENS) across animal models.
- Data on acetylcholine's role in the human ENS is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fast synaptic neurotransmission in human submucosal plexus neurons.
- To identify the primary neurotransmitters and receptors involved in excitatory signaling in the human gut.
Main Methods:
- Utilized neuroimaging with voltage and calcium dyes.
- Employed Ussing chamber techniques and immunohistochemistry.
- Stimulated intraganglionic fiber tracts and applied various neurotransmitters and antagonists.
Main Results:
- Electrical stimulation evoked fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) mediated by nicotinic receptors.
- Nicotinic agonists mimicked stimulation effects; nicotinic antagonists blocked fEPSPs.
- Glutamatergic transmission (NMDA, AMPA, kainate) played a minimal role in fEPSPs.
- High prevalence of nicotinic receptors (98.7%) found on submucosal neurons.
- Nicotinic blockade significantly reduced nerve-evoked chloride secretion.
Conclusions:
- Acetylcholine is the predominant mediator of fast excitatory neurotransmission in human submucosal plexus neurons.
- Glutamatergic transmission is rare in this neuronal population.
- Nicotinic signaling is crucial for regulating intestinal functions like chloride secretion.
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