Human newborn and adult myenteric plexus grows in different patterns

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• The human enteric nervous system (ENS) is difficult to study in vitro due to its location within the gut wall.
• Establishing reliable in vitro models of the ENS is crucial for understanding its function and diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a method for dissecting and culturing the human myenteric plexus from individuals across all age groups.
• To characterize and compare the in vitro growth patterns and cellular behavior of the human myenteric plexus from newborns and adults.

Main Methods:

• Collagenase digestion, mechanical agitation, and manual dissection were used to isolate the myenteric plexus from human colon tissue.
• Explant cultures were established on glass coverslips or plastic sheets.
• Semithin sections and electron microscopy (EM) were employed for detailed cellular analysis.

Main Results:

• Complex myenteric plexus networks were isolated from newborns, while adult tissue yielded smaller ganglia.
• Newborn explants exhibited intensive neurite outgrowth and glial cell proliferation, forming a dense cellular carpet.
• Adult explants showed limited neurite outgrowth and sparse cell distribution with moderate glial migration and proliferation.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a viable in vitro paradigm for studying the human myenteric plexus.
• Significant age-related differences in neurite outgrowth, glial behavior, and cellular organization were observed between newborn and adult myenteric plexus cultures.
• This study establishes a foundational understanding of human ENS development and cellular responses in vitro.