Epithelial Cells and Their Neighbors. II. New perspectives on efferent signaling between brain, neuroendocrine cells, and gut epithelial cells

Abstract

Surface sensory enteroendocrine cells are established mucosal taste cells that monitor luminal contents and provide an important link in transfer of information from gut epithelium to the central nervous system. Recent studies now show that these cells can also mediate efferent signaling from the brain to the gut. Centrally elicited stimulation of vagal and sympathetic pathways induces release of melatonin, which acts at MT2 receptors to increase mucosal electrolyte secretion. Psychological factors as well mucosal endocrine cell hyperplasia are implicated in functional intestinal disorders. Central nervous influence on the release of transmitters from gut endocrine cells offers an exciting area of future gastrointestinal research with a clinical relevance.

Serotonin Localization in the Turkey Vaginal but not Sperm Storage Tubule Epithelia

“…Serotonin presumed to originate from the chicken enterochromaffin cell is thought to be a factor in the contraction of the gastrointestinal tract (Kitazawa et al, 2006). From a broader perspective, enteric NEC have been proposed to provide an afferent link between the gut and the central nervous system (Flemstrom and Sjoblom, 2005). If the same is found to be true for the vaginal-UVJ serotonin-positive cells (NEC?…”

The intestinal barrier function and its involvement in digestive disease

“…ENS involvement in the barrier function is key because of its control of both motor and secretory activities, and of microcirculation and immune actions, which grants it a role in the monitoring of intestinal homeostasis. This communication takes place through chemical mediators such as neuropeptides, neurohormones, neurotransmitters, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and other regulatory molecules (35).…”

Melatonin — More than Just a Pineal Hormone

“…After earlier reports on melatonin synthesis in enteroendocrine (enterochromaffin) cells (EC cells) previously summarized [6], some functions were identified and analyzed, such as bicarbonate and water release to the lumen [13] as well as modulation of motility [6,13]. Meanwhile, the control of bicarbonate secretion has been largely elucidated [15,16]. EC cells are stimulated to produce melatonin by the autonomous nervous system in two ways:…”