Neuroendocrine design of the gut

Article Abstract:

Through the use of immunochemistry it is now known that many gastrointestinal peptides are made and secreted by neurons (nerve cells). The enteric nervous system (ENS), a network of neurons spread throughout the gastrointestinal system, may be considered another component of the autonomic nervous system. Through the action of peptide and nonpeptide neurotransmitters, the ENS is the main regulator of gut function. Enteric neurons make, transport and release peptides. ENS regulates secretory processes such as stomach acid secretion and stomach motility. It also plays a role in the immune function and mucosal defense of the gut, as well as sphincter function. It is suspected that deficiencies or excesses of neurotransmitters in certain parts of the gut can cause disease. There is strong evidence of this in several diseases. In achalasia (abnormal motility of the esophagus causing progressive and painless difficulty swallowing), there may be a deficiency of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in the esophageal sphincter. Lack of this peptide may cause the severe anal contraction found in Hirschsprung's disease (congenital absence of ganglia in the muscle wall of the colon, causing poor or absent motility). Abnormal function of enteric neurons may also play a role in inflammatory bowel disease. Other diseases suspected to be influenced by ENS are Chagas' disease (parasitic disease damaging the nerves), chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (a visceral neuropathic disease), biliary dyskinesia, stomach dysrhythmias, and irritable bowel syndrome. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Gastrointestinal system, Neuroendocrinology

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Effect of secretin on portal venous flow

Article Abstract:

A wide variety of gastrointestinal hormones, neural pathways, and blood-borne substances are involved in the control of blood flow to the liver. Following a meal, blood flow to this organ increases. The endocrine pancreatic hormone glucagon has been shown to contribute to this phenomenon, as have the gastrointestinal hormones cholecystokinin and pentagastrin. The effects of two doses of the exocrine pancreatic hormone secretin on the hepatic portal vein (the vein by which blood carries nutrients from the intestines to the liver) were studied in 24 normal human subjects. The hormone was administered intravenously to subjects who had fasted overnight, and the velocity and volume of blood flow in the portal vein, as well as the diameter of the vein, were measured indirectly for 10 minutes using pulsed-Doppler flow probes. Heart rate and blood pressure were also monitored, and no changes were seen at any time point in these parameters. Secretin injection caused a slight increase in the diameter of the portal vein at both doses (25 and 16 percent increase in the high- and low-dose groups, respectively). Both groups showed comparable increases in flow rate and volume in the portal vein. The relevance to normal physiological conditions of these induced changes in blood flow to the liver is not known, but the doses used in this study are less than one-third those employed for maximal stimulation of the exocrine pancreas, suggesting that these levels may be attainable under ordinary postmeal conditions. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Liver, Blood vessels, Laser Doppler blood flowmetry, Laser Doppler flowmetry

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Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury: A complication of central venous catheterization

Article Abstract:

The emergence of a rare and new complication associated with the insertion of a central venous catheter is highlighted by a case report. Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve was found as a possible complication of central venous catherization in this report.

United States, Case studies, Complications and side effects, Vascular surgery, Laryngeal nerve, Recurrent laryngeal nerve

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