Mouse Study Identifies Pdyn Gut Neurons Driving Colon Movement and Pain Signals
Updated
Updated · ScienceAlert · Jul 28
Mouse Study Identifies Pdyn Gut Neurons Driving Colon Movement and Pain Signals
2 articles · Updated · ScienceAlert · Jul 28
Summary
Pdyn-marked neurons in mice emerged as a possible link between constipation-related motility and abdominal discomfort, with activation pushing fecal pellets forward in isolated colons and triggering pain-like behaviors in live animals.
Light stimulation in removed colons gave the clearest evidence these enteric neurons can propel contents on their own, because the tissue no longer received input from the brain, spinal cord or external nerves.
Live-mouse stimulation did not increase stool output, suggesting whole-body bowel movement depends on combined signaling from the gut's own nervous system and nerves outside the intestine.
The neurons also carry cytokine receptor subunits, leading researchers to suspect they may sense inflammation, though that mechanism and any direct role in pain remain unproven.
Similar enteric neurons exist in humans, but the work is a bioRxiv preprint in mice only, leaving relevance to chronic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome to future studies.