Structure Of Enteric Neurons

This book first presents an overview on the chemical coding of the morphological neuron types described by Stach in the pig intestine. In doing so, we have pointed out the difference between the definitions of type I neurons given by Dogiel and Stach. Secondly, it provides a basis for the morpho-chemical classification of human enteric neurons as revealed by their immunoreactivity for neurofilaments and several neuroactive substances or related markers.

Covers all aspects of the structure, function, neurochemistry,transmitter identification and development of the enteric nervoussystem This book brings together extensive knowledge of the structureand cell physiology of the enteric nervous system and provides anup-to-date synthesis of the roles of the enteric nervous system inthe control of motility, secretion and blood supply in thegastrointestinal tract. It includes sections on the enteric nervous system in disease,genetic abnormalities that affect enteric nervous system function,and targets for therapy in the enteric nervous system. It alsoincludes many newly created explanatory diagrams and illustrationsof the organization of enteric nerve circuits. This new book is ideal for gastroenterologists (includingtrainees/fellows), clinical physiologists and educators. It isinvaluable for the many scientists in academia, research institutesand industry who have been drawn to work on the gastrointestinalinnervation because of its intrinsic interest, its economicimportance and its involvement in unsolved health problems. It alsoprovides a valuable resource for undergraduate and graduateteaching.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a complex neural network embedded in the gut wall that orchestrates the reflex behaviors of the intestine. The ENS is often referred to as the “little brain” in the gut because the ENS is more similar in size, complexity and autonomy to the central nervous system (CNS) than other components of the autonomic nervous system. Like the brain, the ENS is composed of neurons that are surrounded by glial cells. Enteric glia are a unique type of peripheral glia that are similar to astrocytes of the CNS. Yet enteric glial cells also differ from astrocytes in many important ways. The roles of enteric glial cell populations in the gut are beginning to come to light and recent evidence implicates enteric glia in almost every aspect of gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology. However, elucidating the exact mechanisms by which enteric glia influence gastrointestinal physiology and identifying how those roles are altered during gastrointestinal pathophysiology remain areas of intense research. The purpose of this e-book is to provide an introduction to enteric glial cells and to act as a resource for ongoing studies on this fascinating population of glia. Table of Contents: Introduction / A Historical Perspective on Enteric Glia / Enteric Glia: The Astroglia of the Gut / Molecular Composition of Enteric Glia / Development of Enteric Glia / Functional Roles of Enteric Glia / Enteric Glia and Disease Processes in the Gut / Concluding Remarks / References / Author Biography

The authors of the most cited neuroscience publication, The Rat Brain in Stereotaxic Coordinates, have written this introductory textbook for neuroscience students. The text is clear and concise, and offers an excellent introduction to the essential concepts of neuroscience. Based on contemporary neuroscience research rather than old-style medical school neuroanatomy Thorough treatment of motor and sensory systems A detailed chapter on human cerebral cortex The neuroscience of consciousness, memory, emotion, brain injury, and mental illness A comprehensive chapter on brain development A summary of the techniques of brain research A detailed glossary of neuroscience terms Illustrated with over 130 color photographs and diagrams This book will inspire and inform students of neuroscience. It is designed for beginning students in the health sciences, including psychology, nursing, biology, and medicine. Clearly and concisely written for easy comprehension by beginning students Based on contemporary neuroscience research rather than the concepts of old-style medical school neuroanatomy Thorough treatment of motor and sensory systems A detailed chapter on human cerebral cortex Discussion of the neuroscience of conscience, memory, cognitive function, brain injury, and mental illness A comprehensive chapter on brain development A summary of the techniques of brain research A detailed glossary of neuroscience terms Illustrated with over 100 color photographs and diagrams

Three distinct types of contractions perform colonic motility functions. Rhythmic phasic contractions (RPCs) cause slow net distal propulsion with extensive mixing/turning over. Infrequently occurring giant migrating contractions (GMCs) produce mass movements. Tonic contractions aid RPCs in their motor function. The spatiotemporal patterns of these contractions differ markedly. The amplitude and distance of propagation of a GMC are several-fold larger than those of an RPC. The enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells are the core regulators of all three types of contractions. The regulation of contractions by these mechanisms is modifiable by extrinsic factors: CNS, autonomic neurons, hormones, inflammatory mediators, and stress mediators. Only the GMCs produce descending inhibition, which accommodates the large bolus being propelled without increasing muscle tone. The strong compression of the colon wall generates afferent signals that are below nociceptive threshold in healthy subjects. However, these signals become nociceptive; if the amplitudes of GMCs increase, afferent nerves become hypersensitive, or descending inhibition is impaired. The GMCs also provide the force for rapid propulsion of feces and descending inhibition to relax the internal anal sphincter during defecation. The dysregulation of GMCs is a major factor in colonic motility disorders: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diverticular disease (DD). Frequent mass movements by GMCs cause diarrhea in diarrhea predominant IBS, IBD, and DD, while a decrease in the frequency of GMCs causes constipation. The GMCs generate the afferent signals for intermittent short-lived episodes of abdominal cramping in these disorders. Epigenetic dysregulation due to adverse events in early life is one of the major factors in generating the symptoms of IBS in adulthood.

Nearly 30 years ago, a number of scientists working on the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) gathered at Flinders University, in Adelaide, Australia to discuss the advances and future of their research. It was a friendly and stimulating meeting, attended by most of the major players, in what was to become the discipline of ‘Neurogastroenterology'. In 2014, the main Australasian Neuroscience Society meeting was held in Adelaide, Australia, providing the perfect opportunity to recreate a follow-up ENS meeting. As such, the ‘ENS II 2014 meeting’ aimed to identify how far the field of enteric neuroscience had developed, where the future was heading, and what technological advances had been made to address current and future unresolved questions. 30 speakers from around the world were invited to give talks and revisit the original expectations, the advances made since, and the future directions of ENS research. These discussions included three generations of investigators from 7 different countries. This publication represents the majority of proceedings from the ‘The Enteric Nervous System II 2014’ conference, which was held on February 1st - 2nd 2014 at the National Wine Centre of Australia, Adelaide. This meeting was an Official satellite meeting of the 34th Annual Meeting of Australasian Neuroscience Society, which was also held in Adelaide. The 20 contributions contained within this submission are from international researchers in the field of the ENS, who reviewed the advances made since the first meeting in the early 1980s and summarizes the present and future perspectives of neuro-gastroenterology. Some colleagues could not attend but did send greetings and their messages are included in these proceedings.