Colonic enteric nervous system and colonic epithelial transport pathways

The colonic enteric nervous system (ENS) and colonic epithelial transport pathways constitute a highly integrated physiological system responsible for regulating fluid, electrolyte, and solute movement across the colonic mucosa. The ENS, comprising the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, utilizes a variety of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) to communicate with epithelial cells and modulate their secretory and absorptive capacities (Furness, J. B., 2012, The Enteric Nervous System). This system is critical for maintaining bowel regularity and luminal homeostasis. Dysfunction in these pathways is a hallmark of functional gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation, where impaired signaling leads to abnormal transit times and stool consistency (Barrett, K. E., 2014, Gastrointestinal Physiology). Therapeutic strategies often involve targeting specific components of this system, such as Guanylate Cyclase-C (GC-C) or 5-HT4 receptors, to restore normal transport and motility (Black, C. J., et al., 2020, The Lancet). Understanding the interplay between neuronal firing and epithelial ion channel activity is essential for developing targeted treatments for motility and secretory disorders (Kunze, W. A., & Furness, J. B., 1999, Annual Review of Physiology).

Other names

Enteric nervous system-epithelial signalingColonic secretomotor systemNeuro-epithelial transport axisIntestinal fluid and electrolyte transport pathways

Modulation of secretomotor neuron activity and epithelial ion channel conductance (e.g., CFTR, ClC-2) to regulate fluid secretion and colonic transit.