Enteric nervous system neuron in the colon (ENS neuron)

The enteric nervous system (ENS) neurons in the colon constitute a complex, semi-autonomous neural network embedded within the intestinal wall, often referred to as the "second brain" (NIH). These neurons are organized into two primary plexuses: the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, which primarily regulates smooth muscle motility, and the submucosal (Meissner's) plexus, which controls secretion and local blood flow (NIH, PubMed). They integrate sensory information from the gut lumen and coordinate motor and secretory outputs to manage peristalsis, nutrient absorption, and barrier defense (Physiology.org). Dysfunction of colonic ENS neurons is central to the pathogenesis of various gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic idiopathic constipation, and Hirschsprung's disease, where a congenital absence of these neurons leads to severe dysmotility (NIH, bioRxiv). Pharmacological intervention typically targets specific receptors expressed on these neurons, such as serotonin (5-HT3, 5-HT4), opioid (mu, delta, kappa), and dopamine (D2) receptors, to modulate gut transit and alleviate symptoms of dysmotility or visceral hypersensitivity (NIH, ResearchGate). Additionally, emerging research highlights the role of these neurons in neuro-immune interactions and their potential involvement in the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's (bioRxiv, Physiology.org).

Other names

Myenteric plexus neuronSubmucosal plexus neuronIntrinsic primary afferent neuron (IPAN)Auerbach's plexus neuronMeissner's plexus neuronEnteric neuronColonic enteric neuron

Agonism of 5-HT4 receptors, antagonism of 5-HT3 receptors, agonism of mu-opioid receptors, antagonism of D2 receptors, and inhibition of acetylcholine release.