Enteric parasympathetic neurons of the colon

Enteric parasympathetic neurons in the colonic wall are a specialized population of postganglionic neurons within the enteric nervous system (ENS) that serve as the primary relay for extrinsic parasympathetic signals from the vagus and pelvic nerves (physiology.org, 2022). These neurons are organized into the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, where they integrate autonomic input with local sensory information to coordinate essential functions such as peristalsis, electrolyte secretion, and local vasodilation (nih.gov, 2023). They are chemically heterogeneous, with excitatory motor neurons primarily utilizing acetylcholine and tachykinins, while inhibitory motor neurons release nitric oxide and vasoactive intestinal peptide (frontiersin.org, 2024). Dysregulation or absence of these neurons is a hallmark of several gastrointestinal pathologies, including Hirschsprung's disease, chronic constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (nih.gov, 2024). Pharmacological targeting of these neurons typically involves agonists or antagonists of receptors like 5-HT4 or mu-opioid receptors to modulate intestinal transit time (nih.gov, 2024). Additionally, these neurons are central to the development of bioelectronic therapies, such as sacral nerve stimulation, which aim to restore normal colonic function by modulating the activity of these intrinsic neural circuits (nih.gov, 2024).

Other names

Colonic enteric neuronsPostganglionic parasympathetic neurons of the large intestineMyenteric plexus neuronsSubmucosal plexus neuronsEnteric cholinergic neurons

5-HT4 receptor agonism, mu-opioid receptor agonism, muscarinic receptor agonism/antagonism, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition to modulate colonic motility and secretion.