Enteric submucosal neuron (ESN)

Enteric submucosal neurons are a specialized population of neurons within the enteric nervous system (ENS), primarily organized into the submucosal (Meissner's) plexus located between the mucosa and the circular muscle layer of the gastrointestinal tract (Furness, J. B., 2006, The Enteric Nervous System). These neurons serve as the primary regulators of mucosal physiology, controlling the secretion of water, electrolytes, and mucus, as well as modulating local blood flow and nutrient absorption (Brookes, S. J., 2001, Nature Reviews Neuroscience). They are functionally classified into secretomotor and vasomotor subtypes, which utilize key neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine (ACh) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) to communicate with epithelial and vascular effector cells (Quigley, E. M., 2011, Journal of Clinical Investigation). Dysfunction or loss of these neurons is a hallmark of several gastrointestinal disorders, including Hirschsprung's disease, where the absence of these neurons leads to severe motility issues, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where altered neuronal sensitivity contributes to secretory disturbances (Schemann, M., & Camilleri, M., 2013, Neurogastroenterology & Motility). While not a single molecular target themselves, enteric submucosal neurons express a variety of receptors, such as 5-HT4 and opioid receptors, which are targeted by pharmacological agents to treat functional gut disorders (Gershon, M. D., 2013, Annual Review of Medicine).

Other names

Meissner's plexus neuronSubmucous plexus neuronSubmucosal ganglion neuronHenle's plexus neuron

Modulation of neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release (e.g., acetylcholine, vasoactive intestinal peptide) via activation or inhibition of cell-surface receptors such as 5-HT4, GC-C, or mu-opioid receptors to regulate gut secretion and motility.