Gastrointestinal Tract Cholinergic Nerve (GI Cholinergic Nerve)

The gastrointestinal tract cholinergic nerves—primarily mediated by acetylcholine released from enteric neurons and extrinsic vagal fibers—are essential regulators not only of motility and secretion but also play a pivotal role in modulating mucosal immunity through mechanisms involving nicotinic receptor subtypes like α7nAChR. Their dysfunction has implications for both motility disorders and inflammatory diseases within the gut.

Other names

Enteric Cholinergic NervesVagal Cholinergic NervesGI Tract Acetylcholine SystemCholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway (GI Tract)

Activation of muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on smooth muscle, glandular epithelium, and immune cells to modulate GI function and inflammatory responses. Stimulation of α7nAChR on macrophages to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production.