Submucosal cholinergic enteric neuron

Submucosal cholinergic enteric neurons are a specialized population of neurons located within the submucosal (Meissner's) plexus of the gastrointestinal tract (Furness, J. B., 2006, The Enteric Nervous System). These neurons primarily utilize acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter to regulate critical physiological processes, including epithelial electrolyte and water secretion, local blood flow, and the release of gastrointestinal hormones (Brookes, S. J., et al., 2013, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology). They function as secretomotor neurons, receiving inputs from sensory neurons and interneurons to coordinate the mucosal response to luminal stimuli (Qu, Z. D., et al., 2008, Journal of Comparative Neurology). Dysregulation of these neurons is implicated in various functional and inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where altered secretory patterns contribute to symptoms like diarrhea or constipation (Sharkey, K. A., & Mawe, G. M., 2023, Gastroenterology). Pharmacological targeting of the cholinergic signaling pathways associated with these neurons involves the use of muscarinic agonists or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to enhance secretion, or antagonists to reduce hypersecretion (Gautam, D., et al., 2004, Journal of Clinical Investigation).

Other names

Submucosal acetylcholinergic neuronMeissner's plexus cholinergic neuronEnteric secretomotor neuronCholinergic submucosal neuron

Drugs modulate these neurons by acting as agonists or antagonists at muscarinic or nicotinic receptors, or by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase to increase synaptic acetylcholine levels, thereby stimulating or inhibiting intestinal secretion and motility.