Getting a Handle on Cholera and the Circuits Controlling Intestinal Motility

David R Linden,Paul P Bertrand

doi:10.3389/fnins.2010.00197

Abstract

Getting a Handle on Cholera and the Circuits Controlling Intestinal Motility

Highlights

The enteric nervous system (ENS), a network of neurons present within the wall of the alimentary canal, coordinates the complex and varied functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (Furness, 2006)
When the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, granisetron, was administered to these rats to reduce the secretory effect of cholera toxin, there was a significant increase in contractions (Kordasti et al, 2006)
In preparations pre-treated with granisetron, cholera toxin caused a dramatic increase in propulsive contractions with a later switch to segmenting contractions

Summary

Introduction

The ENS, a network of neurons present within the wall of the alimentary canal, coordinates the complex and varied functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (Furness, 2006). While the mechanisms by which cholera toxin enhances secretion are becoming clear, it’s effects on GI motor function remain murky. Banwell and Sherr (1973) observed that a small intestinal loop exposed to V. cholerae became flaccid but a later myoelectrical analysis of infected open loops of rabbit intestine revealed increases in migrating action potential complexes 4 h post-inoculation with cholera toxin (Mathias et al, 1976; Mathias et al, 1977).

Results

Conclusion