Enterochromaffin cells and 5-HT signaling in the pathophysiology of disorders of gastrointestinal function.
Disorders of gastrointestinal function are common and significantly reduce quality-of-life, as well as negatively impacting healthcare costs. Consequently, there is much interest in understanding the pathogenesis of these disorders. Increasing, albeit as yet limited, evidence has implicated alterations in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) release, and the subsequent interaction of 5-HT with specific 5-HT receptor subtypes, in the altered gut function of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel diseases. Alterations to enterochromaffin cells and/or 5-HT signaling can result in gastrointestinal dysmotility, visceral hypersensitivity and secretomotor abnormalities in the gut. Evidence is beginning to link disturbed 5-HT physiology with the pathophysiology of diarrhea and constipation in IBS, and with slow-transit constipation. This review discusses the current evidence on the pathobiology of these systems.
Mayo Foundation and Mayo Clinic, GI Physiology & Motility, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 13400 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA. crowell.michael@Mayo.edu
Michael D
MD
Crowell
Michael A
MA
Shetzline
Peter L
PL
Moses
Gary M
GM
Mawe
Nicholas J
NJ
Talley
D003248:Constipation / Q000378:metabolism; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000378:metabolism; D004759:Enterochromaffin Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012701:Serotonin