title: Corticotropin-releasing hormone and mast cells in the regulation of mucosal barrier function in the human colon.
abstract: Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is an important neuro-endocrine mediator of the stress response. Local effects of CRH in the intestinal mucosa have become evident in recent years. We showed that CRH activates CRH receptor subtypes R1 and R2 on subepithelial mast cells, thereby inducing increased transcellular uptake of protein antigens in human colonic biopsies in Ussing chambers. Ongoing studies also implicate local cholinergic signaling in regulation of macromolecular permeability in the human colon. Since increased uptake of antigenic molecules is associated with mucosal inflammation, our findings may have implications for understanding stress-related intestinal disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Surgery, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
authors.forename: Conny
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wallon
authors.forename: Johan D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Söderholm
mesh_terms: D003106:Colon / Q000378:metabolism*; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D000099052:CRF Receptor, Type 1
chemical_list: C101531:CRF receptor type 2; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D000099052:CRF Receptor, Type 1; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone