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The digestive neuronal-glial-epithelial unit: a new actor in gut health and disease.
- Source :
-
Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology [Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol] 2013 Feb; Vol. 10 (2), pp. 90-100. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Nov 20. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- The monolayer of columnar epithelial cells lining the gastrointestinal tract--the intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB)--is the largest exchange surface between the body and the external environment. The permeability of the IEB has a central role in the regulation of fluid and nutrient intake as well as in the control of the passage of pathogens. The functions of the IEB are highly regulated by luminal as well as internal components, such as bacteria or immune cells, respectively. Evidence indicates that two cell types of the enteric nervous system (ENS), namely enteric neurons and enteric glial cells, are potent modulators of IEB functions, giving rise to the novel concept of a digestive 'neuronal-glial-epithelial unit' akin to the neuronal-glial-endothelial unit in the brain. In this Review, we summarize findings demonstrating that the ENS is a key regulator of IEB function and is actively involved in pathologies associated with altered barrier function.
- Subjects :
- Animals
Cell Membrane Permeability physiology
Cell Proliferation
Enteric Nervous System cytology
Gastrointestinal Diseases pathology
Gastrointestinal Tract cytology
Homeostasis physiology
Humans
Intestinal Mucosa cytology
Neuroglia cytology
Neurons cytology
Wound Healing physiology
Enteric Nervous System physiology
Gastrointestinal Diseases physiopathology
Gastrointestinal Tract physiology
Intestinal Mucosa physiology
Neuroglia physiology
Neurons physiology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1759-5053
- Volume :
- 10
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 23165236
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2012.221