Enterochromaffin cells and 5-HT signaling in the pathophysiology of disorders of gastrointestinal function

Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2004 Jan;5(1):55-60.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Constipation / metabolism
  • Diabetes Complications
  • Diarrhea / metabolism
  • Enterochromaffin Cells / physiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / metabolism*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Gastrointestinal Motility / physiology
  • Humans
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / metabolism
  • Receptors, Serotonin / physiology
  • Serotonin / metabolism
  • Serotonin / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Serotonin