Tag

Enteric Nervous System

All articles tagged with #enteric nervous system

neuroscience1 year ago

"Opioid Receptors Crucial for Gut Nervous System Development"

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that opioid receptors play a crucial role in the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) in the gut, challenging the traditional view of these receptors as solely related to pain and addiction. Using zebrafish embryos, the study found that disrupting opioid receptors affects the migration and maturation of gut neurons, potentially leading to new treatments for congenital digestive disorders.

health2 years ago

"The Gut-Brain Connection: Unraveling the Body's 'Second Brain'"

The gut's enteric nervous system, often referred to as the "second brain," is composed of glial cells that play diverse and crucial roles in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune responses. Recent research has identified multiple subtypes of enteric glia, shedding light on their involvement in gastrointestinal disorders and pain symptoms. Glial cells have been found to sense physical forces and communicate with other gut cells, making them potential targets for treatments of gut disorders. Understanding the complex roles of enteric glia could lead to new insights and treatments for a variety of gastrointestinal diseases.

science-and-medicine2 years ago

"The Second Brain: A Paradigm Shift in Fundamental Biology"

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered that the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS), often referred to as the second brain, continues after birth and includes neurons derived from the mesoderm, challenging long-held scientific beliefs. This groundbreaking finding opens up new possibilities for potential treatments for aging and gastrointestinal diseases. The study also identified new cellular markers and pharmacological targets that could be used to manipulate the proportions of mesodermal neurons and potentially provide disease-modifying cures for patients with GI tract diseases.

neuroscience2 years ago

"Revolutionizing Gut Neuroscience: Unveiling the Surprising Role of Newly Discovered Neurons"

Scientists have discovered that the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS), which plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and brain-gut communication, continues after birth in mice and humans. This overturns the previous belief that ENS development stops before birth. The study reveals that a significant number of post-birth enteric neurons have a surprising mesodermal origin, which has implications for understanding maturation, aging, and disease in the ENS. The newly discovered lineage of neurons presents potential new drug targets for treating age-associated digestive issues.

neuroscience2 years ago

Progesterone's Potential in Fighting Parkinson's Disease

Progesterone has a protective effect on the nerve cells of the enteric nervous system (ENS), also known as the body's "second brain", according to recent research. The ENS communicates closely with the central nervous system and influences neurological diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The study demonstrated that nerve cells treated with progesterone were more resistant to conditions simulating Parkinson's disease, suggesting that progesterone receptors in the ENS may have crucial roles in neuroprotection. This discovery opens up the possibility for new, steroid hormone-based treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.