PMID: 11322291Jan 1, 1995Paper

Models of neuronal plasticity and repair in the enteric nervous system: a review

Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology = Archivio Italiano Di Anatomia Ed Embriologia
G Filogamo, C Cracco

Abstract

In the Fifties we developed an experimental model of neuronal plasticity in adulthood, involving the intestinal myenteric plexus. Causing an incomplete stenosis of the gut, the thickness of the wall and the diameter of the lumen underwent a massive increase on the oral side of the obstruction. The myenteric neurons innervating such hypertrophic and hyperplastic smooth muscle became hypertrophic and increased their number per ganglion, in absence of mitoses. Therefore we hypothesized the existence of a reserve pool of morphologically undifferentiated elements within the plexus, undergoing differentiation under conditions of functional hyperactivity. Some recent experiments suggest once again the existence in adulthood of a reserve pool of potential neurons. In fact, we put in evidence a subpopulation of NADPH-diaphorase positive myenteric neurons, very small in size orally to the stenosis and even smaller in the control gut. Following experimental ablation of the myenteric plexus in an intestinal segment and induction of hypertrophy in its smooth muscle layers, we found a two-five-fold increase in neuronal density along mesenteric nerves. This increase is probably due to the recruitment of cells, not readily identifiable as neur...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, that can lead to muscular or electrical dysfunction of the heart. It is often an irreversible disease that is associated with a poor prognosis. There are different causes and classifications of cardiomyopathies. Here are the latest discoveries pertaining to this disease.