Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors and stress-related alterations of gut motor function
Yvette Taché, Bruno Bonaz
Yvette Taché, Bruno Bonaz
Published January 2, 2007
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2007;117(1):33-40. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI30085.
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Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors and stress-related alterations of gut motor function

Abstract

Over the past few decades, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling pathways have been shown to be the main coordinators of the endocrine, behavioral, and immune responses to stress. Emerging evidence also links the activation of CRF receptors type 1 and type 2 with stress-related alterations of gut motor function. Here, we review the role of CRF receptors in both the brain and the gut as part of key mechanisms through which various stressors impact propulsive activity of the gastrointestinal system. We also examine how these mechanisms translate into the development of new approaches for irritable bowel syndrome, a multifactorial disorder for which stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology.

Authors

Yvette Taché, Bruno Bonaz

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Figure 2

Lengthwise drawing of the rat brain showing the regions in which the activation of receptors for CRF influences gastric and colonic motor function through neural pathways innervating the gut.

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Lengthwise drawing of the rat brain showing the regions in which the act...
The Barrington’s nucleus, through its reciprocal connections with the LC, can be influenced by or influence the noradrenergic-containing neurons in the LC that project to the forebrain. Efferent fibers from the Barrington’s complex also project to neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus (DMN) and the sacral parasympathetic nucleus (SPN). Axons from DMN neurons provide vagal innervation to the stomach. The end target of vagal efferent fibers is the enteric nervous system (ENS) in the stomach wall. Stress activates the PVN, LC, and Barrington’s nucleus, resulting in autonomic nervous system–mediated inhibition of gastric and stimulation of colonic transit and motility. Vertical lines indicate coronal sections at the PVN and dorsal vagal complex (DVC). AP, area postrema; GI, gastrointestinal; mPVN, magnocellular PVN; NTS, nucleus tractus solitarius; pPVN, parvocellular PVN. Adapted with permission from Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (ref. 91; Figure 1).