Gut chemosensing mechanisms
Arianna Psichas, … , Frank Reimann, Fiona M. Gribble
Arianna Psichas, … , Frank Reimann, Fiona M. Gribble
Published March 2, 2015; First published February 9, 2015
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2015;125(3):908-917. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI76309.
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Review Series

Gut chemosensing mechanisms

Abstract

The enteroendocrine system is the primary sensor of ingested nutrients and is responsible for secreting an array of gut hormones, which modulate multiple physiological responses including gastrointestinal motility and secretion, glucose homeostasis, and appetite. This Review provides an up-to-date synopsis of the molecular mechanisms underlying enteroendocrine nutrient sensing and highlights our current understanding of the neuro-hormonal regulation of gut hormone secretion, including the interaction between the enteroendocrine system and the enteric nervous system. It is hoped that a deeper understanding of how these systems collectively regulate postprandial physiology will further facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Authors

Arianna Psichas, Frank Reimann, Fiona M. Gribble

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Figure 1

Nutrient sensing by the enteroendocrine system.

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Nutrient sensing by the enteroendocrine system. Ingested food is digeste...
Ingested food is digested into its nutrient components in the lumen of the small intestine. The small intestinal epithelium is arranged in villi containing, among other cell types, absorptive enterocytes and EECs. The presence of nutrients in the gut lumen stimulates EECs and triggers the secretion of gut hormones, which orchestrate the body’s postprandial response. Gut hormones modulate multiple physiological processes including gastrointestinal secretion and motility, insulin release, and satiety.