[HTML][HTML] Enteric glial cells and their role in gastrointestinal motor abnormalities: introducing the neuro-gliopathies

G Bassotti, V Villanacci, S Fisogni, E Rossi… - World Journal of …, 2007 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
G Bassotti, V Villanacci, S Fisogni, E Rossi, P Baronio, C Clerici, CA Maurer, G Cathomas…
World Journal of Gastroenterology: WJG, 2007ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The role of enteric glial cells has somewhat changed from that of mere mechanical support
elements, gluing together the various components of the enteric nervous system, to that of
active participants in the complex interrelationships of the gut motor and inflammatory
events. Due to their multiple functions, spanning from supporting elements in the myenteric
plexuses to neurotransmitters, to neuronal homeostasis, to antigen presenting cells, this cell
population has probably more intriguing abilities than previously thought. Recently, some …
Abstract
The role of enteric glial cells has somewhat changed from that of mere mechanical support elements, gluing together the various components of the enteric nervous system, to that of active participants in the complex interrelationships of the gut motor and inflammatory events. Due to their multiple functions, spanning from supporting elements in the myenteric plexuses to neurotransmitters, to neuronal homeostasis, to antigen presenting cells, this cell population has probably more intriguing abilities than previously thought. Recently, some evidence has been accumulating that shows how these cells may be involved in the pathophysiological aspects of some diseases. This review will deal with the properties of the enteric glial cells more strictly related to gastrointestinal motor function and the human pathological conditions in which these cells may play a role, suggesting the possibility of enteric neuro-gliopathies.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov