MINIREVIEW
Neurohumoral Control of Gastrointestinal
Motility
M. B. HANSEN
Department of Surgical Gastroenterology D,
Glostrup University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark
Received December 6, 2001
Accepted April 25, 2002
Summary
Neurohumoral substances and their receptors play a major part in
the complex regulation of gastrointestinal motility and have
therefore been the predominant targets for drug development. The
numerous receptors involved in motility are located mainly on
smooth muscle cells and neuronal structures in the extrinsic and
intrinsic parts of the enteric nervous system. Within this
system, receptor agonists and antagonists interacts directly to
modify excitatory or inhibitory signals. In view of this
complexity it is not surprising that our knowledge about the
mechanisms of actions of the various neurohormones and drugs
affecting gut motility has been rather fragmented and
incomplete. However, recently substantial progress has been
achieved, and drug therapy for gut dysmotility is emerging,
based primarily on neurohumoral receptors. This paper presents a
selective review of the neurohumoral regulatory mechanisms of
gastrointestinal motility. In this context, the physiology and
pharmacology of the smooth muscle cells, gastrointestinal
motility and dysmotility, the enteric nervous system,
gastrointestinal reflexes, and serotonin is presented. Further
investigation and understanding of the transmitters and
receptors involved in especially the reflex activation of
peristalsis is crucial for the development of novel therapies
for motility disorders.
Key
words
5-Hydroxytryptamine • Enteric Nervous System • Gastrointestinal
• Hormones • Interstitial Cells of Cajal • Motility • Review •
Serotonin
Reprint
requests
Mark Berner
Hansen, Chief Surgeon, DMSc, Department of Surgical
Gastroenterology K, Bispebjerg University Hospital of
Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark ,
e-mail: mbh@dadlnet.dk
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