Serotonin Augments Gut Pacemaker Activity via 5-HT3 Receptors
2011

Serotonin Enhances Gut Pacemaker Activity

Sample size: 22 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Liu Hong-Nian, Ohya Susumu, Nishizawa Yuji, Sawamura Kenta, Iino Satoshi, Syed Mohsin Md, Goto Kazunori, Imaizumi Yuji, Nakayama Shinsuke

Primary Institution: Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine

Hypothesis

Does serotonin (5-HT) enhance the pacemaker activity of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the gut?

Conclusion

The study found that serotonin significantly enhances the pacemaker activity of ICC via 5-HT3 receptors.

Supporting Evidence

  • 5-HT significantly enhanced spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in ICC.
  • LY-278584, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, suppressed spontaneous Ca2+ activity in ICC.
  • 2-methylserotonin, a 5-HT3 receptor agonist, restored Ca2+ activity in ICC.
  • RT-PCR confirmed the expression of 5-HT3 receptors in ICC.

Takeaway

Serotonin helps the gut cells that control movement to work better, which could help with tummy troubles.

Methodology

The study used Ca2+ imaging and microelectrode array systems to measure ICC activity in isolated murine ileum muscle preparations.

Participant Demographics

BALB/c and W/Wv mice aged 3–6 weeks.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024928

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