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Neuro-immune influences on enterochromaffin (EC) cell function and their role in visceral afferent signalling

ReferenceD20428
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Robin Spiller
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors		 Professor Victoria Chapman, Professor Charles Marsden, Professor Peter Morris, Dr Gulzar Singh
Institution University of Nottingham
DepartmentNottingham Digestive Diseases Centre
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 191,660
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/03/2004
End date 28/02/2007
Duration36 months

Abstract

Intestinal EC cells are pivotal in transducing luminal stimuli by releasing 5HT which acts on afferent nerve endings. Mucosal 5HT concentration is determined by the balance between release and reuptake via the serotonin transporters (SERT). Pilot data shows inflammation increases EC cell, lymphocyte and mast cell numbers while decreasing SERT expression but how this alters visceral signalling is unknown. Using genetically modified and steroid treated T. spiralis infected mice to achieve selective increases in each cell type we can determine their respective roles. We will assess mucosal histology, 5HT release, reuptake in each model and record afferent nerve responses to nutrients and gut distension. Finally we will use fMRI to show patterns of brain activation with and without EC hyperplasia using serotonin and other antagonists to determine the underlying mediators. (Joint with D20434 and D20437).

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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