THE ENTERIC NERVOUS SYSTEM: NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND EMERGING CONCEPTS

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is an integrative neuronal network, organized in two ganglionated plexuses, myenteric and submucosal, composed of neurons and enteric glial cells, controlling the activity of the smooth muscle of the gut, mucosal secretion and blood flow. The ENS contains as many neurons as the spinal cord, and the functional and chemical diversity of enteric neurons closely resembles that of the central nervous system. This highly integrated neural system is also referred to as the ‘brain-in-the-gut’, because of its capability to function in the absence of nerve inputs from the central nervous system.

Angiotensin II positively modulates the spontaneous contractile activity of mouse and human colon via activation of AT1 receptors.

Objective: Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a potent smooth muscle contractile neurohumoral agonist but has not been much investigated with regard to gastrointestinal motor activity. Ang II effects are mediated by specific receptors, the Ang II type 1 (AT1) and the Ang II type 2 (AT2) receptors, which are well expressed in the gut. In this study we evaluated the effects of Ang II on the contractile activity of longitudinal muscle from mouse and human colon and we analysed the subtype(s) of receptors involved in the observed effects. Methods: Mechanical responses to Ang II, in the absence or in the presence of different drugs, were assessed in vitro in colonic longitudinal muscle from mice and hum…

Micelle polimeriche galattosilate contenenti Sorafenib: preparazione, caratterizzazione e studi di biodistribuzione

Protective effects of Aphanizomenon Flose-Aquae (AFA) extract on experimental colitis in rat

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic immune disorders, which necessitate long-term dependence on powerful drugs. Recently, the use of natural product-based therapies has emerged as a promising intervention for IBD. Aphanizomenon flose-aquae (AFA) is a unicellular bluegreen microalgae, traditionally used for its health-enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; we aimed to evaluate its protective effects on animal model of experimental colitis. Colitis was induced in rat by intracolonic instillation of 15 mg of 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). Rats received AFA (100 mg/kg/d) by oral route, 4 days before and 6 days after colitis induction. The effects of AFA on D…