Scientists are conducting experiments to see if targeting the enteric nervous system with a compound can inhibit the aggregation of alpha-synuclein and slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.
Mice with a genetic mutation linked to severe depression had impaired ability for neurons in the gut and brain to create serotonin. The reduction of serotonin in the gut led to a deterioration in the gut's lining, slowing the movement of contents through the GI tract and resulting in constipation. However, treatment with 5-HTP increased neurogenesis in the gut, restoring normal function.
Hydration signals from the gut travel via the vagus nerve to activate thirst neurons in the SFO. These neurons signal to cells in the median preoptic nucleus, driving animals to drink and the kidneys to conserve water in the bloodstream.
Researchers review the evidence that Parkinson's disease may, at least for some patients, begin in the gut.
A new study reports early life stress in pigs impacts their health, specifically their GI tract, later in life. The findings could have implications for developing new stress relieving therapies in humans.
Researchers report gut-to-brain signals can influence emotions, mood and decision making, prompting people to avoid situations that make them feel uneasy.
Autophagy allows sensory neurons and nutrient levels to work together to influence lifespan, a new study reveals.
A study recently presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research suggests gastrointestinal problems commonly seen in children with ASD may be a result of stress, and not diet, as previously assumed.
A new study reports chronic infections of the upper gastrointestinal tract could be linked to Parkinson's disease. Researchers say alpha synuclein, a Parkinson's linked protein, is released during upper GI infections, inducing an immune response. Findings suggest frequent chronic infections could overwhelm the body's ability to remove the protein, leading to the onset of Parkinson's.
Researchers have developed a new system that allows for real time viewing of the enteric nervous system, and could provide a new way to identify gastrointestinal disorders.
A new study reports how sensory neurons detect fullness and nutrients after eating.
Researchers report a molecular pathway that activates during fasting could help halt the spread of intestinal bacteria into the bloodstream.
