This study has revealed similar neuronal and ganglionic densities and neurochemical profiles in human distal colon and rectum. Further investigation of other components of the ENS, incorporating additional immunohistochemical markers are required to confirm that there is no regional variation in the human hindgut ENS.
This study confirms the existence of extrinsic nerves supplying the human rectum for the first time and demonstrates differences in the sensory innervation between the rectum and colon with rectal afferents being more mechanically and chemically sensitive than colonic afferents. As sensitization of gut afferent pathways appears important in the development of chronic pain in patients with functional bowel disorders, this in vitro model will allow evaluation of potential therapeutic agents on human visceral afferents.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.