Regulation of Pancreatic Secretion

Highly selective brain-to-gut communication via genetically defined vagus neurons

“…Following AAV injections into the brainstem, we observed tdTomato expression in virtually all DMV neurons in Chat-IRES-Cre mice and only a subset of DMV neurons in Cck-IRES-Cre and Pdyn-IRES-Cre mice (Figure S2). In accordance with previous studies (Rogers and Hermann, 2012;Liddle, 2018;Mawe et al, 2018;Travagli et al, 2006), we observed that Chat + DMV neurons innervate the entire GI tract, gallbladder, and pancreas (Figures 3A-3F). The rodent stomach is divided into two domains: (1) the nonglandular stomach, or forestomach, which has a non-secretory squamous epithelium similar to that of the esophagus and serves as a reservoir for food contents, and (2) the glandular stomach, or corpus and antrum, which has a thick muscular wall for mixing food contents and a columnar glandular epithelium for secreting acid, proteins, and hormones.…”

“…The DMV is the primary source of parasympathetic input to the gastrointestinal (GI) system and plays a major role in regulating multiple digestive processes, including gastric contraction, relaxation, and acid secretion, pancreatic endocrine and exocrine secretions, gallbladder contraction, and intestinal motility (Rogers and Hermann, 2012;Liddle, 2018;Mawe et al, 2018;Schubert and Peura, 2008). Although activation of the parasympathetic nervous system is typically described as promoting the general ''rest and digest'' response, the variety of digestive functions controlled by the DMV suggests a division of labor mediated by distinct neuron subtypes.…”

“…In accordance with the ''rest and digest'' function of the PNS, vagal motor neurons originating from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) provide parasympathetic motor input to the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, gallbladder, and pancreas. These DMV neurons engage enteric neurons to regulate multiple digestive processes, including gastric contraction, relaxation, and acid secretion, pancreatic endocrine and exocrine secretions, gallbladder contraction, and intestinal motility (Rogers and Hermann, 2012;Liddle, 2018;Mawe et al, 2018;Schubert and Peura, 2008).…”