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Review
. 2007 Aug 14;13(30):4035-41.
doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i30.4035.

Enteric glial cells and their role in gastrointestinal motor abnormalities: introducing the neuro-gliopathies

Gabrio Bassotti, Vincenzo Villanacci, Simona Fisogni, Elisa Rossi, Paola Baronio, Carlo Clerici, Christoph A Maurer, Gieri Cathomas, Elisabetta Antonelli
Review

Enteric glial cells and their role in gastrointestinal motor abnormalities: introducing the neuro-gliopathies

Gabrio Bassotti et al. World J Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

The role of enteric glial cells has somewhat changed from that of mere mechanical support elements, gluing together the various components of the enteric nervous system, to that of active participants in the complex interrelationships of the gut motor and inflammatory events. Due to their multiple functions, spanning from supporting elements in the myenteric plexuses to neurotransmitters, to neuronal homeostasis, to antigen presenting cells, this cell population has probably more intriguing abilities than previously thought. Recently, some evidence has been accumulating that shows how these cells may be involved in the pathophysiological aspects of some diseases. This review will deal with the properties of the enteric glial cells more strictly related to gastrointestinal motor function and the human pathological conditions in which these cells may play a role, suggesting the possibility of enteric neuro-gliopathies.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A: Human colonic myenteric plexus showing that neurons (white arrows) are less numerous with respect to EGC (black arrows) (NSE immunostaining, x 40); B: Semithin section of human colonic submucosal plexus, showing the preponderance of EGC (black arrows) with respect to the enteric neurons (white arrows) (Toluidine blue, x 40).
Figure 2
Figure 2
A: Full thickness section of the human colon, showing the submucosal (black arrow) and the myenteric plexus (white arrow) (HE, x10); B: Human myenteric ganglion, showing numerous EGC (black arrows) and an enteric neuron (white arrow) (HE, x 100).
Figure 3
Figure 3
EGC (arrows) tightly packed around enteric neurons in a submucosal (A) and a myenteric ganglion (B) (S100 immunostaining, x 40).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Electron microscopic image of glial cells (arrows) in a human colonic myenteric ganglion (x 1900).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Putative mechanisms linked to the decrease of enteric glial cells (EGC), leading to abnormal gut motility. EN: enteric neurons; ICC: interstitial cells of Cajal.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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