Regulatory mechanism for controlling colorectal motility via the spinal defecation center.

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26292164
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Integrative animal science
• Research Institution: Gifu University
• Principal Investigator: Shimizu Yasutake 岐阜大学, 応用生物科学部, 教授 (40243802)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 山本 欣郎 岩手大学, 農学部, 教授 (10252123) ; 古江 秀昌 生理学研究所, 生体情報研究系・神経シグナル研究部門, 准教授 (20304884) ; 平山 晴子 岡山大学, 自然生命科学研究支援センター, 助教 (40635257)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): SHIINA Takahiko 岐阜大学, 応用生物科学部, 准教授 (90362178)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 消化管 / 排便 / 脊髄 / 大腸運動 / グレリン / 下行性疼痛抑制 / 痛み / モノアミン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this work was to clarify the regulatory mechanism for controlling colorectal motility via the spinal defecation center. By using in vivo experimental system in which gut motility can be assessed in the presence of intact neural connection between the central nervous system and gut, it has been demonstrated that noradrenalin, serotonin and dopamine injected into the spinal defecation center elicit large propulsive colorectal motility. These monoamines are transmitters associated with the descending pain inhibitory pathway. Considering that nociceptive stimuli including visceral pain activate the descending inhibitory pathway to suppress noxious input in the spinal cord, our results provide a rationale for the concurrent appearance of chronic abdominal pain and colonic dysmotility in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. These findings would provide a novel therapeutic strategy for stress-induced diarrhea and constipation.

Free Research Field

神経生理学