LEADING ARTICLE

Role of nerves in enteric infection

R C Spiller

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Professor R C Spiller, Division of Gastroenterology, University Hospital, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK;
robin.spiller{at}nottingham.ac.uk

Peripheral and central effects of enteric infection are considered. Nerves play a vital part in the immediate response to enteric infection, promoting pathogen expulsion by orchestrating intestinal secretion and propulsive motor patterns. Laboratory studies indicate that therapeutic agents aimed at modulating the neural response can profoundly alter the outcome of infection. As our understanding of the role of nerves increases, exciting new targets for therapeutic intervention will emerge in both acute and chronic disorders induced by enteric infection.

Keywords: enteric infection; central nervous system; nerves

Abbreviations: CNS, central nervous system; 5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine; VIP, vasoactive intestinal peptide; IPANs, intrinsic primary afferent nerves; CT, cholera toxin; CGRP, calcitonin gene related peptide; TNF-, tumour necrosis factor ; NO, nitric oxide; LPS, lipopolysaccharide; GMC, giant migrating contraction; PAF, platelet activating factor; TLR4, Toll-like receptor 4

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