Bassotti G, Villanacci V, Fisogni S, Rossi E, Baronio P, Clerici C, Maurer CA, Cathomas G, Antonelli E. Enteric glial cells and their role in gastrointestinal motor abnormalities: Introducing the neuro-gliopathies. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13(30): 4035-4041 [PMID: 17696219 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i30.4035]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Gabrio Bassotti, Professor, Clinica di Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, Piazza Menghini 1, 06156 San Sisto (Perugia), Italy. gabassot@tin.it
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 14, 2007; 13(30): 4035-4041 Published online Aug 14, 2007. 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
Gabrio Bassotti, Carlo Clerici, Elisabetta Antonelli, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy
Christoph A Maurer, Department of Surgery, Liestal Hospital, Switzerland
Gieri Cathomas, Department of Pathology, Liestal Hospital, Switzerland
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Gabrio Bassotti, Professor, Clinica di Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, Piazza Menghini 1, 06156 San Sisto (Perugia), Italy. gabassot@tin.it
Telephone: +39-75-5784458 Fax: +30-75-5847570
Received: April 7, 2007 Revised: May 3, 2007 Accepted: May 12, 2007 Published online: August 14, 2007
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.
