Elsevier

Developmental Biology

Volume 382, Issue 1, 1 October 2013, Pages 365-374
Developmental Biology

The emergence of neural activity and its role in the development of the enteric nervous system

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.12.006Get rights and content
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Abstract

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a vital part of the autonomic nervous system that regulates many gastrointestinal functions, including motility and secretion. All neurons and glia of the ENS arise from neural crest-derived cells that migrate into the gastrointestinal tract during embryonic development. It has been known for many years that a subpopulation of the enteric neural crest-derived cells expresses pan-neuronal markers at early stages of ENS development. Recent studies have demonstrated that some enteric neurons exhibit electrical activity from as early as E11.5 in the mouse, with further maturation of activity during embryonic and postnatal development. This article discusses the maturation of electrophysiological and morphological properties of enteric neurons, the formation of synapses and synaptic activity, and the influence of neural activity on ENS development.

Highlights

► Electrical activity occurs early during development of the enteric nervous system. ► Electrical activity influences enteric neuron differentiation. ► Maturation of neuronal properties continues in early postnatal ages during murine enteric development. ► Future studies are required to examine the interactions between genetic factors and neural activity.

Keywords

Enteric nervous system
Neural activity development
Neuron differentiation
Synapse formation

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