Enteric nervous system patterning in the avian hindgut.

TitleEnteric nervous system patterning in the avian hindgut.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2004
AuthorsDoyle AM, Roberts DJ, Goldstein AM
JournalDev Dyn
Volume229
Issue3
Pagination708-12
Date Published2004 Mar
ISSN1058-8388
KeywordsAnimals, Body Patterning, Chick Embryo, Enteric Nervous System, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Immunohistochemistry, Intestines, Models, Biological, Time Factors
Abstract

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is principally derived from vagal and sacral neural crest cells that migrate throughout the gastrointestinal tract before differentiating into neurons and glia. These cells form two concentric rings of ganglia and regulate intestinal motility, absorption, and secretion. Abnormalities of ENS development can lead to disorders of intestinal function, including Hirschsprung's disease. These disorders are generally limited to the distal hindgut, suggesting unique features to development of this region. This study characterized the normal spatiotemporal development of the ENS within the avian hindgut. Neural crest cells begin to populate the hindgut at E8, with patterning of both plexuses complete by embryonic day 9. Crest-derived cells arrive in the submucosal layer before the myenteric layer, as well as differentiate to a neuronal phenotype first. The cloaca demonstrates a unique pattern, characterized by a disorganized myenteric plexus and a flattened nerve of Remak. Detailed understanding of normal avian hindgut ENS development will allow better utilization of this model system to study abnormalities of the intestinal nervous system.

DOI10.1002/dvdy.20011
Alternate JournalDev. Dyn.
PubMed ID14991727
Grant ListHD34448 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
HD39942 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States