Abstract
Since the first report about the presence of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, accumulating evidence strongly supports the widespread representation of the GABAergic system in the enteric milieu, underlining its potential multifunctional role in the regulation of GI functions in health and disease. GABA and GABA receptors are widely distributed throughout the GI tract, constituting a complex network likely regulating the diverse GI behaviour patterns, cooperating with other major neurotransmitters and mediators for maintaining GI homeostasis in physiologic and pathologic conditions. GABA is involved in the circuitry of the enteric nervous system, controlling GI secretion and motility, as well as in the GI endocrine system, possibly acting as a autocrine/paracrine or hormonal agent. Furthermore, a series of investigations addresses the GABAergic system as a potential powerful modulator of GI visceral pain processing, enteric immune system and carcinogenesis. Although overall such actions may imply the consideration of the GABAergic system as a novel therapeutic target in different GI pathologic states, including GI motor and secretory diseases and different enteric inflammatory- and pain-related pathologies, current clinical applications of GABAergic drugs are scarce. Thus, in an attempt to propel novel scientific efforts addressing the detailed characterization of the GABAergic signaling in the GI tract, and consequently the development of novel strategies for the treatment of different GI disorders, we reviewed and discussed the current evidence about GABA actions in the enteric environment, with a particular focus on their possible therapeutic implications.
Keywords: GABA, GABA receptors, enteric nervous system, gastrointestinal function, gastrointestinal disease, GABA-based therapy.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title:The GABAergic System and the Gastrointestinal Physiopathology
Volume: 21 Issue: 34
Author(s): Michelangelo Auteri, Maria Grazia Zizzo and Rosa Serio
Affiliation:
Keywords: GABA, GABA receptors, enteric nervous system, gastrointestinal function, gastrointestinal disease, GABA-based therapy.
Abstract: Since the first report about the presence of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, accumulating evidence strongly supports the widespread representation of the GABAergic system in the enteric milieu, underlining its potential multifunctional role in the regulation of GI functions in health and disease. GABA and GABA receptors are widely distributed throughout the GI tract, constituting a complex network likely regulating the diverse GI behaviour patterns, cooperating with other major neurotransmitters and mediators for maintaining GI homeostasis in physiologic and pathologic conditions. GABA is involved in the circuitry of the enteric nervous system, controlling GI secretion and motility, as well as in the GI endocrine system, possibly acting as a autocrine/paracrine or hormonal agent. Furthermore, a series of investigations addresses the GABAergic system as a potential powerful modulator of GI visceral pain processing, enteric immune system and carcinogenesis. Although overall such actions may imply the consideration of the GABAergic system as a novel therapeutic target in different GI pathologic states, including GI motor and secretory diseases and different enteric inflammatory- and pain-related pathologies, current clinical applications of GABAergic drugs are scarce. Thus, in an attempt to propel novel scientific efforts addressing the detailed characterization of the GABAergic signaling in the GI tract, and consequently the development of novel strategies for the treatment of different GI disorders, we reviewed and discussed the current evidence about GABA actions in the enteric environment, with a particular focus on their possible therapeutic implications.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Auteri Michelangelo, Zizzo Grazia Maria and Serio Rosa, The GABAergic System and the Gastrointestinal Physiopathology, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2015; 21 (34) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612821666150914121518
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612821666150914121518 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
"Tuberculosis Prevention, Diagnosis and Drug Discovery"
The Nobel Prize-winning discoveries of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and streptomycin have enabled an appropriate diagnosis and an effective treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Since then, many newer diagnosis methods and drugs have been saving millions of lives. Despite advances in the past, TB is still a leading cause of infectious disease mortality ...read more
Current Pharmaceutical challenges in the treatment and diagnosis of neurological dysfunctions
Neurological dysfunctions (MND, ALS, MS, PD, AD, HD, ALS, Autism, OCD etc..) present significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment, often necessitating innovative approaches and therapeutic interventions. This thematic issue aims to explore the current pharmaceutical landscape surrounding neurological disorders, shedding light on the challenges faced by researchers, clinicians, and ...read more
Emerging and re-emerging diseases
Faced with a possible endemic situation of COVID-19, the world has experienced two important phenomena, the emergence of new infectious diseases and/or the resurgence of previously eradicated infectious diseases. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of such diseases has also undergone changes. This context, in turn, may have a strong relationship with ...read more
Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment: Standard of Care and Recent Advances
In this thematic issue, we aim to provide a standard of care of the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. The editor will invite authors from different countries who will write review articles of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. The Diagnosis, Staging, Surgical Treatment, Non-Surgical Treatment all ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Tenofovir-Related Nephropathies in HIV-Infected Patients
Current Vascular Pharmacology Vasopressin in Liver Disease – Should We Turn On or Off?
Current Clinical Pharmacology Aliskiren, a Direct Renin Inhibitor, in Clinical Practice: A New Approach in the Treatment of Hypertension
Current Vascular Pharmacology Protein disulfide isomerase and Nox: new partners in redox signaling
Current Pharmaceutical Design Fish Oil Prevents Oxidative Stress and Exerts Sustained Antiamnesic Effect After Global Cerebral Ischemia
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Adiponectin and its Role in Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets A Role for Leptin in the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and in Immune Response, an Update
Current Medicinal Chemistry Value of Carnitine Therapy in Kidney Dialysis Patients and Effects on Cardiac Function from Human and Animal Studies
Current Drug Targets Suitable Multicomponent Organic Synthesis using Heteropolycompounds as Catalysts
Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis: Current Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews Is Relief from Diabetes Just a Breath Away … ?
Current Drug Delivery Increased Production of Nitric Oxide Mediates Selective Organ-Specific Effects of Endotoxin on Oxidative Stress
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry The Renin-Angiotensin System: The Role of Inhibitors, Blockers, and Genetic Polymorphisms in the Treatment and Prevention of Heart Failure
Current Vascular Pharmacology Uteroplacental Circulation and Fetal Vascular Function and Development
Current Vascular Pharmacology Cannabinoids
Current Drug Targets - CNS & Neurological Disorders Pharmacovigilance and the Cardiovascular System: Two Sides to Every Story
Current Drug Safety Pharmacological Treatment of ADHD and the Short and Long Term Effects on Sleep
Current Pharmaceutical Design Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Anticancer Activity of New 2,3,6- Substituted Quinazolin-4(3H)-one Derivatives
Letters in Organic Chemistry Stenting and Prevention of Ischemic Stroke
Current Drug Targets Glucose Control and Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit: A Critical Review
Current Diabetes Reviews