Researchers at Stanford University have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to new treatments for constipation in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The study found that specific nerve cells in the gut, known as glutamatergic neurons, play a crucial role in regulating bowel movements.
These neurons release a signaling molecule called glutamate, which helps coordinate muscle contractions and relaxations in the digestive tract. By studying mice with normal gut function, the researchers identified two types of glutamatergic neurons that are responsible for controlling intestinal motility.
Removing one of these proteins from the neurons accelerated the movement of food through the gut, suggesting that they are key to regulating bowel movements. The team is now working on developing a “gut pacemaker” to regulate bowel movements and potentially treat chronic constipation in Parkinson’s patients.
The discovery highlights the importance of the enteric nervous system, which controls digestion and can influence overall health and well-being. While Parkinson’s disease is often associated with motor symptoms, patients also experience non-motor symptoms like constipation, which can occur years before other symptoms appear.
This study provides new hope for treating constipation in Parkinson’s patients and sheds light on the complex interactions between the gut and the brain.
Source: https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/news/gut-neurons-offer-way-treat-constipation-parkinsons-study