Distribution and neurochemical characterisation of neurons containing neuregulin 1 in the enteric nervous system within the porcine small intestine

Abstract

The enteric nervous system (ENS) in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract is complex and comprises many neurons, which are differentiated in terms of structure, function and neurochemistry. Neuregulin 1 (NRG 1) is one of the neuronal factors synthesised in the ENS about the distribution and functions of which relatively little is known. The present study is the first description of the distribution of NRG 1 in the ENS in various segments of the porcine small intestine.

Keywords

• neuregulin 1
• enteric neurons
• domestic pig