IngentaConnect A New Hypothesis on the Pathogenesis of Intestinal Pseudo-obstruc...

Authors: Bosman C.¹; Devito R.²; Fusilli S.³; Boldrini R.²

Source: Pathology Research and Practice, Volume 197, Number 12, December 2001 , pp. 789-796(8)

Abstract:

Using morphometry and image analysis, we investigated 17 patients showing intestinal pseudo-obstruction secondary to intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND) and 20 controls. In addition to an increase in the number and size of the ganglia and the ganglionic cells, we also noted a significant increase in NO synthase-containing ganglionic cells. We found that this enzyme, responsible for the synthesis of nitrous oxide caused by oxidation of L-argynine aminoacid, is a neurotransmitter able to induce smooth muscle relaxation by activating cyclic AMP. If the increase in NO synthase-producing ganglionic cells is responsible for the increase in nitrous oxide production, one can hypothesize that an overproduction of nitrous oxide plays a role in the pathogenesis of intestinal pseudo-obstruction secondary to neuronal dysplasia. As NO synthase can be blocked, as was demonstrated by giving L-methil-arginine or N-G-nitro-L-argynine, it might be possible to treat intestinal pseudo-obstruction caused by intestinal neuronal dysplasia at the pharmacological level.

Keywords: Intestinal pseudo-obstruction; Intestinal neuronal dysplasia IND; Nitric oxide; NO synthase

Language: English

Document Type: Original article

DOI: 10.1078/0344-0338-00161

Affiliations: 1: Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology La Sapienza University Rome, Italy 2: Department of Pathology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy 3: Department of Pathology, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza IRCCS S. Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy

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A New Hypothesis on the Pathogenesis of Intestinal Pseudo-obstructionby Intestinal Neuronal Dysplasia (IND)