The role of neuroenteric hormones in intestinal infectious diseases

It is now well established that communication among the enteric nerves. hor mones, and neuropeptides plays a role in the pathogenesis of infectious gas trointestinal conditions. The results of several studies suggest that enter ic nerves and hormones modulate important gastrointestinal functions such a s intestinal motility and transport, intestinal permeability, fluid secreti on, and inflammation in response to infectious agents. During the past year several gut-brain peptides, including substance P, neurotensin, and galani n, emerged as important mediators in the development and progress of intest inal infectious conditions. The intestinal mechanism of neuropeptide and ho rmone action involves direct effects via binding to receptors on the intest inal epithelium as well as on immune cells localized underneath the epithel ial layer. Based on the available evidence from whole animal models it is p ossible that these new paradigms may offer novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of gastrointestinal infections. This review summarizes recent progress on the identification of peptide hormones participating in the pa thophysiology of infectious intestinal conditions and discusses the possibl e mechanism(s) of action involved in these processes. (C) 2000 Lippincott W illiams & Wilkins, Inc.