Distinct 5-HT receptors mediate the peristaltic reflex induced by mucosal stimuli in human and guinea pig intestine

Background and Aims: The role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in regulating the peristaltic reflex in humans is unknown. The neural pathways subserving peristalsis induced by mucosal stimulation were characterized in human jejunum and guinea pig colon. Methods: Compartmented flat-sheet preparations that enable measurement of 5-HT and sensory transmitter release into one compartment and mechanical responses in adjacent compartments were used. Results: Mucosal stimuli (2-8 brush strokes) caused concomitant release of 5-HT and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) into the compartment where stimulation was applied in both species; in contrast, muscle stretch caused release of CGRP only. CGRP release as well as ascending contraction and descending relaxation of circular muscle induced by mucosal stimulation were inhibited by a selective 5-HT₄ antagonist in human jejunum and by selective 5-HT₄ and 5-HT₃ antagonists in guinea pig colon. The effects of the 5-HT₃ and 5-HT₄ antagonists in guinea pig colon were additive. A selective 5- HT(1P) antagonist mimicked the effect of the 5-HT₄ antagonist. The CGRP antagonist human CGRP_8-37 inhibited ascending and descending responses in both species. Conclusions: 5-HT released by mucosal stimulation initiates a peristaltic reflex by activating 5-HT₄/5-HT(1P) receptors on sensory CGRP neurons in human intestine and 5-HT₄/5-HT(1P) and 5-HT₃ receptors in guinea pig colon.