Enterochromaffin Cells of the Human Gut: Sensors for Spices and Odorants
Abstract
Background & aims Release of serotonin from mucosal enterochromaffin cells triggered by luminal substances is the key event in the regulation of gut motility and secretion. We were interested to know whether nasal olfactory receptors are also expressed in the human gut mucosa by enterochromaffin cells and whether their ligands and odorants present in spices, fragrances, detergents, and cosmetics cause serotonin release.Methods Receptor expression was studied by the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction method in human mucosal enterochromaffin cells isolated by laser microdissection and in a cell line derived from human enterochromaffin cells. Activation of the cells by odorants was investigated by digital fluorescence imaging using the fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator Fluo-4. Serotonin release was measured in culture supernatants by a serotonin enzyme immunoassay and amperometry using carbon fiber microelectrodes placed on single cells.Results We found expression of 4 olfactory receptors in microdissected human mucosal enterochromaffin cells and in a cell line derived from human enterochromaffin cells. Ca(2+) imaging studies revealed that odorant ligands of the identified olfactory receptors cause Ca(2+) influx, elevation of intracellular free Ca(2+) levels, and, consequently, serotonin release.Conclusions Our results show that odorants present in the luminal environment of the gut may stimulate serotonin release via olfactory receptors present in human enterochromaffin cells. Serotonin controls both gut motility and secretion and is implicated in pathologic conditions such as vomiting, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. Thus, olfactory receptors are potential novel targets for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and motility disorders.
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Enterochromaffin cells secrete serotonin and signaling peptides in response to various physiological and pathological luminal stimuli, such as microbial factors or bacterial toxins, as well as central stimuli.
“Enterochromaffin cells secrete serotonin and signaling peptides (for example, corticotropin-releasing hormone, cholecystokinin and somatostatin) in response to various physiological and pathological luminal stimuli,53-55 such as microbial factors or bacterial toxins,56-58 as well as central stimuli (see discussion above).31,32”
From Principles and clinical implications of the brain-gut-enteric microbiota axis (2009) · cites this paper as [53]
Olfactory and taste receptors are expressed in enterochromaffin cells, and odorants present in the luminal environment are able to effect serotonin release by these cells.
“Interestingly, olfactory and taste receptors are expressed in enterochromaffin cells, and odorants present in the luminal environment (probably produced by the enteric microbiota) are also able to effect serotonin release by these cells.53”
From Principles and clinical implications of the brain-gut-enteric microbiota axis (2009) · cites this paper as [53]
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“Enterochromaffin cells secrete serotonin and signaling peptides (for example, corticotropin-releasing hormone, cholecystokinin and somatostatin) in response to various physiological and pathological luminal stimuli”
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- Authors
- Braun, T., Voland, P., Kunz, L., Prinz, C., & Gratzl, M.
- Affiliations
- Anatomische Anstalt (DE)
- Technical University of Munich (DE)
- Corresponding author
- Gratzl, Manfred
- Venue
- Gastroenterology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2007-05
- Volume
- 132
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 1890-1901
- ISSN
- 0016-5085 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1982955132
- Cited by
- 264
- References
- 49
- Citations by year
- 2026: 5 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 15 · 2018: 26 · 2017: 24 · 2016: 19 · 2015: 15 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 14 · 2012: 17
- FWCI
- 6.58
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Gastroenterology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- mediaTUM (Technical University of Munich) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Gastroenterology › Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Sensory Systems › Ion Channels and Receptors
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Sensory Systems › Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies
- Keywords
- enterochromaffin cells, olfactory receptors, aroma compounds, spices, serotonin release, calcium influx, intestinal mucosa, gastrointestinal motility, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal diseases
- MeSH terms
- Aniline Compounds, Calcium, Cells, Cultured, Enterochromaffin Cells, Fluorescent Dyes, Gastrointestinal Motility, Gene Expression Regulation, Humans, Odorants, Serotonin, Xanthenes, Spices, Receptors, Odorant, Gastrointestinal Tract
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