Elucidation of a new sensory and immunoreactive system resided in wall of digestive tract.

本研究试图阐明小肠肌层的免疫反应和炎症反应不依赖于粘膜免疫。在腹膜炎和术后肠梗阻时，小肠肌层的免疫反应可作为首选防御措施。我们首次发现，浆膜间皮细胞和常驻巨噬细胞在诱导炎症中起着关键作用。这些细胞有一个PAMP(病原体相关分子模式)的传感器，如内毒素，这些PAMP反过来又表达许多炎症介质。此外，炎症反应直接影响肠道运动障碍。另一方面，肠肌壁的免疫反应和炎症信号可以通过烟碱型ACh受体的抗炎信号通路进行调节。

In the present study, we tried to clarify immunoreactive and inflammatory reaction of muscle layer of small intestine independent with mucosal immunity. The immunoreactivity of muscle layer of small intestine could be the first defense in case of peritonitis and postoperative ileus. We found for the first time that serosal mesothelial cells and resident macrophages play a crucial role to induce inflammation. These cells have a sensor for PAMPs(Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns) such as LPS, which in turn express many inflammatory mediators. In addition, the inflammatory reaction directly affects on intestinal motility disorder. On the other hand, the immunoreactive and inflammatory signaling in the intestinal muscle wall can be regulated by an anti-inflammatory signaling pathway through nicotinic ACh receptors.