Plasticity of enteric neurotransmission varies during day-night cycles and with feeding state

Abstract

The circadian cycle is a fundamental biological rhythm that governs many physiological functions across nearly all living organisms. In the gastrointestinal tract, activities such as gut motility, hormone synthesis, and communication between the gut, central nervous system, and microbiome all fluctuate in alignment with the circadian cycle. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is critical for coordinating many of these activities; however, how its activity is governed by the circadian cycle remains unknown. In this study, we used live calcium imaging to examine alterations in enteric neurotransmission during the 24-h day/night cycle in mice. In addition, given the role of food timing as a potent..