Gut microbes promote colonic serotonin production through an effect of short‐chain fatty acids on enterochromaffin cells

Jan 1, 2015FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

Gut microbes may boost colon serotonin by helping gut cells respond to short-chain fatty acids

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Abstract

5-HT concentrations were significantly higher in humanized (HM) and conventionally raised (CR) mice compared to germ-free (GF) mice, with levels of 25 ± 2 ng/mg and 35 ± 3 ng/mg respectively.

  • Gut microbiota from HM and conventionally raised mice increased colonic mRNAs related to serotonin synthesis, specifically Tph1 and chromogranin A.
  • 5-HT reduced the duration of colonic contractions in both GF and HM mice.
  • There was no effect of microbiota on the expression of genes involved in serotonin breakdown or receptor activity.
  • Microbiota influenced the production of short-chain fatty acids, which promoted serotonin production in human enterochromaffin cell models.
  • Enterochromaffin cell numbers remained unchanged despite increased serotonin levels.

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