Fig. 2
From: Underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms in childhood irritable bowel syndrome
Mast cell-nerve interactions in the human gut. Mast cells and nerves communicate bidirectionally, thereby modulating peristalsis and pain signaling. The release of bioactive, pro-inflammatory mediators by mast cells results in a variety of neuronal effects including activation, sensitization, and recruitment of nociceptors to the cell membrane, neurogenic inflammation, and neural sprouting. Ultimately, this leads to visceral hypersensitivity. Neuronal activation triggers the release of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, thereby further activating mast cells. H1R = histamine-1 receptor; TRPV1 = transient receptor vanilloid 1; 5-HT3 = 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor; PAR2 = proteinase-activated receptor-2; TrkA = receptor for nerve growth factor; TLR = toll-like receptor; NK1 = neurokinin 1 receptor; SP = substance P; CGRP = calcitonin-related gene peptide; Ig = immunoglobulins; NGF = neuronal growth factor; PG = prostaglandins. Figure reproduced from “The role of mast cells in functional GI disorders,” Wouters et al. [41] with permission from BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.© 2015 BMJ & British Society of Gastroenterology. All rights reserved