The gut-brain axis is a coordinated communication system that not only maintains homeostasis, but significantly influences higher cognitive functions and emotions as well as neurological and behavioral disorders. Among the large populations of sensory and motor neurons that innervate the gut, insights into the function of primary afferent nociceptors whose cell bodies reside in the dorsal root ganglia and nodose ganglia, have revealed their multiple crosstalk with several cell types within the gut wall, including epithelial, vascular and immune cells. These bi-directional communications have immunoregulatory functions, control host response to pathogen, and modulate sensation associated with gastrointestinal disorders, through activation of immune cells and glia in the peripheral and central nervous system, respectively. Here we will review the cellular and neurochemical basis of these interactions at the periphery, in dorsal root ganglia and in the spinal cord. We will discuss the research gaps that should be addressed to get a better understanding of the multifunctional role of sensory neurons in maintaining gut homeostasis and regulating visceral sensitivity.

中文翻译：

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肠道稳态的神经控制

肠脑轴是一个协调的通信系统，不仅可以保持体内稳态，而且可以显着影响较高的认知功能和情绪以及神经系统和行为异常。在支配肠的大量感觉神经和运动神经元中，对细胞体位于背根神经节和结节神经节中的主要传入伤害感受器功能的见解揭示了它们与肠道壁内几种细胞类型的多重串扰，包括上皮，血管和免疫细胞。这些双向通信具有免疫调节功能，分别通过激活周围和中枢神经系统中的免疫细胞和神经胶质来控制宿主对病原体的反应，并调节与胃肠道疾病相关的感觉。在这里，我们将回顾这些相互作用在外周，背根神经节和脊髓中的细胞和神经化学基础。我们将讨论应该解决的研究空白，以便更好地理解感觉神经元在维持肠道稳态和调节内脏敏感性方面的多功能作用。