Stephen M. Stahl, M.D., Ph.D. Issue: The brain and the gut have
parallel pharmacologic regulatory systems that are also
interlinked. Since irritable bowel syndrome may result from
malfunctioning of these pharmacologic systems and their
regulatory mechanisms, future treatments could be directed
simultaneously at both the brain and the gut.
gastroenterologist: "Isn't it surprising how many brain
neurotransmitters are also in the gut?" Gastroenterologist to
psychiatrist: "Not at all, but it sure is interesting how many
gut neurotransmitters are in the brain." The brain and gut are
not only parallel pharmacologic systems, they are also
interlinked pharmacologic systems. This link is not surprising
given that the enteric nervous system, which innervates the gut,
is embryologically derived from the same part of the neural
crest that evolves into the brain.1-4 Thus, the brain and gut go
in separate directions during early development but preserve
links that exert mutual and reciprocal regulatory influences on
one an