Abnormalities of the colonic regulatory peptides in Hirschsprung's disease

Abstract

A depletion of peptide containing nerves and cells is described in Hirschsprung''s disease, in comparison with specimens of bowel taken from age-matched neonates with no evidence of chronic constipation. VIP [vasoactive intestinal polypeptide] content in the diseased specimens was reduced by almost 80%. The numbers of enteroglucagon and somatostatin cells in the mucosa were significantly reduced in the aganglionic portions. Further investigation of the abnormalities of the diffuse neuroendocrine system in Hirschsprung''s disease may help in understanding the nature of this condition and provide additional information on the role of these peptides in the control of gut function.