The impact of long-course chemoradiotherapy on the myenteric plexus, neuromuscular functions and responses to prokinetic drugs in the human rectum.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

The long-term effects of chemoradiotherapy on human rectum are poorly understood. The aims were to investigate changes in inflammatory status, myenteric neuron numbers/phenotype, neuromuscular functions and prokinetic drug efficacy.

Methods

Macroscopically normal proximal-to-mid rectum was obtained from 21 patients undergoing surgery for bowel cancer, 98 days (range: 63-350) after concurrent capecitabine and pelvic radiotherapy, and 19 patients without chemoradiotherapy. Inflammatory status was measured by H&E, CD45 staining and qPCR. Myenteric neurons were examined by immunohistochemistry. Neuromuscular functions and drug efficacy were studied using exogenous agents and electrical field stimulation (EFS) to activate intrinsic nerves.

Results

Inflamm

SUBMITTER: Kung VWS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11652327 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature