Persistent enteric neuroinflammation chronically impairs colonic motility in a pyridostigmine bromide-induced mouse model of Gulf War illness.

ABSTRACT: Neuroplasticity in the adult colon enables the enteric nervous system (ENS) to adaptively remodel in response to acute inflammation, preserving motility. However, chronic inflammation may drive maladaptive neuroplasticity, resulting in gastrointestinal dysmotility, a hallmark of functional gastrointestinal disorders, including Gulf War illness (GWI). GWI affects ∼30% of Gulf War veterans and has been linked to oral toxic exposures during combat, such as pyridostigmine bromide (PB). To explore mechanisms of persistent dysmotility, we developed a PB exposure model relevant to GWI. In the colon, we observed structural and functional ENS changes, including an imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory motor neurons and altered motility patterns. These were accompanied by a sustained influx of pro-

SUBMITTER: Collier CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12171577 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature