Gut microbes promote colonic serotonin production through an effect of short‐chain fatty acids on enterochromaffin cells

Gut microbiota alterations have been described in several diseases with altered gastrointestinal (GI) motility, and awareness is increasing regarding the role of the gut microbiome in modulating GI function. Serotonin [5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)] is a key regulator of GI motility and secretion. To determine the relationship among gut microbes, colonic contractility, and host serotonergic gene expression, we evaluated mice that were germ‐free (GF) or humanized (HM; ex‐GF colonized with human gut microbiota). 5‐HT reduced contractile duration in both GF and HM colons. Microbiota from HM and conventionally raised (CR) mice significantly increased colonic mRNAs Tph1 [(tryptophan hydroxylase) 1, rate limiting for…

• MC
  Mayo Clinic
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: K08 DK100638, R01 DK085025, P30DK84567