Short‐Chain Fatty Acids Activate Myenteric Neurons and Delay Colonic Motility via Free Fatty Acid Receptors 2 and 3 in the Mouse

BACKGROUND: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), metabolic products of the gut microbiota, are important regulators of intestinal homeostasis. SCFAs exert their effects through free fatty acid receptors (FFAR), which are located on enteroendocrine cells and enteric nerves. The actions of SCFAs include the regulation of motility. How SCFAs affect enteric neuronal activity and the regulation of colonic motility remains to be fully elucidated. METHODS: responses were visualized by confocal microscopy. Colonic transit was determined using a bead propulsion assay. KEY RESULTS: fluorescence in both IPANs and myenteric neurons. SCFAs delay colonic bead propulsion, an effect abolished by both FFAR antagonists. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: Acutely, luminal administration of SCFAs activates myenteric neurons and slows colonic transit through FFAR2 and FFAR3 receptors.