Daily maternal deprivation during the first two weeks of life induces in rats long term alterations of gut physiology. Among them, there are a hypersensitivity to colonic distension and an increase in epithelial paracellular permeability. These alterations are supported by neuroimmune anatomical modifications of the colonic mucosa and are controlled by several mediators such as nerve growth factor and corticotropin releasing factor.
Jean Fioramonti (*1948 in Toulouse) is head of the department of Neurogastroenterology and Nutrition at the Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA). In 1981 he obtained his degree of Doctor in Sciences with a thesis on the comparative colonic motility in mammal species. His current main fields of research are the neuroimmune intestinal relationships, with studies on visceral pain and intestinal inflammation, and the role of deleterious (chemical residues) or beneficial (probiotics) alimentary components.
Moderation: Professor Dr. Barbara M. Bröker