Figure 9.

Schematic model depicting the putative action of ADPN on a glial cell of the myenteric plexus influencing SMC ion channels. ADPN interacts with AdipoR1 located on enteric glial cell membrane activating the AMPK pathway. This in turn promotes NOS activity, which leads to NO production. NO, as a gaseous molecule, spreads to the nearby SMC, ultimately affecting its bioelectric properties. Particularly, K⁺ channel activation results enhanced (+), whereas the Ca²⁺ channel activation results decreased (-) by ADPN. However, the modulation of Ca²⁺ channels may not be due only to NO but can involve further downstream effectors to AMPK (as indicated by the question mark). The blockade of AMPK by dorsomorphin and the inhibition of NO synthesis by L-NNA are also illustrated in the scheme.