Bisphenol A and Its Analogue Bisphenol S Inhibit Cholinergic Neurotransmission at the Tripartite Colonic Myenteric Synapse of CD1 Mice by Targeting Interstitial Cells of Cajal

Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) are frequently used in the plastic industry. Despite significant alimentary exposure, their effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract remain largely unknown. Cholinergic and/or purinergic neurotransmission facilitates GI tract motility and secretion, indirectly controlling the absorption and toxicity of xenobiotics. Hence, this study examined the neurochemical effects of BPA and BPS in the tripartite cholinergic myenteric synapse of CD1 mice colon. Short time exposure to both bisphenols showed a partial loss of VAChT-positive neurons and Ano-1-positive interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), without affecting the amount of glial cells labelled with S100β. Both bisphenols reduced the spontaneous myographic activity and the release of [3H]acetylcholine ([3H]ACh) and adenosine from stimulated myenteric neurons and pacemaker ICCs, respectively, without affecting the outflow of ATP. Overall data suggest that both bisphenols inhibit the cholinergic neurotransmission of CD1 mice colon by affecting the amount and/or function of ICCs at the tripartite myenteric synapse.