Fig. 11

The mechanism by which macrophage polarization modulates the OT signalling system. LPS induces M1-like polarization to secrete proinflammatory factors that activate the STAT3 and NF-κB pathways to inhibit the OT signalling system in enteric neurons. IL4 induces M2-like polarization to secrete anti-inflammatory factors that activate the Smad2/3 pathway to upregulate the OT signalling system by inhibiting the expression of Peg3 in enteric neurons. OT may be a potent agent for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders caused by immune dysfunction