Wouter J. De Jonge MS

Dr W.J. de Jonge (1971) has been appointed professor of Experimental Neuro-Gastroenterology at the University of Amsterdam’s (UvA) Faculty of Medicine (AMC-UvA). Wouter de Jonge’s research concerns the neural networks of the gastrointestinal system, and in particular the mechanisms that cause stomach ailments and intestinal motility disorders. This includes the study of diseases such as ileus (bowel obstruction), reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

The main focus of his research is on interactions between neurons and the immune system, for example how inflammation contributes to pain in patients with abnormal intestinal motility. In addition, De Jonge studies the background of mucosal immunity disorders (intestinal mucous membrane defence) in inflammatory bowel diseases such as colitis ulcerosa. Working closely with industrial partners, he seeks to make his research findings practicable for the clinical testing of new medicines on patients.