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Moura MM, Monteiro A, Salgado AJ, Silva NA, Monteiro S. Disrupted autonomic pathways in spinal cord injury: Implications for the immune regulation. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 195:106500. [PMID: 38614275 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) disrupts critical autonomic pathways responsible for the regulation of the immune function. Consequently, individuals with SCI often exhibit a spectrum of immune dysfunctions ranging from the development of damaging pro-inflammatory responses to severe immunosuppression. Thus, it is imperative to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the extent and mechanisms through which SCI-induced autonomic dysfunction influences the immune response. In this review, we provide an overview of the anatomical organization and physiology of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), elucidating how SCI impacts its function, with a particular focus on lymphoid organs and immune activity. We highlight recent advances in understanding how intraspinal plasticity that follows SCI may contribute to aberrant autonomic activity in lymphoid organs. Additionally, we discuss how sympathetic mediators released by these neuron terminals affect immune cell function. Finally, we discuss emerging innovative technologies and potential clinical interventions targeting the ANS as a strategy to restore the normal regulation of the immune response in individuals with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Moura
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - António J Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno A Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Susana Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
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Kawashima K, Mashimo M, Nomura A, Fujii T. Contributions of Non-Neuronal Cholinergic Systems to the Regulation of Immune Cell Function, Highlighting the Role of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4564. [PMID: 38674149 PMCID: PMC11050324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Loewi's discovery of acetylcholine (ACh) release from the frog vagus nerve and the discovery by Dale and Dudley of ACh in ox spleen led to the demonstration of chemical transmission of nerve impulses. ACh is now well-known to function as a neurotransmitter. However, advances in the techniques for ACh detection have led to its discovery in many lifeforms lacking a nervous system, including eubacteria, archaea, fungi, and plants. Notably, mRNAs encoding choline acetyltransferase and muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) have been found in uninnervated mammalian cells, including immune cells, keratinocytes, vascular endothelial cells, cardiac myocytes, respiratory, and digestive epithelial cells. It thus appears that non-neuronal cholinergic systems are expressed in a variety of mammalian cells, and that ACh should now be recognized not only as a neurotransmitter, but also as a local regulator of non-neuronal cholinergic systems. Here, we discuss the role of non-neuronal cholinergic systems, with a focus on immune cells. A current focus of much research on non-neuronal cholinergic systems in immune cells is α7 nAChRs, as these receptors expressed on macrophages and T cells are involved in regulating inflammatory and immune responses. This makes α7 nAChRs an attractive potential therapeutic target.
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Grants
- 19-31: TF; 20-25: TF. Individual Research Grants from the Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts
- 24590120, K.K., T.F., K.H.; 22K06638, T.F., A.N., 15K18871, M.M.; 15K07979, T.F., 15K07969-m, K.K.; 18K06903, T.F. The Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture of Japan
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Masato Mashimo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe 610-0395, Japan; (M.M.); (A.N.)
| | - Atsuo Nomura
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe 610-0395, Japan; (M.M.); (A.N.)
| | - Takeshi Fujii
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe 610-0395, Japan; (M.M.); (A.N.)
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3
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Lauten TH, Natour T, Case AJ. Innate and adaptive immune system consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder. Auton Neurosci 2024; 252:103159. [PMID: 38428324 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2024.103159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
In the field of psychiatry, biological markers are rarely, if ever, used in the diagnosis of mental health disorders. Clinicians rely primarily on patient histories and behavioral symptoms to identify specific psychopathologies, which makes diagnosis highly subjective. Moreover, therapies for mental health disorders are aimed specifically at attenuating behavioral manifestations, which overlooks the pathophysiological indices of the disease. This is highly evident in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) where inflammation and immune system perturbations are becoming increasingly described. Further, patients with PTSD possess significantly elevated risks of developing comorbid inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases, which are likely linked (though not fully proven) to the apparent dysregulation of the immune system after psychological trauma. To date, there is little to no evidence that demonstrates current PTSD therapies are able to reverse the increased risk for psychological trauma-induced inflammatory diseases, which suggests the behavioral and somatic consequences of PTSD may not be tightly coupled. This observation provides an opportunity to explore unique mechanisms outside of the brain that contribute to the long-term pathology of PTSD. Herein, we provide an overview of neuroimmune mechanisms, describe what is known regarding innate and adaptive immunity in PTSD, and suggest new directions that are needed to advance the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatlock H Lauten
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States; Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Tamara Natour
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States; Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Adam J Case
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States; Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States.
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4
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Zhu X, Huang JY, Dong WY, Tang HD, Xu S, Wu Q, Zhang H, Cheng PK, Jin Y, Zhu MY, Zhao W, Mao Y, Wang H, Zhang Y, Wang H, Tao W, Tian Y, Bai L, Zhang Z. Somatosensory cortex and central amygdala regulate neuropathic pain-mediated peripheral immune response via vagal projections to the spleen. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:471-483. [PMID: 38291284 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01561-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Pain involves neuroimmune crosstalk, but the mechanisms of this remain unclear. Here we showed that the splenic T helper 2 (TH2) immune cell response is differentially regulated in male mice with acute versus chronic neuropathic pain and that acetylcholinergic neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (AChDMV) directly innervate the spleen. Combined in vivo recording and immune cell profiling revealed the following two distinct circuits involved in pain-mediated peripheral TH2 immune response: glutamatergic neurons in the primary somatosensory cortex (GluS1HL)→AChDMV→spleen circuit and GABAergic neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala (GABACeA)→AChDMV→spleen circuit. The acute pain condition elicits increased excitation from GluS1HL neurons to spleen-projecting AChDMV neurons and increased the proportion of splenic TH2 immune cells. The chronic pain condition increased inhibition from GABACeA neurons to spleen-projecting AChDMV neurons and decreased splenic TH2 immune cells. Our study thus demonstrates how the brain encodes pain-state-specific immune responses in the spleen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Ji-Ye Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Wan-Ying Dong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Hao-Di Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Si Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Qielan Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Ping-Kai Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yuxin Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Meng-Yu Zhu
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei, P. R. China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Wan Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technique of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yu Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Haitao Wang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Hao Wang
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Wenjuan Tao
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei, P. R. China.
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China.
| | - Yanghua Tian
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China.
| | - Li Bai
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China.
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China.
- Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China.
- The Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine, Institute of Health and Medicine, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China.
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5
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Silverman JB, Vega PN, Tyska MJ, Lau KS. Intestinal Tuft Cells: Morphology, Function, and Implications for Human Health. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:479-504. [PMID: 37863104 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042022-030310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Tuft cells are a rare and morphologically distinct chemosensory cell type found throughout many organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. These cells were identified by their unique morphologies distinguished by large apical protrusions. Ultrastructural data have begun to describe the molecular underpinnings of their cytoskeletal features, and tuft cell-enriched cytoskeletal proteins have been identified, although the connection of tuft cell morphology to tuft cell functionality has not yet been established. Furthermore, tuft cells display variations in function and identity between and within tissues, leading to the delineation of distinct tuft cell populations. As a chemosensory cell type, they display receptors that are responsive to ligands specific for their environment. While many studies have demonstrated the tuft cell response to protists and helminths in the intestine, recent research has highlighted other roles of tuft cells as well as implicated tuft cells in other disease processes including inflammation, cancer, and viral infections. Here, we review the literature on the cytoskeletal structure of tuft cells. Additionally, we focus on new research discussing tuft cell lineage, ligand-receptor interactions, tuft cell tropism, and the role of tuft cells in intestinal disease. Finally, we discuss the implication of tuft cell-targeted therapies in human health and how the morphology of tuft cells may contribute to their functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B Silverman
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; ,
| | - Paige N Vega
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; ,
| | - Matthew J Tyska
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; ,
| | - Ken S Lau
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; ,
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6
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Rivera-García LG, Francis-Malavé AM, Castillo ZW, Uong CD, Wilson TD, Ferchmin PA, Eterovic V, Burton MD, Carrasquillo Y. Anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of 4R-tobacco cembranoid in a mouse model of inflammatory pain. J Inflamm (Lond) 2024; 21:2. [PMID: 38267952 PMCID: PMC10809744 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-023-00373-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
4R is a tobacco cembranoid that binds to and modulates cholinergic receptors and exhibits neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activity. Given the established function of the cholinergic system in pain and inflammation, we propose that 4R is also analgesic. Here, we tested the hypothesis that systemic 4R treatment decreases pain-related behaviors and peripheral inflammation via modulation of the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs) in a mouse model of inflammatory pain. We elicited inflammation by injecting Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) into the hind paw of male and female mice. We then assessed inflammation-induced hypersensitivity to cold, heat, and tactile stimulation using the Acetone, Hargreaves, and von Frey tests, respectively, before and at different time points (2.5 h - 8d) after a single systemic 4R (or vehicle) administration. We evaluated the contribution of α7 nAChRs 4R-mediated analgesia by pre-treating mice with a selective antagonist of α7 nAChRs followed by 4R (or vehicle) administration prior to behavioral tests. We assessed CFA-induced paw edema and inflammation by measuring paw thickness and quantifying immune cell infiltration in the injected hind paw using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Lastly, we performed immunohistochemical and flow cytometric analyses of paw skin in α7 nAChR-cre::Ai9 mice to measure the expression of α7 nAChRs on immune subsets. Our experiments show that systemic administration of 4R decreases inflammation-induced peripheral hypersensitivity in male and female mice and inflammation-induced paw edema in male but not female mice. Notably, 4R-mediated analgesia and anti-inflammatory effects lasted up to 8d after a single systemic administration on day 1. Pretreatment with an α7 nAChR-selective antagonist prevented 4R-mediated analgesia and anti-inflammatory effects, demonstrating that 4R effects are via modulation of α7 nAChRs. We further show that a subset of immune cells in the hind paw expresses α7 nAChRs. However, the number of α7 nAChR-expressing immune cells is unaltered by CFA or 4R treatment, suggesting that 4R effects are independent of α7 nAChR-expressing immune cells. Together, our findings identify a novel function of the 4R tobacco cembranoid as an analgesic agent in both male and female mice that reduces peripheral inflammation in a sex-dependent manner, further supporting the pharmacological targeting of the cholinergic system for pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis G Rivera-García
- Division of Intramural Research National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 35 Convent Drive, Building 35A / Room 1E-410, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Universidad Central Del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamon, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Adela M Francis-Malavé
- Division of Intramural Research National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 35 Convent Drive, Building 35A / Room 1E-410, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Zachary W Castillo
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Group, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas, Dallas, USA
| | - Calvin D Uong
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Group, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas, Dallas, USA
| | - Torri D Wilson
- Division of Intramural Research National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 35 Convent Drive, Building 35A / Room 1E-410, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - P A Ferchmin
- Department of Neuroscience, Universidad Central Del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamon, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Vesna Eterovic
- Department of Neuroscience, Universidad Central Del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamon, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Michael D Burton
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Group, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas, Dallas, USA
| | - Yarimar Carrasquillo
- Division of Intramural Research National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 35 Convent Drive, Building 35A / Room 1E-410, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
- National Institute On Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 35 Convent Drive, Building 35A / Room 1E-410, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Rahman AA, Stavely R, Pan W, Ott L, Ohishi K, Ohkura T, Han C, Hotta R, Goldstein AM. Optogenetic Activation of Cholinergic Enteric Neurons Reduces Inflammation in Experimental Colitis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:907-921. [PMID: 38272444 PMCID: PMC11026705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Intestinal inflammation is associated with loss of enteric cholinergic neurons. Given the systemic anti-inflammatory role of cholinergic innervation, we hypothesized that enteric cholinergic neurons similarly possess anti-inflammatory properties and may represent a novel target to treat inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS Mice were fed 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 7 days to induce colitis. Cholinergic enteric neurons, which express choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), were focally ablated in the midcolon of ChAT::Cre;R26-iDTR mice by local injection of diphtheria toxin before colitis induction. Activation of enteric cholinergic neurons was achieved using ChAT::Cre;R26-ChR2 mice, in which ChAT+ neurons express channelrhodopsin-2, with daily blue light stimulation delivered via an intracolonic probe during the 7 days of DSS treatment. Colitis severity, ENS structure, and smooth muscle contractility were assessed by histology, immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, organ bath, and electromyography. In vitro studies assessed the anti-inflammatory role of enteric cholinergic neurons on cultured muscularis macrophages. RESULTS Ablation of ChAT+ neurons in DSS-treated mice exacerbated colitis, as measured by weight loss, colon shortening, histologic inflammation, and CD45+ cell infiltration, and led to colonic dysmotility. Conversely, optogenetic activation of enteric cholinergic neurons improved colitis, preserved smooth muscle contractility, protected against loss of cholinergic neurons, and reduced proinflammatory cytokine production. Both acetylcholine and optogenetic cholinergic neuron activation in vitro reduced proinflammatory cytokine expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated muscularis macrophages. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that enteric cholinergic neurons have an anti-inflammatory role in the colon and should be explored as a potential inflammatory bowel disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Rahman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leah Ott
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kensuke Ohishi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Drug Discovery Laboratory, Wakunaga Pharmaceuticals Company, Ltd, Akitakata, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ohkura
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher Han
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Jin Z, Dong J, Wang Y, Liu Y. Exploring the potential of vagus nerve stimulation in treating brain diseases: a review of immunologic benefits and neuroprotective efficacy. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:444. [PMID: 37853458 PMCID: PMC10585738 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01439-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The vagus nerve serves as a critical connection between the central nervous system and internal organs. Originally known for its effectiveness in treating refractory epilepsy, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has shown potential for managing other brain diseases, including ischaemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. However, the precise mechanisms of VNS and its benefits for brain diseases are not yet fully understood. Recent studies have found that VNS can inhibit inflammation, promote neuroprotection, help maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, have multisystemic modulatory effects, and even transmit signals from the gut flora to the brain. In this article, we will review several essential studies that summarize the current theories of VNS and its immunomodulatory effects, as well as the therapeutic value of VNS for brain disorders. By doing so, we aim to provide a better understanding of how the neuroimmune network operates and inspire future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeping Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Dong
- Department of Medical Engineering, Tsinghua University Yuquan Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Cao Y, Chen H, Yang J. Neuroanatomy of lymphoid organs: Lessons learned from whole-tissue imaging studies. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250136. [PMID: 37377338 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Decades of extensive research have documented the presence of neural innervations of sensory, sympathetic, or parasympathetic origin in primary and secondary lymphoid organs. Such neural inputs can release neurotransmitters and neuropeptides to directly modulate the functions of various immune cells, which represents one of the essential aspects of the body's neuroimmune network. Notably, recent studies empowered by state-of-the-art imaging techniques have comprehensively assessed neural distribution patterns in BM, thymus, spleen, and LNs of rodents and humans, helping clarify several controversies lingering in the field. In addition, it has become evident that neural innervations in lymphoid organs are not static but undergo alterations in pathophysiological contexts. This review aims to update the current information on the neuroanatomy of lymphoid organs obtained through whole-tissue 3D imaging and genetic approaches, focusing on anatomical features that may designate the functional modulation of immune responses. Moreover, we discuss several critical questions that call for future research, which will advance our in-depth understanding of the importance and complexity of neural control of lymphoid organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cao
- Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjie Chen
- Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen, China
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10
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Boahen A, Hu D, Adams MJ, Nicholls PK, Greene WK, Ma B. Bidirectional crosstalk between the peripheral nervous system and lymphoid tissues/organs. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1254054. [PMID: 37767094 PMCID: PMC10520967 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1254054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) influences the immune system generally by regulating the systemic concentration of humoral substances (e.g., cortisol and epinephrine), whereas the peripheral nervous system (PNS) communicates specifically with the immune system according to local interactions/connections. An imbalance between the components of the PNS might contribute to pathogenesis and the further development of certain diseases. In this review, we have explored the "thread" (hardwiring) of the connections between the immune system (e.g., primary/secondary/tertiary lymphoid tissues/organs) and PNS (e.g., sensory, sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems (ENS)) in health and disease in vitro and in vivo. Neuroimmune cell units provide an anatomical and physiological basis for bidirectional crosstalk between the PNS and the immune system in peripheral tissues, including lymphoid tissues and organs. These neuroimmune interactions/modulation studies might greatly contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms through which the PNS possibly affects cellular and humoral-mediated immune responses or vice versa in health and diseases. Physical, chemical, pharmacological, and other manipulations of these neuroimmune interactions should bring about the development of practical therapeutic applications for certain neurological, neuroimmunological, infectious, inflammatory, and immunological disorders/diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Boahen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri-Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dailun Hu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Murray J. Adams
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Philip K. Nicholls
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Wayne K. Greene
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Bin Ma
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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11
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Xiao L, Li X, Fang C, Yu J, Chen T. Neurotransmitters: promising immune modulators in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1118637. [PMID: 37215113 PMCID: PMC10196476 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1118637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is modified by its cellular or acellular components throughout the whole period of tumor development. The dynamic modulation can reprogram tumor initiation, growth, invasion, metastasis, and response to therapies. Hence, the focus of cancer research and intervention has gradually shifted to TME components and their interactions. Accumulated evidence indicates neural and immune factors play a distinct role in modulating TME synergistically. Among the complicated interactions, neurotransmitters, the traditional neural regulators, mediate some crucial regulatory functions. Nevertheless, knowledge of the exact mechanisms is still scarce. Meanwhile, therapies targeting the TME remain unsatisfactory. It holds a great prospect to reveal the molecular mechanism by which the interplay between the nervous and immune systems regulate cancer progression for laying a vivid landscape of tumor development and improving clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxi Xiao
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xunjun Li
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuanfa Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiang Yu
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of General Surgery and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
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12
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Simon T, Kirk J, Dolezalova N, Guyot M, Panzolini C, Bondue A, Lavergne J, Hugues S, Hypolite N, Saeb-Parsy K, Perkins J, Macia E, Sridhar A, Vervoordeldonk MJ, Glaichenhaus N, Donegá M, Blancou P. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway inhibits inflammation without lymphocyte relay. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1125492. [PMID: 37123375 PMCID: PMC10140439 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1125492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The magnitude of innate inflammatory immune responses is dependent on interactions between peripheral neural and immune cells. In particular, a cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) has been identified in the spleen whereby noradrenaline (NA) released by splenic nerves binds to ß2-adrenergic receptors (β2-AR) on CD4+ T cells which, in turn, release acetylcholine (ACh). The binding of ACh to α7 acetylcholine receptors (α7-AChR) expressed by splenic macrophages inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF). However, the role of ACh-secreting CD4+ T-cells in the CAP is still controversial and largely based on the absence of this anti-inflammatory pathway in mice lacking T-cells (nude, FoxN1-/-). Using four conscious, non-lymphopenic transgenic mouse models, we found that, rather than acting on CD4+ T-cells, NA released by splenic nerve terminals acts directly onto β2-AR on splenic myeloid cells to exert this anti-inflammatory effect. We also show that, while larger doses of LPS are needed to trigger CAP in nude mouse strain compared to other strains, TNF production can be inhibited in these animals lacking CD4+ T-cell by stimulating either the vagus or the splenic nerve. We demonstrate that CD4+ T-cells are dispensable for the CAP after antibody-mediated CD4+ T-cell depletion in wild type mice. Furthermore, we found that NA-mediated inhibition of in vitro LPS-induced TNF secretion by human or porcine splenocytes does not require α7-AChR signaling. Altogether our data demonstrate that activation of the CAP by stimulation of vagus or splenic nerves in mice is mainly mediated by direct binding of NA to β2-AR on splenic macrophages, and suggest that the same mechanism is at play in larger species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Simon
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | - Joseph Kirk
- The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Nikola Dolezalova
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mélanie Guyot
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | | | - Alexandre Bondue
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | - Julien Lavergne
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | | | - Nicolas Hypolite
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | - Kourosh Saeb-Parsy
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Perkins
- Galvani Bioelectronics, Translational Sciences, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Macia
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | - Arun Sridhar
- Galvani Bioelectronics, Translational Sciences, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicolas Glaichenhaus
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | - Matteo Donegá
- Galvani Bioelectronics, Translational Sciences, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Philippe Blancou
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
- *Correspondence: Philippe Blancou,
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13
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Bonilla-Díaz A, Ordóñez-Morán P. Differentiated Epithelial Cells of the Gut. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2650:3-16. [PMID: 37310619 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3076-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The intestine is a prime example of self-renewal where stem cells give rise to progenitor cells called transit-amplifying cells which differentiate into more specialized cells. There are two intestinal lineages: the absorptive (enterocytes and microfold cells) and the secretory (Paneth cells, enteroendocrine, goblet cells, and tuft cells). Each of these differentiated cell types has a role in creating an "ecosystem" to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Here, we summarize the main roles of each cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bonilla-Díaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biomedicine , University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paloma Ordóñez-Morán
- Translational Medical Sciences Unit, School of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Sciences, Biodiscovery Institute-3, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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14
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Cheng X, Zhang Y, Chen R, Qian S, Lv H, Liu X, Zeng S. Anatomical Evidence for Parasympathetic Innervation of the Renal Vasculature and Pelvis. J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 33:2194-2210. [PMID: 36253054 PMCID: PMC9731635 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2021111518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The kidneys critically contribute to body homeostasis under the control of the autonomic nerves, which enter the kidney along the renal vasculature. Although the renal sympathetic and sensory nerves have long been confirmed, no significant anatomic evidence exists for renal parasympathetic innervation. METHODS We identified cholinergic nerve varicosities associated with the renal vasculature and pelvis using various anatomic research methods, including a genetically modified mouse model and immunostaining. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) was used to analyze the expression of AChRs in the renal artery and its segmental branches. To assess the origins of parasympathetic projecting nerves of the kidney, we performed retrograde tracing using recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) and pseudorabies virus (PRV), followed by imaging of whole brains, spinal cords, and ganglia. RESULTS We found that cholinergic axons supply the main renal artery, segmental renal artery, and renal pelvis. On the renal artery, the newly discovered cholinergic nerve fibers are separated not only from the sympathetic nerves but also from the sensory nerves. We also found cholinergic ganglion cells within the renal nerve plexus. Moreover, the scRNA-Seq analysis suggested that acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) are expressed in the renal artery and its segmental branches. In addition, retrograde tracing suggested vagus afferents conduct the renal sensory pathway to the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), and vagus efferents project to the kidney. CONCLUSIONS Cholinergic nerves supply renal vasculature and renal pelvis, and a vagal brain-kidney axis is involved in renal innervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Cheng
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongsheng Zhang
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruixi Chen
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shenghui Qian
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haijun Lv
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiuli Liu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaoqun Zeng
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Piletz JE, Cooper J, Chidester K, Erson K, Melton S, Osemeka A, Patterson M, Strickland K, Wan JX, Williams K. Transepithelial Effect of Probiotics in a Novel Model of Gut Lumen to Nerve Signaling. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224856. [PMID: 36432542 PMCID: PMC9697698 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiome changes brain function, behavior, and psychiatric and neurological disorders. The Gut-Brain Axis (GBA) provides a neuronal pathway to explain this. But exactly how do commensal bacteria signal through the epithelial layer of the large intestine to activate GBA nerve afferents? An in vitro model is described. We differentiated two human cell lines: Caco2Bbe1 into mature epithelium on 0.4-micron filters and then SH-SY5Y into mature neurons in 24-well plates. These were co-cultured by placing the epithelium-laden filters 1 mm above the neurons. Twenty-four hours later they were tri-cultured by apical addition of 107Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Lactobacillus fermentum which settled on the epithelium. Alone, the Caco2bbe1 cells stimulated neurite outgrowth in underlying SH-SY5Y. Beyond this, the lactobacilli were well tolerated and stimulated further neurite outgrowth by 24 h post-treatment, though not passing through the filters. The results provide face validity for a first-of-kind model of transepithelial intestinal lumen-to nerve signaling. The model displays the tight junctional barrier characteristics found in the large intestine while at the same time translating stimulatory signals from the bacteria through epithelial cells to attracted neurons. The model is easy to set-up with components widely available.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. Piletz
- Office of Global Education, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(601)-925-7762 or +1-601-853-0966
| | - Jason Cooper
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
| | - Kevin Chidester
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
| | - Kyle Erson
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
| | - Sydney Melton
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
| | - Anthony Osemeka
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
| | - Megan Patterson
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
| | | | - Jing Xuan Wan
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
| | - Kaitlin Williams
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
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16
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Bonaz B. Anti-inflammatory effects of vagal nerve stimulation with a special attention to intestinal barrier dysfunction. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2022; 34:e14456. [PMID: 36097404 PMCID: PMC9787579 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The vagus nerve (VN), the longest nerve of the organism innervating the gastrointestinal tract, is a mixed nerve with anti-inflammatory properties through its afferents, activating the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis, and its efferents through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNFα) by splenic and gut macrophages. In addition, the VN is also able to modulate the permeability of the intestinal barrier although the VN does not innervate directly the intestinal epithelium. Targeting the VN through VN stimulation (VNS) has been developed in experimental model of intestinal inflammation and in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and might be of interest to decrease intestinal permeability in gastrointestinal disorders with intestinal barrier defect such as IBD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and celiac disease. In this issue of neurogastroenterology and motility, Mogilevski et al. report that a brief non-invasive transcutaneous auricular VNS in healthy volunteers consistently reduces the permeability of the small intestine induced by intravenous administration of the stress peptide corticotropin releasing hormone, known to increase intestinal permeability and to inhibit the VN. In this review, we outline the mechanistic underpinning the effect of stress, of the VN and VNS on intestinal permeability. In particular, the VN can act on intestinal permeability through enteric nerves, and/or cells such as enteric glial cells. We also review the existing evidence of the effects VNS on intestinal permeability in models such as burn intestinal injury and traumatic brain injury, which pave the way for future clinical trials in IBD, IBS, and celiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Bonaz
- Division of Hepato‐GastroenterologyCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance,Grenoble Institute of Neurosciences, Inserm U1216University Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
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17
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Mota CMD, Madden CJ. Neural control of the spleen as an effector of immune responses to inflammation: mechanisms and treatments. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 323:R375-R384. [PMID: 35993560 PMCID: PMC9485006 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00151.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Immune system responses are a vital defense mechanism against pathogens. Inflammatory mediators finely regulate complex inflammatory responses from initiation to resolution. However, in certain conditions, the inflammation is initiated and amplified, but not resolved. Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the regulation of the immune response is critical for developing therapeutic alternatives, including pharmaceuticals and bioelectronic tools. The spleen is an important immune effector organ since it orchestrates innate and adaptive immune responses such as pathogen clearance, cytokine production, and differentiation of cells, therefore playing a modulatory role that balances pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. However, modulation of splenic immune activity is a largely unexplored potential therapeutic tool that could be used for the treatment of inflammatory and life-threatening conditions. This review discusses some of the mechanisms controlling neuroimmune communication and the brain-spleen axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa M D Mota
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Christopher J Madden
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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18
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Ma Y, Jun H, Wu J. Immune cell cholinergic signaling in adipose thermoregulation and immunometabolism. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:718-727. [PMID: 35931611 PMCID: PMC9727785 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Research focusing on adipose immunometabolism has been expanded from inflammation in white fat during obesity development to immune cell function regulating thermogenic fat, energy expenditure, and systemic metabolism. This opinion discusses our current understanding of how resident immune cells within the thermogenic fat niche may regulate whole-body energy homeostasis. Furthermore, various types of immune cells can synthesize acetylcholine (ACh) and regulate important physiological functions. We highlight a unique subset of cholinergic macrophages within subcutaneous adipose tissue, termed cholinergic adipose macrophages (ChAMs); these macrophages interact with beige adipocytes through cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 2 subunit (CHRNA2) signaling to induce adaptive thermogenesis. We posit that these newly identified thermoregulatory macrophages may broaden our view of immune system functions for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and potentially treating obesity and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxu Ma
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Heejin Jun
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jun Wu
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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19
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Stavely R, Rahman AA, Sahakian L, Prakash MD, Robinson AM, Hassanzadeganroudsari M, Filippone RT, Fraser S, Eri R, Bornstein JC, Apostolopoulos V, Nurgali K. Divergent Adaptations in Autonomic Nerve Activity and Neuroimmune Signaling Associated With the Severity of Inflammation in Chronic Colitis. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2022; 28:1229-1243. [PMID: 35380670 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izac060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is thought to play a critical role in the anti-inflammatory reflex pathway in acute colitis via its interaction with the spleen and colon. Inflammation in the intestine is associated with a blunting of vagal signaling and increased sympathetic activity. As a corollary, methods to restore sympatho-vagal balance are being investigated as therapeutic strategies for the treatment of intestinal inflammation. Nevertheless, it is indefinite whether these autonomic signaling adaptations in colitis are detrimental or beneficial to controlling intestinal inflammation. In this study, models of moderate and severe chronic colitis are utilized to resolve the correlations between sympatho-vagal signaling and the severity of intestinal inflammation. METHODS Spleens and colons were collected from Winnie (moderate colitis), Winnie-Prolapse (severe colitis), and control C57BL/6 mice. Changes to the size and histomorphology of spleens were evaluated. Flow cytometry was used to determine the expression of adrenergic and cholinergic signaling proteins in splenic B and T lymphocytes. The inflammatory profile of the spleen and colon was determined using a RT-PCR gene array. Blood pressure, heart rate, splanchnic sympathetic nerve and vagus nerve activity were recorded. RESULTS Spleens and colons from Winnie and Winnie-Prolapse mice exhibited gross abnormalities by histopathology. Genes associated with a pro-inflammatory response were upregulated in the colons from Winnie and further augmented in colons from Winnie-Prolapse mice. Conversely, many pro-inflammatory markers were downregulated in the spleens from Winnie-Prolapse mice. Heightened activity of the splanchnic nerve was observed in Winnie but not Winnie-Prolapse mice. Conversely, vagal nerve activity was greater in Winnie-Prolapse mice compared with Winnie mice. Splenic lymphocytes expressing α1 and β2 adrenoreceptors were reduced, but those expressing α7 nAChR and producing acetylcholine were increased in Winnie and Winnie-Prolapse mice. CONCLUSIONS Sympathetic activity may correlate with an adaptive mechanism to reduce the severity of chronic colitis. The Winnie and Winnie-Prolapse mouse models of moderate and severe chronic colitis are well suited to examine the pathophysiology of progressive chronic intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhian Stavely
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ahmed A Rahman
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren Sahakian
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monica D Prakash
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ainsley M Robinson
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Majid Hassanzadeganroudsari
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rhiannon T Filippone
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Fraser
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rajaraman Eri
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Joel C Bornstein
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Western Centre for Health Research and Education, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine Western Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells Program, Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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20
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Mashimo M, Kawashima K, Fujii T. Non-neuronal Cholinergic Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Regulation of Immune Function. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:675-683. [PMID: 35650095 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-01005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells such as T and B cells, monocytes and macrophages all express most of the cholinergic components of the nervous system, including acetylcholine (ACh), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), high affinity choline transporter, muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs, respectively), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Because of its efficient cleavage by AChE, ACh synthesized and released from immune cells acts only locally in an autocrine and/or paracrine fashion at mAChRs and nAChRs on themselves and other immune cells located in close proximity, leading to modification of immune function. Immune cells generally express all five mAChR subtypes (M1-M5) and neuron type nAChR subunits α2-α7, α9, α10, β2-β4. The expression pattern and levels of mAChR subtypes and nAChR subunits vary depending on the tissue involved and its immunological status. Immunological activation of T cells via T-cell receptor-mediated pathways and cell adhesion molecules upregulates ChAT expression, which facilitates the synthesis and release of ACh. At present, α7 nAChRs expressed in macrophages are receiving much attention because they play a central role in anti-inflammatory cholinergic pathways. However, it now appears that through modification of cytokine synthesis, Gq/11-coupled mAChRs play a prominent role in regulation of T cell proliferation and differentiation and B cell immunoglobulin class switching. It is anticipated that greater understanding of Gq/11-coupled mAChRs on immune cells will provide an opportunity to develop new and effective treatments for immunological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Mashimo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts
| | - Koichiro Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Takeshi Fujii
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts
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21
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Gautron L. The parasympathetic innervation of the spleen: are we chasing a ghost? J Anat 2022; 240:772-774. [PMID: 34729780 PMCID: PMC8930805 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Gautron
- Center for Hypothalamic Research and Department of Internal MedicineUTSouthwestern Medical Center at DallasDallasTexasUSA
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22
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Muscarinic receptors control markers of inflammation in the small intestine of BALB/c mice. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 362:577764. [PMID: 34823118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Muscarinic-acetylcholine-receptors (mAChRs) modulate intestinal homeostasis, but their role in inflammation is unclear; thus, this issue was the focus of this study. BALB/c mice were treated for 7 days with muscarine (mAChR/agonist), atropine (mAChR/antagonist) or saline. Small-intestine samples were collected for histology and cytofluorometric assays in Peyer's patches (PP) and lamina propria (LP) cell-suspensions. In LP, goblet-cells/leukocytes/neutrophils/MPO+ cells and MPO/activity were increased in the muscarine group. In PP, IFN-γ+/CD4+ T or IL-6+/CD4+ T cell numbers were higher in the muscarine or atropine groups, respectively. In LP, TNF-α+/CD4+ T cell number was higher in the muscarine group and lower in the atropine.
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23
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Somatosensory and autonomic neuronal regulation of the immune response. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:157-171. [PMID: 34997214 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bidirectional communication between the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the immune system is a crucial part of an effective but balanced mammalian response to invading pathogens, tissue damage and inflammatory stimuli. Here, we review how somatosensory and autonomic neurons regulate immune cellular responses at barrier tissues and in peripheral organs. Immune cells express receptors for neuronal mediators, including neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, allowing neurons to influence their function in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Distinct subsets of peripheral sensory, sympathetic, parasympathetic and enteric neurons are able to signal to innate and adaptive immune cells to modulate their cellular functions. In this Review, we highlight recent studies defining the molecular mechanisms by which neuroimmune signalling mediates tissue homeostasis and pathology. Understanding the neural circuitry that regulates immune responses can offer novel targets for the treatment of a wide array of diseases.
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24
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Li L, Hu Z, Xiong Y, Yao Y. Device-Based Sympathetic Nerve Regulation for Cardiovascular Diseases. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:803984. [PMID: 34957267 PMCID: PMC8695731 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.803984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Sympathetic overactivation plays an important role in promoting a variety of pathophysiological processes in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including ventricular remodeling, vascular endothelial injury and atherosclerotic plaque progression. Device-based sympathetic nerve (SN) regulation offers a new therapeutic option for some CVDs. Renal denervation (RDN) is the most well-documented method of device-based SN regulation in clinical studies, and several large-scale randomized controlled trials have confirmed its value in patients with resistant hypertension, and some studies have also found RDN to be effective in the control of heart failure and arrhythmias. Pulmonary artery denervation (PADN) has been clinically shown to be effective in controlling pulmonary hypertension. Hepatic artery denervation (HADN) and splenic artery denervation (SADN) are relatively novel approaches that hold promise for a role in cardiovascular metabolic and inflammatory-immune related diseases, and their first-in-man studies are ongoing. In addition, baroreflex activation, spinal cord stimulation and other device-based therapies also show favorable outcomes. This review summarizes the pathophysiological rationale and the latest clinical evidence for device-based therapies for some CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yan Yao
- National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Fu Wai Hospital, Beijing, China
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25
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Martins DF, Viseux FJF, Salm DC, Ribeiro ACA, da Silva HKL, Seim LA, Bittencourt EB, Bianco G, Moré AOO, Reed WR, Mazzardo-Martins L. The role of the vagus nerve in fibromyalgia syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:1136-1149. [PMID: 34710514 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is a common illness characterized by chronic widespread pain, sleep problems, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Dysfunctional neurotransmitter systems that influence the body's endogenous stress response systems are thought to underlie many of the major FM-related symptoms. A model of FM pathogenesis suggests biological and psychosocial variables interact to influence the genetic predisposition, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. The Polyvagal Theory provides a theoretical framework from which to investigate potential biological mechanisms. The vagus nerve (VN) has anti-inflammatory properties via its afferent and efferent fibers. A low vagal tone (as assessed by low heart rate variability), has been observed in painful and inflammatory diseases, including FM, while the ventral branch of the VN is linked to emotional expression and social engagement. These anti-inflammatory and psychological (limbic system) properties of the VN may possess therapeutic potential in treating FM. This review paper summarizes the scientific literature regarding the potential role of the VN in transducing and/or therapeutically managing FM signs and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Martins
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Physiotherapy Graduate Course, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, SC, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, SC, Brazil.
| | - Frederic J F Viseux
- Laboratoire d'Automatique, de Mécanique et d'Informatique industrielle et Humaine (LAMIH), UMR CNRS 8201, Université Polytechnique des Hauts-de-France, Valenciennes, France; Centre d'Evaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur (CETD), Hôpital Jean Bernard, Centre Hospitalier de Valenciennes, F-59322 Valenciennes, France
| | - Daiana C Salm
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Physiotherapy Graduate Course, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, SC, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, SC, Brazil
| | - Anny Caroline Avelino Ribeiro
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Physiotherapy Graduate Course, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, SC, Brazil
| | - Helen Kassiana Lopes da Silva
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Physiotherapy Graduate Course, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, SC, Brazil
| | - Lynsey A Seim
- Hospital Internal Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Road, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Gianluca Bianco
- Research Laboratory of Posturology and Neuromodulation RELPON, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; Istituto di Formazione in Agopuntura e Neuromodulazione IFAN, Rome, Italy
| | - Ari Ojeda Ocampo Moré
- Integrative Medicine and Acupuncture Service, University Hospital, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - William R Reed
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Rehabilitation Science Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Leidiane Mazzardo-Martins
- Postgraduate Program in Neuroscience, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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26
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Gonzalez-Gonzalez MA, Bendale GS, Wang K, Wallace GG, Romero-Ortega M. Platinized graphene fiber electrodes uncover direct spleen-vagus communication. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1097. [PMID: 34535751 PMCID: PMC8448843 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02628-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural interfacing nerve fascicles along the splenic neurovascular plexus (SNVP) is needed to better understand the spleen physiology, and for selective neuromodulation of this major organ. However, their small size and anatomical location have proven to be a significant challenge. Here, we use a reduced liquid crystalline graphene oxide (rGO) fiber coated with platinum (Pt) as a super-flexible suture-like electrode to interface multiple SNVP. The Pt-rGO fibers work as a handover knot electrodes over the small SNVP, allowing sensitive recording from four splenic nerve terminal branches (SN 1–4), to uncover differential activity and axon composition among them. Here, the asymmetric defasciculation of the SN branches is revealed by electron microscopy, and the functional compartmentalization in spleen innervation is evidenced in response to hypoxia and pharmacological modulation of mean arterial pressure. We demonstrate that electrical stimulation of cervical and sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve (VN), evokes activity in a subset of SN terminal branches, providing evidence for a direct VN control over the spleen. This notion is supported by adenoviral tract-tracing of SN branches, revealing an unconventional direct brain-spleen projection. High-performance Pt-rGO fiber electrodes, may be used for the fine neural modulation of other small neurovascular plexus at the point of entry of major organs as a bioelectronic medical alternative. Gonzalez-Gonzalez et al. use high-performance platinized graphene fiber electrodes to interface individual neurovascular plexus that innervate the spleen. Their approach provides evidence for distinct function of individual spleen terminal branches in organ function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Gonzalez-Gonzalez
- Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Sciences, University of Houston, Health 2, 4849 Calhoun Rd., Room 6014, Houston, TX, 77204-6064, USA
| | - Geetanjali S Bendale
- Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Sciences, University of Houston, Health 2, 4849 Calhoun Rd., Room 6014, Houston, TX, 77204-6064, USA
| | - Kezhong Wang
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Gordon G Wallace
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Mario Romero-Ortega
- Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Sciences, University of Houston, Health 2, 4849 Calhoun Rd., Room 6014, Houston, TX, 77204-6064, USA.
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27
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Cleypool CGJ, Mackaaij C, Verlinde-Schellekens SAMW, Bleys RLAW. A comparative anatomical and histological study on the presence of an apical splenic nerve in mice and humans. J Anat 2021; 240:296-304. [PMID: 34486109 PMCID: PMC8742969 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The cranial pole of the mouse spleen is considered to be parasympathetically innervated by a macroscopic observable nerve referred to as the apical splenic nerve (ASN). Electrical stimulation of the ASN resulted in increased levels of splenic acetylcholine, decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced levels of systemic tumor necrosis factor alpha and mitigated clinical symptoms in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis. If such a discrete ASN would be present in humans, this structure is of interest as it might represent a relatively easily accessible electrical stimulation target to treat immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. So far, it is unknown if a human ASN equivalent exists. This study aimed to provide a detailed description of the location and course of the ASN in mice. Subsequently, this information was used for a guided exploration of an equivalent structure in humans. Microscopic techniques were applied to confirm nerve identity and compare ASN composition. Six mice and six human cadavers were used to study and compare the ASN, both macro- and microscopically. Macroscopic morphological characteristics of the ASN in both mice and humans were described and photographs were taken. ASN samples were resected, embedded in paraffin, cut in 5 μm thin sections where after adjacent sections were stained with a general, sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve marker, respectively. Neural identity and nerve fiber composition was then evaluated microscopically. Macroscopically, the ASN could be clearly identified in all mice and was running in the phrenicosplenic ligament connecting the diaphragm and apical pole of the spleen. If a phrenicosplenic ligament was present in humans, a similar configuration of potential neural structures was observed. Since the gastrosplenic ligament was a continuation of the phrenicosplenic ligament, this ligament was explored as well and contained white, potential discrete nerve-like structures as well which could represent an ANS equivalent. Microscopic evaluation of the ASN in mice and human showed that this structure did not represent a nerve, but most likely connective tissue strains. White nerve-like structures, which could represent the ASN, were macroscopically observed in the phrenicosplenic ligament in both mice and human and in the gastrosplenic ligament in humans. The microscopic investigation did not confirm their neural identity and therefore, this study disclaims the existence of a parasympathetic ASN in both mice and human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy G J Cleypool
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Claire Mackaaij
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne A M W Verlinde-Schellekens
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald L A W Bleys
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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28
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Reduced acetylcholine and elevated muscarinic receptor 2 in duodenal mucosa contribute to the impairment of mucus secretion in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinson's disease rats. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 386:249-260. [PMID: 34370080 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03515-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have a higher incidence rate of duodenal ulcers. The mucus barrier provides the first line of defense for duodenal mucosal protection. However, it is unknown whether duodenal mucus secretion is affected in PD. In the present study, we used the rats microinjected 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the bilateral substantia nigra to investigate duodenal mucus secretion and potential therapeutic targets in duodenal ulcer in PD. Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, duodenal mucosal incubation, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used. The 6-OHDA rats exhibited mucin accumulation and retention in duodenal goblet cells. Mucin granules were unable to fuse with the apical membranes of goblet cells, and the exocytosis ratio of goblet cells was significantly reduced. Moreover, decreased acetylcholine and increased muscarinic receptor 2 (M2R) levels were detected in the duodenal mucosa of 6-OHDA rats. Bilateral vagotomy rats were also characterized by defective duodenal mucus secretion and decreased acetylcholine with increased M2R levels in the duodenal mucosa. Application of the cholinomimetic drug carbachol or blocking M2R with methoctramine significantly promoted mucus secretion by goblet cells and increased MUC2 content in duodenal mucosa-incubated solutions from 6-OHDA and vagotomy rats. We conclude that the reduced acetylcholine and increased M2R contribute to the impaired duodenal mucus secretion of 6-OHDA rats. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of duodenal mucus secretion and potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of duodenal ulcers in PD patients.
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29
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Regulation of Immune Functions by Non-Neuronal Acetylcholine (ACh) via Muscarinic and Nicotinic ACh Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136818. [PMID: 34202925 PMCID: PMC8268711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) is the classical neurotransmitter in the cholinergic nervous system. However, ACh is now known to regulate various immune cell functions. In fact, T cells, B cells, and macrophages all express components of the cholinergic system, including ACh, muscarinic, and nicotinic ACh receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs), choline acetyltransferase, acetylcholinesterase, and choline transporters. In this review, we will discuss the actions of ACh in the immune system. We will first briefly describe the mechanisms by which ACh is stored in and released from immune cells. We will then address Ca2+ signaling pathways activated via mAChRs and nAChRs on T cells and B cells, highlighting the importance of ACh for the function of T cells, B cells, and macrophages, as well as its impact on innate and acquired (cellular and humoral) immunity. Lastly, we will discuss the effects of two peptide ligands, secreted lymphocyte antigen-6/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor-related peptide-1 (SLURP-1) and hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide (HCNP), on cholinergic activity in T cells. Overall, we stress the fact that ACh does not function only as a neurotransmitter; it impacts immunity by exerting diverse effects on immune cells via mAChRs and nAChRs.
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30
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Can neural signals override cellular decisions in the presence of DNA damage? DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 103:103127. [PMID: 33990031 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cells within an organism are in constant crosstalk with their surrounding environment. Short and long-range signals influence cellular behavior associated with division, differentiation, and death. This crosstalk among cells underlies tissue renewal to guarantee faithful replacement of old or damaged cells over many years. Renewing tissues also offer recurrent opportunities for DNA damage and cellular transformation that tend to occur with aging. Most cells with extensive DNA damage have limited options such as halting cell cycle to repair DNA, undergo senescence, or programmed cell death. However, in some cases cells carrying toxic forms of DNA damage survive and proliferate. The underlying factors driving survival and proliferation of cells with DNA damage remain unknown. Here we discuss potential roles the nervous system may play in influencing the fate of cells with DNA damage. We present a brief survey highlighting the implications the nervous system has in regeneration, regulation of stem cells, modulation of the immune system, and its contribution to cancer progression. Finally, we propose the use of planarian flatworms as a convenient model organism to molecularly dissect the influence of neural signals over cellular fate regulation in the presence of DNA damage.
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31
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Ueno M. Restoring neuro-immune circuitry after brain and spinal cord injuries. Int Immunol 2021; 33:311-325. [PMID: 33851981 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxab017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuro-immune interactions are essential for our body's defense and homeostasis. Anatomical and physiological analyses have shown that the nervous system comprises multiple pathways that regulate the dynamics and functions of immune cells, which are mainly mediated by the autonomic nervous system and adrenal signals. These are disturbed when the neurons and circuits are damaged by diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Injuries caused by stroke or trauma often cause immune dysfunction by abrogation of the immune-regulating neural pathways, which leads to an increased risk of infections. Here, I review the structures and functions of the neural pathways connecting the brain and the immune system, and the neurogenic mechanisms of immune dysfunction that emerge after CNS injuries. Recent technological advances in manipulating specific neural circuits have added mechanistic aspects of neuro-immune interactions and their dysfunctions. Understanding the neural bases of immune control and their pathological processes will deepen our knowledge of homeostasis and lead to the development of strategies to cure immune deficiencies observed in various CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Ueno
- Department of System Pathology for Neurological Disorders, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
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32
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Kim B, Na M, Park S, Kim K, Park JH, Chung E, Chang S, Kim KH. Open-top axially swept light-sheet microscopy. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 12:2328-2338. [PMID: 33996232 PMCID: PMC8086456 DOI: 10.1364/boe.419030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Open-top light-sheet microscopy (OT-LSM) is a specialized microscopic technique for high throughput cellular imaging of large tissue specimens including optically cleared tissues by having the entire optical setup below the sample stage. Current OT-LSM systems had relatively low axial resolutions by using weakly focused light sheets to cover the imaging field of view (FOV). In this report, open-top axially swept LSM (OTAS-LSM) was developed for high-throughput cellular imaging with improved axial resolution. OTAS-LSM swept a tightly focused excitation light sheet across the imaging FOV using an electro tunable lens (ETL) and collected emission light at the focus of the light sheet with a camera in the rolling shutter mode. OTAS-LSM was developed by using air objective lenses and a liquid prism and it had on-axis optical aberration associated with the mismatch of refractive indices between air and immersion medium. The effects of optical aberration were analyzed by both simulation and experiment, and the image resolutions were under 1.6µm in all directions. The newly developed OTAS-LSM was applied to the imaging of optically cleared mouse brain and small intestine, and it demonstrated the single-cell resolution imaging of neuronal networks. OTAS-LSM might be useful for the high-throughput cellular examination of optically cleared large tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bumju Kim
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeongsu Na
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Soohyun Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeoungbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Kitae Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Euiheon Chung
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghoe Chang
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Hean Kim
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeoungbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
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33
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Lu J, Wu W. Cholinergic modulation of the immune system - A novel therapeutic target for myocardial inflammation. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 93:107391. [PMID: 33548577 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The immune system and the nervous system depend on each other for their fine tuning and working, thus cooperating to maintain physiological homeostasis and prevent infections. The cholinergic system regulates the mobilization, differentiation, secretion, and antigen presentation of adaptive and innate immune cells mainly through α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs). The neuro-immune interactions are established and maintained by the following mechanisms: colocalization of immune and neuronal cells at defined anatomical sites, expression of the non-neuronal cholinergic system by immune cells, and the acetylcholine receptor-mediated activation of intracellular signaling pathways. Based on these immunological mechanisms, the protective effects of cholinergic system in animal models of diseases were summarized in this paper, such as myocardial infarction/ischemia-reperfusion, viral myocarditis, and endotoxin-induced myocardial damage. In addition to maintaining hemodynamic stability and improving the energy metabolism of the heart, both non-neuronal acetylcholine and neuronal acetylcholine in the heart can alleviate myocardial inflammation and remodeling to exert a significant cardioprotective effect. The new findings on the role of cholinergic agonists and vagus nerve stimulation in immune regulation are updated, so as to develop improved approaches to treat inflammatory heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, PR China.
| | - Weifeng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, PR China; Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road 22, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, PR China.
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34
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Wasinski F, Klein MO, Bittencourt JC, Metzger M, Donato J. Distribution of growth hormone-responsive cells in the brain of rats and mice. Brain Res 2020; 1751:147189. [PMID: 33152340 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A growth hormone (GH) injection is able to induce the phosphorylated form of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (pSTAT5) in a large number of cells throughout the mouse brain. The present study had the objective to map the distribution of GH-responsive cells in the brain of rats that received an intracerebroventricular injection of GH and compare it to the pattern found in mice. We observed that rats and mice exhibited a similar distribution of GH-induced pSTAT5 in the majority of areas of the telencephalon, hypothalamus and brainstem. However, rats exhibited a higher density of GH-responsive cells than mice in the horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca (HDB), supraoptic and suprachiasmatic nuclei, whereas mice displayed more GH-responsive cells than rats in the hippocampus, lateral hypothalamic area and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMX). Since both HDB and DMX contain acetylcholine-producing neurons, pSTAT5 was co-localized with choline acetyltransferase in GH-injected animals. We found that 50.0 ± 4.5% of cholinergic neurons in the rat HDB coexpressed GH-induced pSTAT5, whereas very few co-localizations were observed in the mouse HDB. In contrast, rats displayed fewer cholinergic neurons responsive to GH in the DMX at the level of the area postrema. In summary, pSTAT5 can be used as a marker of GH-responsive cells in the rat brain. Although rats and mice exhibit a relatively similar distribution of GH-responsive neurons, some species-specific differences exist, as exemplified for the responsiveness to GH in distinct populations of cholinergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Wasinski
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marianne O Klein
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jackson C Bittencourt
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martin Metzger
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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35
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Quaresma PGF, Teixeira PDS, Wasinski F, Campos AMP, List EO, Kopchick JJ, Donato J. Cholinergic neurons in the hypothalamus and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus are directly responsive to growth hormone. Life Sci 2020; 259:118229. [PMID: 32781065 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Cholinergic neurons are distributed in brain areas containing growth hormone (GH)-responsive cells. We determined if cholinergic neurons are directly responsive to GH and the metabolic consequences of deleting the GH receptor (GHR) specifically in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-expressing cells. MAIN METHODS Mice received an acute injection of GH to detect neurons co-expressing ChAT and phosphorylated STAT5 (pSTAT5), a well-established marker of GH-responsive cells. For the physiological studies, mice carrying ablation of GHR exclusively in ChAT-expressing cells were produced and possible changes in energy and glucose homeostasis were determined when consuming regular chow or high-fat diet (HFD). KEY FINDINGS The majority of cholinergic neurons in the arcuate nucleus (60%) and dorsomedial nucleus (84%) of the hypothalamus are directly responsive to GH. Approximately 34% of pre-ganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus also exhibited GH-induced pSTAT5. GH-induced pSTAT5 in these ChAT neurons was absent in GHR ChAT knockout mice. Mice carrying ChAT-specific GHR deletion, either in chow or HFD, did not exhibit significant changes in body weight, body adiposity, lean body mass, food intake, energy expenditure, respiratory quotient, ambulatory activity, serum leptin levels, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and metabolic responses to 2-deoxy-d-glucose. However, GHR deletion in ChAT neurons caused decreased hypothalamic Pomc mRNA levels in HFD mice. SIGNIFICANCE Cholinergic neurons that regulate the metabolism are directly responsive to GH, although GHR signaling in these cells is not required for energy and glucose homeostasis. Thus, the physiological importance of GH action on cholinergic neurons still needs to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula G F Quaresma
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Pryscila D S Teixeira
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Frederick Wasinski
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ana M P Campos
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Edward O List
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - John J Kopchick
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Jose Donato
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
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36
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Passaglia P, Faim FDL, Batalhão ME, Bendhack LM, Antunes-Rodrigues J, Ulloa L, Kanashiro A, Carnio EC. Central angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates systemic inflammation via activation of sympathetic signaling in endotoxemic rats. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 88:606-618. [PMID: 32335195 PMCID: PMC7643008 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is an angiotensin-derived neuropeptide with potential anti-hypertensive and anti-inflammatory properties. However, a possible action of Ang-(1-7) in neuroimmune interactions to regulate inflammatory response has not been explored. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of Ang-(1-7) can modulate systemic inflammation via sympathetic efferent circuits. Wistar male rats received systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1.5 mg/Kg). Ang-(1-7) (0.3 nmol in 2 µL) promoted the release of splenic norepinephrine and attenuated tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and nitric oxide (NO), but increased interleukin-10 (IL-10), levels in the serum, spleen, and liver in endotoxemic rats. Furthermore, 6-hydroxydopamine-induced chemical sympathectomy (100 mg/Kg, intravenous) or i.c.v. administration of Mas receptor antagonist A779 (3 nmol in 2 µL) abolished the anti-inflammatory effects of central Ang-(1-7) injection. Moreover, this treatment did not alter the plasmatic LPS-induced corticosterone and vasopressin. The administration of Ang-(1-7) reverted the low resistance in response to catecholamines of rings of thoracic aorta isolated from endotoxemic rats, treated or not, with this peptide by a mechanism dependent on the regulation of NO released from perivascular adipose tissue. Together, our results indicate that Ang-(1-7) regulates systemic inflammation and vascular hyporesponsiveness in endotoxemia via activation of a central Mas receptors/sympathetic circuits/norepinephrine axis and provide novel mechanistic insights into the anti-inflammatory Ang-(1-7) properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Passaglia
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Felipe de Lima Faim
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School – University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Eduardo Batalhão
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing Ribeirão Preto, College of Nursing – University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lusiane Maria Bendhack
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - José Antunes-Rodrigues
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School – University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Luis Ulloa
- Center for Perioperative Organ Protection, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alexandre Kanashiro
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Evelin Capellari Carnio
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of General and Specialized Nursing Ribeirão Preto, College of Nursing - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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37
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Kuo CC, Hsieh JC, Tsai HC, Kuo YS, Yau HJ, Chen CC, Chen RF, Yang HW, Min MY. Inhibitory interneurons regulate phasic activity of noradrenergic neurons in the mouse locus coeruleus and functional implications. J Physiol 2020; 598:4003-4029. [PMID: 32598024 DOI: 10.1113/jp279557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The locus coeruleus (LC) contains noradrenergic (NA) neurons that respond to novel stimuli in the environment with phasic activation to initiate an orienting response; phasic LC activation is also triggered by stimuli, representing the outcome of task-related decision processes, to facilitate ensuing behaviours and help optimize task performance. Here, we report that LC-NA neurons exhibit bursts of action potentials in vitro resembling phasic LC activation in vivo, and the activity is gated by inhibitory interneurons (I-INs) located in the peri-LC. We also observe that inhibition of peri-LC I-INs enhances prepulse inhibition and axons from cortical areas that play important roles in evaluating the cost/reward of a stimulus synapse on both peri-LC I-INs and LC-NA neurons. The results help us understand the cellular mechanisms underlying the generation and regulation of phasic LC activation with a focus on the role of peri-LC I-INs. ABSTRACT Noradrenergic (NA) neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) have global axonal projection to the brain. These neurons discharge action potentials phasically in response to either novel stimuli in the environment to initiate an orienting behaviour or stimuli representing the outcome of task-related decision processes to facilitate ensuing behaviours and help optimize task performance. Nevertheless, the cellular mechanisms underlying the generation and regulation of phasic LC activation remain unknown. We report here that LC-NA neurons recorded in brain slices exhibit bursts of action potentials that resembled the phasic activation-pause profile observed in animals. The activity was referred to as phasic-like activity (PLA) and was suppressed and enhanced by blocking excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmissions, respectively. These results suggest the existence of a local circuit to drive PLA, and the activity could be regulated by the excitatory-inhibitory balance of the circuit. In support of this notion, we located a population of inhibitory interneurons (I-INs) in the medial part of the peri-LC that exerted feedforward inhibition of LC-NA neurons through GABAergic and glycinergic transmissions. Selective inhibition of peri-LC I-INs with chemogenetic methods could enhance PLA in brain slices and increase prepulse inhibition in animals. Moreover, axons from the orbitofrontal and prelimbic cortices, which play important roles in evaluating the cost/reward of a stimulus, synapse on both peri-LC I-INs and LC-NA neurons. These observations demonstrate functional roles of peri-LC I-INs in integrating inputs of the frontal cortex onto LC-NA neurons and gating the phasic LC output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Cheng Kuo
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Chien Hsieh
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Chun Tsai
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Kuo
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.,Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Medical Research, Chung-Shan Medical University and Chung-Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Hau-Jie Yau
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Ruei-Feng Chen
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Wen Yang
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Medical Research, Chung-Shan Medical University and Chung-Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yuan Min
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
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Mapping of Extrinsic Innervation of the Gastrointestinal Tract in the Mouse Embryo. J Neurosci 2020; 40:6691-6708. [PMID: 32690615 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0309-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise extrinsic afferent (visceral sensory) and efferent (sympathetic and parasympathetic) innervation of the gut is fundamental for gut-brain cross talk. Owing to the limitation of intrinsic markers to distinctively visualize the three classes of extrinsic axons, which intimately associate within the gut mesentery, detailed information on the development of extrinsic gut-innervating axons remains relatively sparse. Here, we mapped extrinsic innervation of the gut and explored the relationships among various types of extrinsic axons during embryonic development in mice. Visualization with characterized intrinsic markers revealed that visceral sensory, sympathetic, and parasympathetic axons arise from different anatomic locations, project in close association via the gut mesentery, and form distinctive innervation patterns within the gut from embryonic day (E)10.5 to E16.5. Genetic ablation of visceral sensory trajectories results in the erratic extension of both sympathetic and parasympathetic axons, implicating that afferent axons provide an axonal scaffold to route efferent axons. Coculture assay further confirmed the attractive effect of sensory axons on sympathetic axons. Taken together, our study provides key information regarding the development of extrinsic gut-innervating axons occurring through heterotypic axonal interactions and provides an anatomic basis to uncover neural circuit assembly in the gut-brain axis (GBA).SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Understanding the development of extrinsic innervation of the gut is essential to unravel the bidirectional neural communication between the brain and the gut. Here, with characterized intrinsic markers targeting vagal sensory, spinal sensory, sympathetic, and parasympathetic axons, respectively, we comprehensively traced the spatiotemporal development of extrinsic axons to the gut during embryonic development in mice. Moreover, in line with the somatic nervous system, pretarget sorting via heterotypic axonal interactions is revealed to play critical roles in patterning extrinsic efferent trajectories to the gut. These findings provide basic anatomic information to explore the mechanisms underlying the process of assembling neural circuitry in the gut-brain axis (GBA).
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Greig CJ, Armenia SJ, Cowles RA. The M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in the crypt stem cell compartment mediates intestinal mucosal growth. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:1194-1199. [PMID: 32611198 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220938375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT Localization of a specific subtype of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in the crypt stem cell compartment suggests a critical role in intestinal mucosal homeostasis. Here we demonstrate the localization of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor to the stem cell compartment and demonstrate increase morphometric and proliferative parameters when this is stimulated in vivo. These data provide novel information about this complex signaling microenvironment and offer potential future therapeutic targets for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chasen J Greig
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sarah J Armenia
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Robert A Cowles
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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40
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Distribution of nerve fibers and nerve-immune cell association in mouse spleen revealed by immunofluorescent staining. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9850. [PMID: 32555231 PMCID: PMC7300136 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66619-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system regulates the immune system through the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland and other endocrine organs, while the peripheral nervous system (PNS) communicates with the immune system through local nerve-immune cell interactions, including sympathetic/parasympathetic (efferent) and sensory (afferent) innervation to lymphoid tissue/organs. However, the precise mechanisms of this bi-directional crosstalk of the PNS and immune system remain mysterious. To study this kind of bi-directional crosstalk, we performed immunofluorescent staining of neurofilament and confocal microscopy to reveal the distribution of nerve fibers and nerve-immune cell associations inside mouse spleen. Our study demonstrates (i) extensive nerve fibers in all splenic compartments including the splenic nodules, periarteriolar lymphoid sheath, marginal zones, trabeculae, and red pulp; (ii) close associations of nerve fibers with blood vessels (including central arteries, marginal sinuses, penicillar arterioles, and splenic sinuses); (iii) close associations of nerve fibers with various subsets of dendritic cells, macrophages (Mac1+ and F4/80+), and lymphocytes (B cells, T helper cells, and cytotoxic T cells). Our data concerning the extensive splenic innervation and nerve-immune cell communication will enrich our knowledge of the mechanisms through which the PNS affects the cellular- and humoral-mediated immune responses in healthy and infectious/non-infectious states.
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41
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Grando SA, Kawashima K, Wessler I. A historic perspective on the current progress in elucidation of the biologic significance of non-neuronal acetylcholine. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 81:106289. [PMID: 32113128 PMCID: PMC10612399 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The "5th International Symposium on Non-neuronal Acetylcholine: from bench to bedside" was held on September 27-29, 2019 in Hyatt Regency, Long Beach, CA, USA. Approximately 50 scientists from 11 countries over 6 continents participated in this meeting. The major topics included an overall biologic significance of non-neuronal acetylcholine (ACh) and the roles of the non-neuronal cholinergic systems in mucocutaneous, respiratory, digestive, immunologic, endocrine, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and kidney diseases, and cancer. This meeting facilitated continued work to advance the fundamental science and translational aspects of the interdisciplinary studies on non-neuronal ACh. The progress made has opened a new chapter in the field of cholinergic pharmacology, and advanced our knowledge beyond regulation of individual cell- and tissue-types, defining a new paradigm of selective pharmacological regulation of vital function of practically all types of non-neuronal cells. It is now clear that the autocrine and paracrine control of non-neuronal cells by non-neuronal ACh is implemented through synergistic, additive, and reciprocal effects triggered by two different cholinergic receptor classes. Each biologic effect of ACh is determined by a unique combination of cholinergic receptors subtype expressed at each stage of cell development and differentiation. The plasticity of the non-neuronal cholinergic system helps adjust homeostasis to new environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei A Grando
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Koichiro Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmacy, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Ignaz Wessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz D-55101, Germany
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42
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Graham DL, Durai HH, Trammell TS, Noble BL, Mortlock DP, Galli A, Stanwood GD. A novel mouse model of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor expression: A look at the brain. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:2445-2470. [PMID: 32170734 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone with a number of functions to maintain energy homeostasis and contribute to motivated behavior, both peripherally and within the central nervous system (CNS). These functions, which include insulin secretion, gastric emptying, satiety, and the hedonic aspects of food and drug intake, are primarily mediated through stimulation of the GLP-1 receptor. While this receptor plays an important role in a variety of physiological outcomes, data regarding its CNS expression has been primarily limited to regional receptor binding and single-label transcript expression studies. We thus developed a bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mouse, in which expression of a red fluorescent protein (mApple) is driven by the GLP-1R promoter. Using this reporter mouse, we characterized the regional and cellular expression patterns of GLP-1R expressing cells in the CNS, using double-label immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. GLP-1R-expressing cells were enriched in several key brain regions and circuits, including the lateral septum, hypothalamus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, hippocampus, ventral midbrain, periaqueductal gray, and cerebral cortex. In most regions, GLP-1R primarily colocalized with GABAergic neurons, except within some regions such as the hippocampus, where it was co-expressed in glutamatergic neurons. GLP-1R-mApple cells were highly co-expressed with 5-HT3 receptor-containing neurons within the cortex and striatum, as well as with dopamine receptor- and calbindin-expressing cells within the lateral septum, the brain region in which GLP-1R is most highly expressed. In this manuscript, we provide detailed images of GLP-1R-mApple expression and distribution within the brain and characterization of these neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon L Graham
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Heather H Durai
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Taylor S Trammell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Brenda L Noble
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Douglas P Mortlock
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute and Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Aurelio Galli
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Gregg D Stanwood
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
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43
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Bassi GS, Kanashiro A, Coimbra NC, Terrando N, Maixner W, Ulloa L. Anatomical and clinical implications of vagal modulation of the spleen. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 112:363-373. [PMID: 32061636 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The vagus nerve coordinates most physiologic functions including the cardiovascular and immune systems. This mechanism has significant clinical implications because electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve can control inflammation and organ injury in infectious and inflammatory disorders. The complex mechanisms that mediate vagal modulation of systemic inflammation are mainly regulated via the spleen. More specifically, vagal stimulation prevents organ injury and systemic inflammation by inhibiting the production of cytokines in the spleen. However, the neuronal regulation of the spleen is controversial suggesting that it can be mediated by either monosynaptic innervation of the splenic parenchyma or secondary neurons from the celiac ganglion depending on the experimental conditions. Recent physiologic and anatomic studies suggest that inflammation is regulated by neuro-immune multi-synaptic interactions between the vagus and the splanchnic nerves to modulate the spleen. Here, we review the current knowledge on these interactions, and discuss their experimental and clinical implications in infectious and inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel S Bassi
- Center for Perioperative Organ Protection, Department of Anesthesiology. Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Alexandre Kanashiro
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Norberto C Coimbra
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Niccolò Terrando
- Center for Perioperative Organ Protection, Department of Anesthesiology. Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - William Maixner
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology. Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Luis Ulloa
- Center for Perioperative Organ Protection, Department of Anesthesiology. Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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44
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Liu CH, Yang MH, Zhang GZ, Wang XX, Li B, Li M, Woelfer M, Walter M, Wang L. Neural networks and the anti-inflammatory effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in depression. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:54. [PMID: 32050990 PMCID: PMC7017619 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01732-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a relatively non-invasive alternative treatment for patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). It has been postulated that acupuncture may achieve its treatment effects on MDD through suppression of vagal nerve inflammatory responses. Our previous research established that taVNS significantly increases amygdala–dorsolateral prefrontal cortex connectivity, which is associated with a reduction in depression severity. However, the relationship between taVNS and the central/peripheral functional state of the immune system, as well as changes in brain neural circuits, have not as yet been elucidated. In the present paper, we outline the anatomic foundation of taVNS and emphasize that it significantly modulates the activity and connectivity of a wide range of neural networks, including the default mode network, executive network, and networks involved in emotional and reward circuits. In addition, we present the inflammatory mechanism of MDD and describe how taVNS inhibits central and peripheral inflammation, which is possibly related to the effectiveness of taVNS in reducing depression severity. Our review suggests a link between the suppression of inflammation and changes in brain regions/circuits post taVNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hong Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China. .,Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100010, China.
| | - Ming-Hao Yang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Guang-Zhong Zhang
- Dermatological Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Xiao-Xu Wang
- Dermatological Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Bin Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Meng Li
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory (CANLAB), Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Marie Woelfer
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory (CANLAB), Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Martin Walter
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory (CANLAB), Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, 07743, Germany.,Department of Behavioral Neurology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, 39118, Germany.,Center of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, 39118, Germany
| | - Lihong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
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45
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Najjar SA, Davis BM, Albers KM. Epithelial-Neuronal Communication in the Colon: Implications for Visceral Pain. Trends Neurosci 2020; 43:170-181. [PMID: 31983457 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Visceral hypersensitivity and pain result, at least in part, from increased excitability of primary afferents that innervate the colon. In addition to intrinsic changes in these neurons, emerging evidence indicates that changes in lining epithelial cells may also contribute to increased excitability. Here we review recent studies on how colon epithelial cells communicate directly with colon afferents. Specifically, anatomical studies revealed specialized synaptic connections between epithelial cells and nerve fibers and studies using optogenetic activation of the epithelium showed initiation of pain-like responses. We review the possible mechanisms of epithelial-neuronal communication and provide an overview of the possible neurotransmitters and receptors involved. Understanding the biology of this interface and how it changes in pathological conditions may provide new treatments for visceral pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Najjar
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Brian M Davis
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kathryn M Albers
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research and Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Sumners C, Alleyne A, Rodríguez V, Pioquinto DJ, Ludin JA, Kar S, Winder Z, Ortiz Y, Liu M, Krause EG, de Kloet AD. Brain angiotensin type-1 and type-2 receptors: cellular locations under normal and hypertensive conditions. Hypertens Res 2019; 43:281-295. [PMID: 31853042 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-019-0374-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Brain angiotensin-II (Ang-II) type-1 receptors (AT1Rs), which exert profound effects on normal cardiovascular, fluid, and metabolic homeostasis, are overactivated in and contribute to chronic sympathoexcitation and hypertension. Accumulating evidence indicates that the activation of Ang-II type-2 receptors (AT2Rs) in the brain exerts effects that are opposite to those of AT1Rs, lowering blood pressure, and reducing hypertension. Thus, it would be interesting to understand the relative cellular localization of AT1R and AT2R in the brain under normal conditions and whether this localization changes during hypertension. Here, we developed a novel AT1aR-tdTomato reporter mouse strain in which the location of brain AT1aR was largely consistent with that determined in the previous studies. This AT1aR-tdTomato reporter mouse strain was crossed with our previously described AT2R-eGFP reporter mouse strain to yield a novel dual AT1aR/AT2R reporter mouse strain, which allowed us to determine that AT1aR and AT2R are primarily localized to different populations of neurons in brain regions controlling cardiovascular, fluid, and metabolic homeostasis. Using the individual AT1aR-tdTomato reporter mice, we also demonstrated that during hypertension induced by the administration of deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt, there was no shift in the expression of AT1aR from neurons to microglia or astrocytes in the paraventricular nucleus, a brain area important for sympathetic regulation. Using AT2R-eGFP reporter mice under similar hypertensive conditions, we demonstrated that the same was true of AT2R expression in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), an area critical for baroreflex control. Collectively, these findings provided a novel means to assess the colocalization of AT1R and AT2R in the brain and a novel view of their cellular localization in hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Sumners
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Amy Alleyne
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Vermalí Rodríguez
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - David J Pioquinto
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Jacob A Ludin
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Shormista Kar
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Zachary Winder
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.,Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Yuma Ortiz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Meng Liu
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Eric G Krause
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Annette D de Kloet
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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Ting HA, von Moltke J. The Immune Function of Tuft Cells at Gut Mucosal Surfaces and Beyond. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 202:1321-1329. [PMID: 30782851 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Tuft cells were first discovered in epithelial barriers decades ago, but their function remained unclear until recently. In the last 2 years, a series of studies has provided important advances that link tuft cells to infectious diseases and the host immune responses. Broadly, a model has emerged in which tuft cells use chemosensing to monitor their surroundings and translate environmental signals into effector functions that regulate immune responses in the underlying tissue. In this article, we review the current understanding of tuft cell immune function in the intestines, airways, and thymus. In particular, we discuss the role of tuft cells in type 2 immunity, norovirus infection, and thymocyte development. Despite recent advances, many fundamental questions about the function of tuft cells in immunity remain to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-An Ting
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Jakob von Moltke
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109
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Serlin HK, Fox EA. Abdominal vagotomy reveals majority of small intestinal mucosal afferents labeled in na
v
1.8cre‐rosa26tdTomato mice are vagal in origin. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:816-839. [PMID: 31618460 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K. Serlin
- Behavioral Neurogenetics Laboratory, Department of Psychological Sciences Purdue University West Lafayette Indiana
| | - Edward A. Fox
- Behavioral Neurogenetics Laboratory, Department of Psychological Sciences Purdue University West Lafayette Indiana
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Perez-Medina AL, Galligan JJ. Optogenetic analysis of neuromuscular transmission in the colon of ChAT-ChR2-YFP BAC transgenic mice. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019; 317:G569-G579. [PMID: 31411893 PMCID: PMC6879885 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00089.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Propulsion of luminal content along the gut requires coordinated contractions and relaxations of gastrointestinal smooth muscles controlled by the enteric nervous system. Activation of excitatory motor neurons (EMNs) causes muscle contractions, whereas inhibitory motor neuron (IMN) activation causes muscle relaxation. EMNs release acetylcholine (ACh), which acts at muscarinic receptors on smooth muscle cells and adjacent interstitial cells of Cajal, causing excitatory junction potentials (EJPs). IMNs release ATP (or another purine) and nitric oxide to cause inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) and muscle relaxation. We used commercially available choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2)-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mice, which express ChR2 in cholinergic neurons, to study cholinergic neuromuscular transmission in the colon. Intracellular microelectrodes were used to record IJPs and EJPs from circular muscle cells. We used blue light stimulation (BLS, 470 nm, 20 mW/mm2) and electrical field stimulation (EFS) to activate myenteric neurons. EFS evoked IJPs only, whereas BLS evoked EJPs and IJPs. Mecamylamine (10 µM, nicotinic cholinergic receptor antagonist) reduced BLS-evoked IJPs by 50% but had no effect on electrically evoked IJPs. MRS 2179 (10 µM, a P2Y1 receptor antagonist) blocked BLS-evoked IJPs. MRS 2179 and Nω-nitro-l-arginine (100 µM, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) isolated the EJP, which was blocked by scopolamine (1 µM, muscarinic ACh receptor antagonist). Immunohistochemistry revealed ChAT expression in ~88% of enhanced YFP (eYFP)-expressing neurons, whereas 12% of eYFP neurons expressed nitric oxide synthase. These data show that cholinergic interneurons synapse with EMNs and IMNs to cause contraction and relaxation of colonic smooth muscle.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Electrical stimulation of interganglionic connectives has been used widely to study synaptic transmission in the enteric nervous system. However, electrical stimulation will activate many types of neurons and nerve fibers, which complicates data interpretation. Optogenetic activation of enteric neurons using genetically modified mice expressing channelrhodopsin-2 in cholinergic neurons offers a new approach that provides more specificity for nerve stimulation when studying myenteric plexus nerve circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James J. Galligan
- 1Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan,2Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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Thompson N, Mastitskaya S, Holder D. Avoiding off-target effects in electrical stimulation of the cervical vagus nerve: Neuroanatomical tracing techniques to study fascicular anatomy of the vagus nerve. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 325:108325. [PMID: 31260728 PMCID: PMC6698726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a promising therapy for treatment of various conditions that are resistant to standard medication, such as heart failure, epilepsy, and depression. The vagus nerve is a complex nerve providing afferent and efferent innervation of the pharynx, larynx, heart, tracheobronchial tree and lungs, oesophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine and proximal colon. It is therefore a prime target for intervention for VNS. Surprisingly, the fascicular organisation of the vagus nerve at the cervical level is still not well understood. This, along with the current stimulation techniques, results in the entire nerve being stimulated, which leads to unwanted off-target effects. Neuronal tracing is a promising method to delineate the organ-specific innervation by the vagus nerve, thereby providing valuable insight into the fascicular anatomy. In this review we discuss the current knowledge of vagus nerve anatomy and neuronal tracers used for mapping of its organ-specific projections in various species. Efferent vagal projections are a chain of two neurones (pre- and postganglionic), while afferent projections consist of only one pseudounipolar neurone with one branch terminating in the target organ/tissue directly and another in the brainstem. It would be feasible to retrogradely trace the afferent fibres from their respective visceral targets and identify them at the cervical level using non-transsynaptic neuronal tracers. Using this to create a map of the functional anatomical organisation of the vagus nerve will enable selective VNS ultimately allowing for the avoidance of the off-target effects and improving overall efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Thompson
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Svetlana Mastitskaya
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Holder
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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