1
|
Prims S, Van Ostade X, Ayuso M, Dom M, Van Raemdonck G, Van Cruchten S, Casteleyn C, Van Ginneken C. Chronic exposure to multiple stressors alters the salivary proteome of piglets. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286455. [PMID: 37235602 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Monitoring chronic stress in pigs is not only essential in view of animal welfare but is also important for the farmer, given that stress influences the zootechnical performance of the pigs and increases their susceptibility to infectious diseases. To investigate the use of saliva as a non-invasive, objective chronic stress monitoring tool, twenty-four 4-day-old piglets were transferred to artificial brooders. At the age of 7 days, they were assigned to either the control or the stressed group and reared for three weeks. Piglets in the stressed group were exposed to overcrowding, absence of cage enrichment, and frequent mixing of animals between pens. Shotgun analysis using an isobaric labelling method (iTRAQ) for tandem mass spectrometry performed on saliva samples taken after three weeks of chronic stress identified 392 proteins, of which 20 proteins displayed significantly altered concentrations. From these 20 proteins, eight were selected for further validation using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). For this validation, saliva samples that were taken one week after the start of the experiment and samples that were taken at the end of the experiment were analysed to verify the profile over time. We wanted to investigate whether the candidate biomarkers responded fast or rather slowly to the onset of chronic exposure to multiple stressors. Furthermore, this validation could indicate whether age influenced the baseline concentrations of these salivary proteins, both in healthy and stressed animals. This targeted PRM analysis confirmed that alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein was upregulated in the stressed group after one and three weeks, while odorant-binding protein, chitinase, long palate lung and nasal epithelium protein 5, lipocalin-1, and vomeromodulin-like protein were present in lower concentrations in the saliva of the stressed pigs, albeit only after three weeks. These results indicate that the porcine salivary proteome is altered by chronic exposure to multiple stressors. The affected proteins could be used as salivary biomarkers to identify welfare problems at the farm and facilitate research to optimise rearing conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Prims
- Laboratory of Comparative Perinatal Development, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Xaveer Van Ostade
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Center for Proteomics (CfP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Miriam Ayuso
- Laboratory of Comparative Perinatal Development, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Martin Dom
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Geert Van Raemdonck
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Center for Proteomics (CfP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Steven Van Cruchten
- Laboratory of Comparative Perinatal Development, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christophe Casteleyn
- Laboratory of Comparative Perinatal Development, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Chris Van Ginneken
- Laboratory of Comparative Perinatal Development, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kitamura K, Homma T, Sohel MSH, Fuyuki A, Miyawaki S, Onouchi S, Saito S. Expression patterns of prosaposin and its receptors, G protein-coupled receptor (GPR) 37 and GPR37L1, in the mouse olfactory organ. Tissue Cell 2023; 82:102093. [PMID: 37075680 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102093] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Prosaposin is a glycoprotein conserved widely in vertebrates, because it is a precursor for saposins that are required for normal lysosomal function and thus for autophagy, and acts as a neurotrophic factor. Most tetrapods possess two kinds of olfactory neuroepithelia, namely, the olfactory epithelium (OE) and the vomeronasal epithelium (VNE). This study examined the expression patterns of prosaposin and its candidate receptors, G protein-coupled receptor (GPR) 37 and GPR37L1, in mouse OE and VNE by immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization. Prosaposin immunoreactivity was observed in the olfactory receptor neurons, vomeronasal receptor neurons, Bowman's gland (BG), and Jacobson's gland (JG). Prosaposin expression was mainly observed in mature neurons. Prosaposin mRNA expression was observed not only in these cells but also in the apical region of the VNE. GPR37 and GPR37L1 immunoreactivities were found only in the BG and/or the JG. Prosaposin was suggested to secrete and facilitate the autophagic activities of the neurons and modulate the mucus secretion in mouse olfactory organ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Kitamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takeshi Homma
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Japan
| | - Md Shahriar Hasan Sohel
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Japan
| | - Aimi Fuyuki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shingo Miyawaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Sawa Onouchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan; Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shouichiro Saito
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan; Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Histology and lectin histochemistry in the vomeronasal organ of Korean native cattle, Bos taurus coreanae. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.12750/jarb.36.4.270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
|
4
|
Villamayor PR, Cifuentes JM, Fdz-de-Troconiz P, Sanchez-Quinteiro P. Morphological and immunohistochemical study of the rabbit vomeronasal organ. J Anat 2018; 233:814-827. [PMID: 30255591 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The characterization of the rabbit mammary pheromone, which is sensed by the main olfactory system, has made this species a unique model for the study of pheromonal communication in mammals. This discovery has brought attention to the global understanding of chemosensory communication in this species. Chemocommunication is mediated by two distinct organs located in the nasal cavity, the main olfactory epithelium and the vomeronasal organ (VNO). However, there is a lack of knowledge about the vomeronasal system in rabbits. To understand the role of this system, an exhaustive anatomical and histological study of the rabbit VNO was performed. The rabbit VNO was studied macroscopically by light microscopy, and by histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. We employed specific histological staining techniques (periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian blue, Gallego's trichrome), confocal autofluorescence, histochemical labelling with the lectin Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA-I), and immunohistochemical studies of the expression of the Gαi2 and Gαo proteins and olfactory marker protein. The opening of the vomeronasal duct into the nasal cavity and its indirect communication with the oral cavity through a functional nasopalatine duct was demonstrated by classical dissection and microdissection. In a series of transverse histological sections, special attention was paid to the general distribution of the various soft-tissue components of this organ (duct, glands, connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves) and to the nature of the capsule of the organ. Among the main morphological features that distinguish the rabbit VNO, the presence of a double envelope, which is bony externally and cartilaginous internally, and highly developed venous sinuses stand out. This observation indicates the crucial role played in this species by the pumping mechanism that introduces chemical signals into the vomeronasal duct. The functional properties of the organ are also confirmed by the presence of a well-developed neuroepithelium and profuse glandular tissue that is positive for neutral mucopolysaccharides. The role of glycoconjugates was assessed by the identification of the α1-2 fucose glycan system in the neuroepithelium of the VNO employing UEA-I lectin. The pattern of labelling, which was concentrated around the commissures of the sensory epithelium and more diffuse in the central segments, is different from that found in most mammals studied. According to the expression of G-proteins, two pathways have been described in the VNOs of mammals: neuroreceptor cells expressing the Gαi2 protein (associated with vomeronasal receptor type 1); and cells expressing Gαo (associated with vomeronasal receptor type 2). The latter pathway is absent in most mammals studied. The expression of both G-protein families in the rabbit VNO places Lagomorpha together with rodents and insectivores in a small group of mammals belonging to the two-path model. These findings support the notion that the rabbit possesses a highly developed VNO, with many specific morphological features, which highlights the significance of chemocommunication in this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula R Villamayor
- Faculty of Veterinary, Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Cifuentes
- Faculty of Veterinary, Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Patricia Fdz-de-Troconiz
- Faculty of Veterinary, Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Pablo Sanchez-Quinteiro
- Faculty of Veterinary, Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gizurarson S. Anatomical and histological factors affecting intranasal drug and vaccine delivery. Curr Drug Deliv 2013; 9:566-82. [PMID: 22788696 PMCID: PMC3480721 DOI: 10.2174/156720112803529828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Revised: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to provide an understanding of the anatomical and histological structure of the nasal cavity, which is important for nasal drug and vaccine delivery as well as the development of new devices. The surface area of the nasal cavity is about 160 cm2, or 96 m2 if the microvilli are included. The olfactory region, however, is only about 5 cm2 (0.3 m2 including the microvilli). There are 6 arterial branches that serve the nasal cavity, making this region a very attractive route for drug administration. The blood flow into the nasal region is slightly more than reabsorbed back into the nasal veins, but the excess will drain into the lymph vessels, making this region a very attractive route for vaccine delivery. Many of the side effects seen following intranasal administration are caused by some of the 6 nerves that serve the nasal cavity. The 5th cranial nerve (trigeminus nerve) is responsible for sensing pain and irritation following nasal administration but the 7th cranial nerve (facial nerve) will respond to such irritation by stimulating glands and cause facial expressions in the subject. The first cranial nerve (olfactory nerve), however, is the target when direct absorption into the brain is the goal, since this is the only site in our body where the central nervous system is directly expressed on the mucosal surface. The nasal mucosa contains 7 cell types and 4 types of glands. Four types of cells and 2 types of glands are located in the respiratory region but 6 cell types and 2 types of glands are found in the olfactory region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sveinbjörn Gizurarson
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, Hofsvallagata 53, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Distant cousins: genomic and sequence diversity within the BPI fold-containing (BPIF)/PLUNC protein family. Biochem Soc Trans 2011; 39:961-5. [PMID: 21787330 DOI: 10.1042/bst0390961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PLUNC (palate, lung and nasal epithelium clone) proteins make up the largest branch of the BPI (bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein)/LBP (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein) family of lipid-transfer proteins. PLUNCs make up one of the most rapidly evolving mammalian protein families and exhibit low levels of sequence similarity coupled with multiple examples of species-specific gene acquisition and gene loss. Vertebrate genomes contain multiple examples of genes that do not meet our original definition of what is required to be a member of the PLUNC family, namely conservation of exon numbers/sizes, overall protein size, genomic location and the presence of a conserved disulfide bond. This suggests that evolutionary forces have continued to act on the structure of this conserved domain in what are likely to be functionally important ways.
Collapse
|
7
|
New ways to go—nasal floor structures as channelling system for vomeronasal stimuli in the shrew (Sorex araneus, Mammalia). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-011-0041-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
8
|
Abstract
The vomeronasal organ is the primary olfactory organ that detects sexual pheromones in mammals. We investigated the anatomy of the vomeronasal organ of the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), a small macropodid marsupial. Pheromones may be important for activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis of tammar males at the start of the breeding season because plasma testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentration in males rise concurrently with pregnancy and the post-partum ovulation in females. The gross anatomy and the connection to the brain of the vomeronasal organ were examined by light and electron microscopy in adult male and female tammars. The vomeronasal organ was well developed in both sexes. The vomeronasal organ is a tubular organ connected at the rostral end via the nasopalatine duct (incisive duct) to the mouth and nasal cavity. At the rostral end the lumen of the vomeronasal organ was crescent shaped, changing to a narrow oval shape caudally. Glandular tissue associated with the vomeronasal organ increased towards the blind end of the organ. The tammar has the typical pattern of mammalian vomeronasal organs with electron-dense supporting cells and electron-lucent receptor cells. Microvilli were present on the surface of both epithelia while cilia were only found on the surface of the non-receptor epithelium. Some non-receptor epithelial cells appeared to secrete mucus into the vomeronasal organ lumen. The vomeronasal organ shows a high degree of structural conservation compared with eutherian mammals. The degree of vomeronasal organ development makes it likely that, as in other mammals, pheromones are important in the reproduction of the tammar.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nanette Y Schneider
- Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3010
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fukuda N, Shirasu M, Sato K, Ebisui E, Touhara K, Mikoshiba K. Decreased olfactory mucus secretion and nasal abnormality in mice lacking type 2 and type 3 IP3 receptors. Eur J Neurosci 2008; 27:2665-75. [PMID: 18547250 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06240.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Although nasal mucus is thought to play important roles in the mammalian olfactory system, the mechanisms of secretion of it and its physiological roles are poorly understood. Here we show that type 2 and type 3 IP3 receptors (IP3R2 and IP3R3) play critical roles in olfactory mucus secretion. Histological studies showed that IP3R2 and IP3R3 are predominantly expressed in two types of nasal glands, the anterior glands of the nasal septum and the lateral nasal glands (LNG), which contain mucosal proteins secreted to the main olfactory epithelium. We therefore examined LNG acinar cells, and found that acetylcholine-mediated calcium responses and fluid- and protein- secretion in the acinar cells were markedly decreased in IP3R2-R3 double-knockout (KO) mice. We also found nasal inflammation and a decrease in olfactory capacity in IP3R2-R3 KO mice. Despite intact signal transduction in the olfactory epithelium, IP3R2-R3 KO mice exhibited elevated threshold sensitivity to odorants on in vivo imaging of olfactory glomerular responses and behavioral tests. Our findings suggest that IP3R2 and IP3R3 mediate nasal mucus secretion, which is important for the maintenance of nasal tissue as well as the perception of odors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nanaho Fukuda
- Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pemberton TJ, Li FY, Oka S, Mendoza-Fandino GA, Hsu YH, Bringas P, Chai Y, Snead ML, Mehrian-Shai R, Patel PI. Identification of novel genes expressed during mouse tooth development by microarray gene expression analysis. Dev Dyn 2007; 236:2245-57. [PMID: 17626284 PMCID: PMC4457363 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify genes heretofore undiscovered as critical players in the biogenesis of teeth, we have used microarray gene expression analysis of the developing mouse molar tooth (DMT) between postnatal day (P) 1 and P10 to identify genes differentially expressed when compared with 16 control tissues. Of the top 100 genes exhibiting increased expression in the DMT, 29 were found to have been previously associated with tooth development. Differential expression of the remaining 71 genes not previously associated with tooth development was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Further analysis of seven of the latter genes by mRNA in situ hybridization found that five were specific to the developing tooth in the craniofacial region (Rspo4, Papln, Amtn, Gja1, Maf). Of the remaining two, one was found to be more widely expressed (Sp7) and the other was found to be specific to the nasal serous gland, which is close to, but distinct from, the developing tooth (Vrm).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trevor J. Pemberton
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Fang-Yuan Li
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shoji Oka
- The Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Ya-Hsuan Hsu
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Pablo Bringas
- The Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yang Chai
- The Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Malcolm L. Snead
- The Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ruty Mehrian-Shai
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Pragna I. Patel
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- The Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- Correspondence to: Pragna I. Patel, USC Institute for Genetic Medicine, 2250 Alcazar Street (CSC-240), Los Angeles, CA 90033.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kimoto M, Iwai S, Maeda T, Yura Y, Fernley RT, Ogawa Y. Carbonic anhydrase VI in the mouse nasal gland. J Histochem Cytochem 2004; 52:1057-62. [PMID: 15258181 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.3a6243.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Western blotting analysis of mouse nasal tissue using a specific anti-mouse secreted carbonic anhydrase (CA VI) antibody has shown that CA VI is present in this tissue. A single immunoreactive band of 42 kD was observed, as has been found previously for salivary tissues. RT-PCR analysis has shown that nasal mucosa expressed CA VI mRNA. By immunohistochemistry (IHC), CA VI was observed in acinar cells, in duct contents of the anterior gland of the nasal septum, and in the lateral nasal gland. The Bowman's gland, the posterior gland of the nasal septum, and the maxillary sinus gland were negative. Immunoreactivity was also observed in the mucus covering the respiratory and olfactory mucosa and in the lumen of the nasolacrimal duct. In contrast, an anti-rat CA II antibody (that crossreacts with the mouse enzyme) stained only known CA II-positive cells and an occasional olfactory receptor neuron. These results indicate that CA VI is produced by the nasal gland and is secreted over the nasal mucosa. By reversible hydration of CO(2), CA VI is presumed to play a role in mucosal functions such as CO(2) sensation and acid-base balance. It may also play a role in olfactory function as a growth factor in maturation of the olfactory epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Kimoto
- Department of Oral Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nicholson B. Pheromones cause disease: pheromone/odourant transduction. Med Hypotheses 2001; 57:361-77. [PMID: 11516230 DOI: 10.1054/mehy.2001.1357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This paper compares two models of the sense of smell and demonstrates that the new model has advantages over the accepted model with implications for medical research. The accepted transduction model had an odourant or pheromone contacting an aqueous sensory lymph then movement through it to a receptor membrane beneath. If the odourant or pheromone were non-soluble, the odourant/pheromone supposedly would be bound to a soluble protein in the lymph to be carried across. Thus, an odourant/carrier protein complex physically moved through the receptor lymph/mucus to interact with a membrane bound receptor. After the membranous receptor interaction, the molecule would be deactivated and any odourant/pheromone-binding protein recycled. This new electrical chemosensory model being proposed here has the pheromone or other odourant generating an electrical event in the extra-cellular mucus. Before the pheromone arrives, proteins of the 'carrier class' dissolved in the receptor mucus slowly and continuously sequester ions. A sensed pheromonal chemical species sorbs to the mucus and immediately binds to the now ion-holding dissolved protein. The binding of the pheromone to the protein causes a measurable conformational change in the pheromone/odourant-binding protein, desequestering ions. Releasing the bound ions changes the potential differences across a nearby super-sensitive dendritic membrane resulting in dendrite excitation. Pheromones will be implicated in the aetiology of the infectious, psychiatric and autoimmune diseases. This is the third article in a series of twelve to systematically explore this contention (see references 1-9).
Collapse
|
13
|
Krzymowski T, Grzegorzewski W, Stefańczyk-Krzymowska S, Skipor J, Wasowska B. Humoral pathway for transfer of the boar pheromone, androstenol, from the nasal mucosa to the brain and hypophysis of gilts. Theriogenology 1999; 52:1225-40. [PMID: 10735100 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(99)00200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Signaling and priming pheromones play an important role in intraspecies behavioral and sexual interactions and in the control of reproduction. It is generally accepted that pheromones act by stimulating the dendritic receptors in the mucus-imbedded cilia of olfactory neurons massed in the olfactory epithelium. The boar pheromone androstenol, known to induce sexual behavior in pigs, is 1 of 2 pheromones that have been chemically defined, tritiated and thus made available for use in studies. In Experiment 1, sexually mature cyclic gilts at Days 16 to 21 of the estrous cycle were humanely killed and the heads separated from the bodies. The heads were attached to a perfusion system using heated, oxygenated, heparinized, autologous blood. A total amount of 10(8) dpm (758 ng) of 3H-5 alpha-androstenol (3HA) was either infused into the angularis oculi veins that drain the nasal cavities (n = 7) over a 5-min period or applied through intranasal catheters onto the mucose surface (n = 16) for 2 min. In both groups frequent blood samples were collected from the carotid rete and from venous effluent. Concentration of 3HA in the arterial blood of the carotid rete after direct (into angularis oculi veins) or indirect (onto the nasal mucosa) administration of 3HA into veins draining the nasal cavities was significantly higher than background radioactivity before 3HA administration (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05, respectively). The 3HA was selectively accumulated (compared with the respective control tissue) in the neurohypophysis (P < 0.001), adenohypophysis (P < 0.01), ventromedial hypothalamus (P < 0.05), corpus mammillare (P < 0.01), and perihypophyseal vascular complex (P < 0.001). In a second in vitro experiment, active uptake of 3HA into the nasal mucosa of the proximal, respiratory segment of the nasal cavity was observed. These results demonstrate a humoral pathway for the transfer of pheromones from the nasal cavity to the hypophysis and brain. Androstenol was taken up by the respiratory part of the nasal mucosa, resorbed into blood, transported to the cavernous sinus and transferred into the arterial blood of the carotid rete (supplying the hypophysis and brain), and then selectively accumulated in the hypophysis and certain brain structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Krzymowski
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of The Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Carmanchahi PD, Aldana Marcos HJ, Ferrari CC, Affanni JM. The vomeronasal organ of the South American armadillo Chaetophractus villosus (Xenarthra, Mammalia): anatomy, histology and ultrastructure. J Anat 1999; 195 ( Pt 4):587-604. [PMID: 10634697 PMCID: PMC1468029 DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-7580.1999.19540587.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a chemoreceptive structure that has not been extensively studied in the Xenarthran order. Tissue samples from the VNO of the armadillo Chaetophractus villosus were prepared for light and electron microscopy. The VNO is located in the anterior part of the base of the nasal septum. It is tubular in shape, approximately 18 mm in length and opens in the rostral region of the nasal cavity and with a blind caudal end. Its lumen is lined by sensory (SE) and nonsensory (NSE) epithelium. The SE shows sensory, supporting and basal cells whereas the NSE contains ciliated and nonciliated secretory cells and basal cells. At the ultrastructural level, the sensory cells appear as bipolar neurons with conspicuous microvilli on their free surface. The supporting cells of the SE contain numerous membrane-bound vesicles in their apical regions. A peculiar feature not found in other mammals, is the presence of concentric whorls of RER cisterns frequently observed in their basal expansions. Infiltrating plasma cells can be detected in the SE basal region close to the dorsal junctional area. This region also exhibits an unusual type of basal cell, probably responsible for the generation of new vomeronasal receptor neurons. The ciliated NSE cells exhibit numerous ovoids or irregularly shaped membranous protrusions projecting from the plasma membrane of the cilia. As far as we know, this is the first study reporting the presence of this feature in ciliated NSE cells. The nonciliated cells are characterised by scarce large secretory granules and apical microvilli. The vomeronasal glands are compound-branched tubuloacinar glands with serous acinar cells. Four types of secretory granules are present. The ducts of these glands reach the lumen in the dorsolateral region between the NSE and SE. Hypolemmal nerve terminals were observed contacting secretory cells. Fenestrated and nonfenestrated capillaries constitute the vascular supply to these glands. Plasma cells, intimately associated with acinar cells, were frequently observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P D Carmanchahi
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Utsumi M, Ohno K, Kawasaki Y, Tamura M, Kubo T, Tohyama M. Expression of major urinary protein genes in the nasal glands associated with general olfaction. JOURNAL OF NEUROBIOLOGY 1999; 39:227-36. [PMID: 10235677 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4695(199905)39:2<227::aid-neu7>3.0.co;2-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression of major urinary protein (MUP) mRNAs was examined in the mouse nasal tissue. By polymerase chain reaction, we identified two cDNA segments encoding MUP 4 and MUP 5 genes in the nose. The expression level of both MUP 4 and 5 mRNAs in the nasal tissue was very high and exceeded that of the liver. Liver MUPs are excreted into the urine and are known to play an important role in pheromonal communication. We showed that nose and liver MUPs were composed of different subtypes of MUPs and that nose MUP mRNAs was detected in prepubescent periods when liver MUP mRNAs had not yet been transcripted. In situ hybridization revealed that nose MUP mRNAs are localized in the lateral wall and nasal septum and their expression pattern is identical to that of rat odorant-binding protein (OBP)-I. We also identified cDNA of mouse OBP-II gene from the nasal tissue and showed that the expression pattern of MUP gene was identical to that of OBP-II gene in the nose. These histological data indicate that nose MUPs are favorable for catching odorant molecules rather than pheromones, and may share their function with OBPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Utsumi
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Osaka University Medical School, Suita-City, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are a major constituent of the aqueous perireceptor compartment in vertebrates and in insects. Although different in primary structure, they are supposed to serve similar functions in both animal groups: (i) OBPs may act as solubilizers and carriers of the lipophilic odorants in the aqueous mucus or sensillum lymph; (ii) OBPs may act in addition as peripheral filters in odor discrimination by selectively binding certain classes of odorants; (iii) OBPs may present the stimulus molecule in a particular way to the receptor proteins to facilitate signal transduction; (iv) OBPs may clean the perireceptor space from unwanted and toxic compounds; (v) OBPs may rapidly deactivate odorants after stimulation of the receptors. Experimental evidence in favor of this multiple role of OBPs is reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Steinbrecht
- Max-Planck-Institut für Verhaltenphysiologie, Seewiesen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Recent publications show that the human vomeronasal organ (VNO) develops and grows during gestation, and is present in all adult humans. The human VNO has a unique ultrastructure, with elongated bipolar microvillar cells that stain with several immunomarkers. These cells show physiological properties similar to chemosensory receptor cells of other mammalian species. The adult human VNO displays species-specific, gender-dimorphic and highly stereospecific responses to ligands. The organ's local response, or electrovomerogram, is followed by gender-specific behavioral changes, modulation of autonomic nervous system function, or the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. Functional brain imaging studies revealed consistent activation of the hypothalamus, amygdala and cingulate gyrus-related structures during adult human VNO stimulation. These findings present new information supportive of a functional vomeronasal system in adult humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Monti-Bloch
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84108, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Single-cell physiology and cloning efforts have extended studies of the vomeronasal organ to cellular and molecular levels. Recent work has shown that transduction in the vomeronasal organ is probably mediated by signalling pathways distinct from those that mediate transduction in the main olfactory system. An advance in understanding transduction has come with the cloning from rat vomeronasal organ of a family of putative pheromone receptor genes that bear no sequence similarity to previously cloned receptors. Other work has examined the expression of putative signalling components and found a zonal organization of the epithelium. Patch-clamp studies have described the basic electrical properties of vomeronasal neurons and explored second-messenger pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E R Liman
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Wellman 414, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Blossom Street, Boston, 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Before reaching olfactory receptor neurons, odorant molecules have to cross an aqueous interface: the nasal mucus in vertebrates and the sensillar lymph in insects. Biochemical interactions taking place between odorants and the elements of these phases are called perireceptor events. Main protein constituents of these media, in both insects and vertebrates, are OBPs (odorant-binding proteins). Another class of proteins active in the olfactory perireceptor area includes odorant-degrading enzymes. The structure and the properties of these major proteins, with particular reference to OBPs, are reviewed and their role in olfactory transduction is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Pelosi
- Istituto di Industrie Agrarie, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ohno K, Kawasaki Y, Kubo T, Tohyama M. Differential expression of odorant-binding protein genes in rat nasal glands: implications for odorant-binding proteinII as a possible pheromone transporter. Neuroscience 1996; 71:355-66. [PMID: 9053791 DOI: 10.1016/0306-4522(95)00454-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We examined the distribution and ontogeny of two odorant-binding proteins in the rat at various stages of development from newborn to adult using northern blot and in situ hybridization methods. Our results demonstrated spatial segregation between odorant-binding protein and odorant-binding proteinII in nasal glandular tissues. Odorant-binding protein messenger RNA was expressed in the glandular system opening into the nasal vestibule, whereas odorant-binding proteinII messenger RNA was seen in the posterior glands of the nasal septum and in the vomeronasal glands. In addition, odorant-binding protein and odorant-binding proteinII messenger RNA levels increased during early postnatal stages with time courses that paralleled the anatomical development of the main olfactory system and the vomeronasal system, respectively. Our results suggest that odorant-binding proteinII functions as a pheromone transporter in the vomeronasal system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Ohno
- Department of Oto-rhino-laryngology, Osaka University Medical School, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Krishna NS, Getchell ML, Margolis FL, Getchell TV. Differential expression of vomeromodulin and odorant-binding protein, putative pheromone and odorant transporters, in the developing rat nasal chemosensory mucosae. J Neurosci Res 1995; 40:54-71. [PMID: 7714926 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.490400107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Expression of the putative pheromone and odorant transporter, vomeromodulin, was characterized in developing rat nasal mucosae using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. Initial expression of vomeromodulin mRNA and protein was detected at embryonic day (E)16 in the maxillary sinus component of the lateral nasal glands. The abundance of mRNA and protein in the lateral nasal glands increased with age and reached a peak at postnatal day (P)27. Also at P27, vomeromodulin mRNA and protein expression was initiated in vomeronasal glands and posterior glands of the nasal septum. Comparison of the developmental expression of odorant-binding protein, another carrier protein synthesized in the lateral nasal glands, with that of vomeromodulin demonstrated major differences. In contrast to vomeromodulin, odorant-binding protein was not detected until postnatal day 2 in the ventral component of the lateral nasal glands and anterior glands of the nasal septum. These results suggest that the expression of vomeromodulin and odorant-binding protein is developmentally and differentially regulated and confirms the suggestion that vomeromodulin may function in olfactory and vomeronasal perireceptor processes as a transporter for pheromones and odorants. In addition, the embryonic expression of vomeromodulin suggests its involvement in olfactory perireceptor processes in utero.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N S Krishna
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington 40536
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|