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Yuan PQ, Li T, Mahurkar-Joshi S, Sohn J, Chang L, Taché Y. Three-dimensional imaging and computational quantitation as a novel approach to assess nerve fibers, enteric glial cells, mast cells, and the proximity of mast cells to the nerve fibers in human sigmoid mucosal biopsies from healthy subjects. J Neurosci Methods 2025; 418:110436. [PMID: 40180160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2025.110436] [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: 12/20/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2025] [Accepted: 03/24/2025] [Indexed: 04/05/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The visualization and quantitation of nerve fibers (NFs), enteric glial cells (EGCs), mast cells (MCs), and their spatial configurations in the human colonic mucosa represent considerable challenges due to the meshed network of these components and the arborizing of NFs in a three-dimensional (3D) structure. NEW METHOD We developed a novel approach combining tissue clearing, 3D imaging and computerized quantitation of NFs, EGCs and MCs in sigmoid mucosal biopsies of healthy subjects using a modified CLARITY tissue clearing protocol and adapting Imaris Surfaces Rendering Technology. RESULTS The cleared colonic biopsies are compatible with immunostaining using 10 marker antibodies and capable of generating 3D images rendering clear spatial views and computational quantitation of NFs, MCs, EGCs, in particular the proximity of MCs to NFs with Imaris 9.7-9.9. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Our modified tissue clearing protocol shortened the membrane lipid removal time to 1 day from the original 1-2 weeks and total tissue clearing time to 3-4 days from the original 2-4 weeks. The 3D images displayed a clear spatial landscape of NFs, MCs and EGCs in the biopsies which cannot be portrayed with 2D images acquired from sections. Computerized quantitation is faster than measuring manually, allowing us to quantify a larger number of samples with less bias. CONCLUSION The novel approach enables faster tissue clearing/immunolabeling, high-quality 3D imaging and precise computational quantitation of NFs, cells and proximity of MCs to NFs in human sigmoid biopsies which may allow new insight to detect alterations in colonic-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu-Qing Yuan
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Digestive Diseases Division, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, USA; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Tao Li
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Digestive Diseases Division, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, USA
| | - Swapna Mahurkar-Joshi
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Digestive Diseases Division, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, USA; G Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Digestive Diseases Division, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, USA
| | - Jessica Sohn
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Digestive Diseases Division, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, USA; G Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Digestive Diseases Division, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, USA
| | - Lin Chang
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Digestive Diseases Division, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, USA; G Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Digestive Diseases Division, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, USA
| | - Yvette Taché
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Digestive Diseases Division, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, USA; G Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Digestive Diseases Division, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, USA; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Otsuka T, Sato K, Kamiya T, Tanaka H, Hara H. Zinc treatment prevents IgE-mediated Ca 2+ influx and allergic response in RBL-2H3 cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2025; 994:177391. [PMID: 39971226 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177391] [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: 10/17/2024] [Revised: 01/17/2025] [Accepted: 02/13/2025] [Indexed: 02/21/2025]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is an essential metal in the body. It binds to many proteins and regulates their functions. In the immune system, it is known that administration of ZnSO4 suppresses T cell activation, but its effects on allergies are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of ZnSO4 administration on allergic reactions using the rat basophilic leukemia cell line, RBL-2H3. ZnSO4 treatment inhibited cell degranulation induced by antigen and IgE stimulation, as well as by A23187, a Ca2+ ionophore. Antigen and IgE stimulation increased mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-13, and COX-2, and ZnSO4 treatment inhibited this expression. The elevation of intracellular Zn concentration and depletion of Zn did not affect degranulation. Phosphorylation of the proteins spleen tyrosine kinase, p38, ERK1/2, JNK, and Akt was increased by antigen stimulation, but ZnSO4 treatment did not inhibit this phosphorylation. ZnSO4 treatment inhibited the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by antigen and IgE stimulation, as well as by A23187. Additionally, ZnSO4 treatment inhibited thapsigargin, a store-operated Ca2+ entry stimulant, from inducing degranulation and increasing intracellular Ca2+ concentration. These data indicate that exogenous Zn2+ possesses a preventive effect on RBL-2H3 activation via inhibition of Ca2+ influx. The effect of Zn may involve Ca2+ release-activated channels. This study suggests that ZnSO4 treatment is valuable in suppressing allergic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Otsuka
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan.
| | - Kaho Sato
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan.
| | - Tetsuro Kamiya
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Tanaka
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan; Medical Science Division, United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan; Center for One Medicine Innovation Translational Research (COMIT), Institute for Advanced Study, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.
| | - Hirokazu Hara
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan.
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Chang X, Zhang H, Chen S. Neural circuits regulating visceral pain. Commun Biol 2024; 7:457. [PMID: 38615103 PMCID: PMC11016080 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06148-y] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral hypersensitivity, a common clinical manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome, may contribute to the development of chronic visceral pain, which is a major challenge for both patients and health providers. Neural circuits in the brain encode, store, and transfer pain information across brain regions. In this review, we focus on the anterior cingulate cortex and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus to highlight the progress in identifying the neural circuits involved in visceral pain. We also discuss several neural circuit mechanisms and emphasize the importance of cross-species, multiangle approaches and the identification of specific neurons in determining the neural circuits that control visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Chang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Shaozong Chen
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
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Wang W, Wang Q, Huang J, Li H, Li F, Li X, Liu R, Xu M, Chen J, Mao Y, Ma L. Store-operated calcium entry mediates hyperalgesic responses during neuropathy. FEBS Open Bio 2023; 13:2020-2034. [PMID: 37606998 PMCID: PMC10626277 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP), resulting from nerve injury, alters neural plasticity in spinal cord and brain via the release of inflammatory mediators. The remodeling of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) involves the refilling of calcium in the endoplasmic reticulum via STIM1 and Orai1 proteins and is crucial for maintaining neural plasticity and neurotransmitter release. The mechanism underlying SOCE-mediated NP remains largely unknown. In this study, we found SOCE-mediated calcium refilling was significantly higher during neuropathic pain, and the major component Orai1 was specifically co-localized with neuronal markers. Intrathecal injection of SOCE antagonist SKF96365 remarkably alleviated nerve injury- and formalin-induced pain and suppressed c-Fos expression in response to innocuous mechanical stimulation. RNA sequencing revealed that SKF96365 altered the expression of spinal transcription factors, including Fos, Junb, and Socs3, during neuropathic pain. In order to identify the genes critical for SKF96365-induced effects, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify the genes most correlated with paw withdrawal latency phenotypes. Of the 16 modules, MEsalmon module was the most highly correlated with SKF96365 induced effects. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that the enriched genes of MEsalmon module were significantly related to Toll-like receptor signaling, steroid biosynthesis, and chemokine signaling, which may mediate the analgesic effect caused by SKF9636 treatment. Additionally, the SOCE antagonist YM-58483 produced similar analgesic effects in nerve injury- and formalin-induced pain. Our results suggest that manipulation of spinal SOCE signaling might be a promising target for pain relief by regulating neurotransmitter production and spinal transcription factor expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Shanghai Mental Health CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic DisordersChina
| | - Qiru Wang
- Department of PharmacyFudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Minhang BranchShanghaiChina
| | - Jinlu Huang
- Department of PharmacyShanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's HospitalChina
| | - Hong Li
- Shanghai Mental Health CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Fangjie Li
- Shanghai Mental Health CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Laboratory MedicineChanghai HospitalShanghaiChina
| | - Ruimei Liu
- Shanghai Mental Health CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Digital and Cosmetic Dentistry, School & Hospital of StomatologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jinghong Chen
- Shanghai Mental Health CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic DisordersChina
| | - Yemeng Mao
- Shanghai Mental Health CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic DisordersChina
| | - Le Ma
- Shanghai Mental Health CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic DisordersChina
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Sun Y, Li H, Liu L, Bai X, Wu L, Shan J, Sun X, Wang Q, Guo Y. A Novel Mast Cell Stabilizer JM25-1 Rehabilitates Impaired Gut Barrier by Targeting the Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010047. [PMID: 36678544 PMCID: PMC9866683 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010047] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mast cell (MC) plays a central role in intestinal permeability; however, few MC-targeting drugs are currently available for protection of the intestinal barrier in clinical practice. A nonfluorinated Lidocaine analog 2-diethylamino-N-2,5-dimethylphenyl acetamide (JM25-1) displays anti-allergic effect, but its impact on MC remains elusive. In this study, we explored whether JM25-1 has therapeutic potential on intestinal barrier defect through stabilizing MC. JM25-1 alleviated release of β-hexosaminidase and cytokine production of MC. The paracellular permeability was redressed by JM25-1 in intestinal epithelial cell monolayers co-cultured with activated MC. In vivo, JM25-1 diminished intestinal mucosal MC amount and cytokine production, especially downregulating the expression of CRHR1, accompanied by an increase of CRHR2. Protective effects appeared in JM25-1-treated stress rats with a recovery of weight and intestinal barrier integrity. Through network pharmacology analysis, JM25-1 showed a therapeutic possibility for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with predictive targeting on PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. As expected, JM25-1 reinforced p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-mTOR signaling in MC, while the mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin reversed the action of JM25-1 on the expression of CRHR1 and CRHR2. Moreover, JM25-1 successfully remedied intestinal defect and declined MC and CRHR1 expression in rat colon caused by colonic mucus of IBS patients. Our data implied that JM25-1 possessed therapeutic capacity against intestinal barrier defects by targeting the CRH receptors of MC through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueshan Sun
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Hong Li
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-Orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Xiaoqin Bai
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Liping Wu
- Digestive Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Jing Shan
- Digestive Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Xiaobin Sun
- Digestive Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Digestive Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610031, China
- Correspondence: (Q.W.); (Y.G.)
| | - Yuanbiao Guo
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610031, China
- Correspondence: (Q.W.); (Y.G.)
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