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Ricci MF, Mazzeti AL, Barbosa JL, Machado FS, Bahia MT, Arantes RME, Souza SR. Profile of interstitial cells of Cajal in a murine model of chagasic megacolon. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2024; 96:e20231337. [PMID: 38922281 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202420231337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Disorders of gastrointestinal motility are the major physiologic problem in chagasic megacolon. The contraction mechanism is complex and controlled by different cell types such as enteric neurons, smooth muscle, telocytes, and an important pacemaker of the intestine, the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). The role of ICCs in the progression of acute and chronic Chagas disease remains unclear. In the present work, we investigate the aspects of ICCs in a long-term model of Chagas disease that mimics the pathological aspects of human megacolon. Different subsets of ICCs isolated from Auerbach's myenteric plexuses and muscle layers of control and Trypanosoma cruzi infected animals were determined by analysis of CD117, CD44, and CD34 expression by flow cytometer. Compared with the respective controls, the results showed a reduced frequency of mature ICCs in the acute phase and three months after infection. These results demonstrate for the first time the phenotypic distribution of ICCs associated with functional dysfunction in a murine model of chagasic megacolon. This murine model proved valuable for studying the profile of ICCs as an integrative system in the gut and as a platform for understanding the mechanism of chagasic megacolon development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Fernanda Ricci
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Patologia, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana L Mazzeti
- Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Ciências Biomédicas e da Saúde, Av. Juca Stockler, 1130, 37900-106 Passos, MG, Brazil
| | - Joana L Barbosa
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fabiana S Machado
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Terezinha Bahia
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Departamento de Biologia e Ciências Exatas, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, s/n, Bauxita, 35400-000 Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Rosa Maria E Arantes
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Patologia, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Samantha R Souza
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Departamento de Biologia e Ciências Exatas, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, s/n, Bauxita, 35400-000 Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
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López-Pingarrón L, Almeida H, Pereboom-Maicas D, García JJ. Pathophysiological Implications of Interstitial Cajal-like Cells (ICC-like) in Uterus: A Comparative Study with Gastrointestinal ICCs. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7557-7571. [PMID: 37754260 PMCID: PMC10528666 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45090476] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The main function of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) is to regulate gastrointestinal peristalsis by acting as a "pacemaker" cell by generating spontaneous slow electrical waves. In 2005, electron microscopy revealed a cell type similar to ICCs (ICC-like) outside the gastrointestinal tract, with contractile activity and c-Kit+ immunohistochemistry shared with ICCs. Among the locations where ICC-like cells have been observed, it is in the uterus where they have a significant functional and pathophysiological role. These cells are involved in obstetric phenomena of contractile action, such as ascending sperm transport, embryo implantation, pregnancy, delivery, and the expulsion of menstrual debris. Within the pathophysiology related to these cells, we find obstetric alterations such as recurrent miscarriages, premature deliveries, abolition of uterine contractions, and failures of embryo implantation, in addition to other common conditions in the fertile age, such as endometriosis and leiomyoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura López-Pingarrón
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Legal and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (D.P.-M.); (J.J.G.)
| | - Henrique Almeida
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto University, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Porto University, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital-CUF Porto, 4100-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Desirée Pereboom-Maicas
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Legal and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (D.P.-M.); (J.J.G.)
| | - Joaquín J. García
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Legal and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (D.P.-M.); (J.J.G.)
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do Carmo Neto JR, Braga YLL, da Costa AWF, Lucio FH, do Nascimento TC, dos Reis MA, Celes MRN, de Oliveira FA, Machado JR, da Silva MV. Biomarkers and Their Possible Functions in the Intestinal Microenvironment of Chagasic Megacolon: An Overview of the (Neuro)inflammatory Process. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:6668739. [PMID: 33928170 PMCID: PMC8049798 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6668739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between inflammatory processes and intestinal neuronal destruction during the progression of Chagasic megacolon is well established. However, many other components play essential roles, both in the long-term progression and control of the clinical status of patients infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Components such as neuronal subpopulations, enteric glial cells, mast cells and their proteases, and homeostasis-related proteins from several organic systems (serotonin and galectins) are differentially involved in the progression of Chagasic megacolon. This review is aimed at revealing the characteristics of the intestinal microenvironment found in Chagasic megacolon by using different types of already used biomarkers. Information regarding these components may provide new therapeutic alternatives and improve the understanding of the association between T. cruzi infection and immune, endocrine, and neurological system changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Rodrigues do Carmo Neto
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Yarlla Loyane Lira Braga
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Arthur Wilson Florêncio da Costa
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Hélia Lucio
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Thais Cardoso do Nascimento
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Marlene Antônia dos Reis
- Department of General Pathology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mara Rubia Nunes Celes
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Flávia Aparecida de Oliveira
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Juliana Reis Machado
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
- Department of General Pathology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinícius da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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do Carmo Neto JR, Vinicius da Silva M, Braga YLL, Florencio da Costa AW, Fonseca SG, Nagib PRA, Nunes Celes MR, Oliveira MAP, Machado JR. Correlation between intestinal BMP2, IFNγ, and neural death in experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246692. [PMID: 33561140 PMCID: PMC7872263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Megacolon is one of the main late complications of Chagas disease, affecting approximately 10% of symptomatic patients. However, studies are needed to understand the mechanisms involved in the progression of this condition. During infection by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), an inflammatory profile sets in that is involved in neural death, and this destruction is known to be essential for megacolon progression. One of the proteins related to the maintenance of intestinal neurons is the type 2 bone morphogenetic protein (BMP2). Intestinal BMP2 homeostasis is directly involved in the maintenance of organ function. Thus, the aim of this study was to correlate the production of intestinal BMP2 with immunopathological changes in C57Bl/6 mice infected with the T. cruzi Y strain in the acute and chronic phases. The mice were infected with 1000 blood trypomastigote forms. After euthanasia, the colon was collected, divided into two fragments, and a half was used for histological analysis and the other half for BMP2, IFNγ, TNF-α, and IL-10 quantification. The infection induced increased intestinal IFNγ and BMP2 production during the acute phase as well as an increase in the inflammatory infiltrate. In contrast, a decreased number of neurons in the myenteric plexus were observed during this phase. Collagen deposition increased gradually throughout the infection, as demonstrated in the chronic phase. Additionally, a BMP2 increase during the acute phase was positively correlated with intestinal IFNγ. In the same analyzed period, BMP2 and IFNγ showed negative correlations with the number of neurons in the myenteric plexus. As the first report of BMP2 alteration after infection by T. cruzi, we suggest that this imbalance is not only related to neuronal damage but may also represent a new route for maintaining the intestinal proinflammatory profile during the acute phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Rodrigues do Carmo Neto
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goias, Goiania, GO, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinicius da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences of Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Yarlla Loyane Lira Braga
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goias, Goiania, GO, Brazil
| | - Arthur Wilson Florencio da Costa
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goias, Goiania, GO, Brazil
| | - Simone Gonçalves Fonseca
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goias, Goiania, GO, Brazil
| | - Patricia Resende Alô Nagib
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goias, Goiania, GO, Brazil
| | - Mara Rúbia Nunes Celes
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goias, Goiania, GO, Brazil
| | - Milton Adriano Pelli Oliveira
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goias, Goiania, GO, Brazil
| | - Juliana Reis Machado
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goias, Goiania, GO, Brazil
- Department of General Pathology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Martins PR, Fakhry J, de Oliveira AJ, Moreira TB, Fothergill LJ, de Oliveira EC, Reis DD, Furness JB. The distribution and chemical coding of enteroendocrine cells in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected individuals with chagasic megacolon. Histochem Cell Biol 2021; 155:451-462. [PMID: 33404704 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-020-01947-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi that causes chronic cardiac and digestive dysfunction. Megacolon, an irreversible dilation of the left colon, is the main feature of the gastrointestinal form of Chagas disease. Patients have severe constipation, a consequence of enteric neuron degeneration associated with chronic inflammation. Dysmotility, infection, neuronal loss and a chronic exacerbated inflammation, all observed in Chagas disease, can affect enteroendocrine cells (EEC) expression, which in turn, could influence the inflammatory process. In this study, we investigated the distribution and chemical coding of EEC in the dilated and non-dilated portion of T. cruzi-induced megacolon and in non-infected individuals (control colon). Using immunohistochemistry, EECs were identified by applying antibodies to chromogranin A (CgA), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), peptide YY (PYY) and somatostatin (SST). Greater numbers of EEC expressing GLP-1 and SST occurred in the dilated portion compared to the non-dilated portion of the same patients with Chagas disease and in control colon, but numbers of 5-HT and PYY EEC were not significantly different. However, it was noticeable that EEC in which 5-HT and PYY were co-expressed were common in control colon, but were rare in the non-dilated and absent in the dilated portion of chagasic megacolon. An increase in the number of CgA immunoreactive EEC in chagasic patients reflected the increases in EEC numbers summarised above. Our data suggests that the denervation and associated chronic inflammation are accompanied by changes in the number and coding of EEC that could contribute to disorders of motility and defence in the chagasic megacolon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Rocha Martins
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Josiane Fakhry
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | | | - Thayse Batista Moreira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Linda J Fothergill
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | | | | | - John B Furness
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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Ricci MF, Béla SR, Moraes MM, Bahia MT, Mazzeti AL, Oliveira ACS, Andrade LO, Radí R, Piacenza L, Arantes RME. Neuronal Parasitism, Early Myenteric Neurons Depopulation and Continuous Axonal Networking Damage as Underlying Mechanisms of the Experimental Intestinal Chagas' Disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:583899. [PMID: 33178632 PMCID: PMC7597600 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.583899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing consensus that the balance between the persistence of infection and the host immune response is crucial for chronification of Chagas heart disease. Extrapolation for chagasic megacolon is hampered because research in humans and animal models that reproduce intestinal pathology is lacking. The parasite-host relationship and its consequence to the disease are not well-known. Our model describes the temporal changes in the mice intestine wall throughout the infection, parasitism, and the development of megacolon. It also presents the consequence of the infection of primary myenteric neurons in culture with Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). Oxidative neuronal damage, involving reactive nitrogen species induced by parasite infection and cytokine production, results in the denervation of the myenteric ganglia in the acute phase. The long-term inflammation induced by the parasite's DNA causes intramuscular axonal damage, smooth muscle hypertrophy, and inconsistent innervation, affecting contractility. Acute phase neuronal loss may be irreversible. However, the dynamics of the damages revealed herein indicate that neuroprotection interventions in acute and chronic phases may help to eradicate the parasite and control the inflammatory-induced increase of the intestinal wall thickness and axonal loss. Our model is a powerful approach to integrate the acute and chronic events triggered by T. cruzi, leading to megacolon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Fernanda Ricci
- Departament of Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Samantha Ribeiro Béla
- Departament of Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Departament of Biological and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Michele Macedo Moraes
- Departament of Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Maria Terezinha Bahia
- Departament of Biological and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Ana Lia Mazzeti
- Departament of Biological and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rafael Radí
- Departament of Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Center for Free Radical and Biomedical Research, Universidad de La Republica Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Piacenza
- Departament of Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Center for Free Radical and Biomedical Research, Universidad de La Republica Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Epithelial cell types and their proposed roles in maintaining the mucosal barrier in human chagasic-megacolonic mucosa. Histochem Cell Biol 2017; 148:207-216. [PMID: 28357579 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-017-1563-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Patients suffering from chagasic megacolon must have an intact mucosal barrier as they survive this chronic disease for decades. A key structure of the mucosal barrier are epithelial cells. Vasoactive-intestinal-peptide (VIP)-positive nerve fibres are involved in influencing, e.g., epithelial cell proliferation, mucus secretion (e.g., mucin 2 and trefoil factor 3 of goblet cells) and inflammation or autoimmunity, all putative and/or known factors altered in chagasic megacolon. We analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively goblet cells, their specific markers, such as mucin 2 (MUC2) and trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) and enterocytes, the relation of VIP-immunoreactive nerve fibres to the epithelia, the distribution of gelsolin, a protein involved in chronic inflammation processes in the epithelia, and the proliferation rate of epithelial cells by combined 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and phosphohistone-H3 (PHH3) staining. Goblet cells were the dominating epithelial cell type. They accounted for 38.4% of all epithelial cells in controls and changed to 58.9% in the megacolonic parts. In contrast to the overall expression in goblet cells of control epithelia, TFF3 was confined to goblet cells at the base of the crypts whereas MUC2 was found only in luminal goblet cells. Gelsolin-positive goblet cells were predominantly recognized within the controls. Finally, the mean value of mitosis increased from 1.5% within the controls up to 2.6% in the anal parts of the chagasic sepcimens. Taken together, increased cell proliferation, preponderance of goblet cells, differential MUC 2, and TFF 3 expression might all be factors maintaining an intact mucosal barrier within chagasic megacolon.
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Huizinga JD, Chen JH. Interstitial cells of Cajal: update on basic and clinical science. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2014; 16:363. [PMID: 24408748 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-013-0363-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The basic science and clinical interest in the networks of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) keep growing, and here, research from 2010 to mid-2013 is highlighted. High-resolution gastrointestinal manometry and spatiotemporal mapping are bringing exciting new insights into motor patterns, their function and their myogenic and neurogenic origins, as well as the role of ICC. Critically important knowledge is emerging on the partaking of PDGFRα+ cells in ICC pacemaker networks. Evidence is emerging that ICC and PDGFRα+ cells have unique direct roles in muscle innervation. Chronic constipation is associated with loss and injury to ICC, which is stimulating extensive research into maintenance and repair of ICC after injury. In gastroparesis, high-resolution electrical and mechanical studies are beginning to elucidate the pathophysiological role of ICC and the pacemaker system in this condition. Receptors and ion channels that play a role in ICC function are being discovered and characterized, which paves the way for pharmacological interventions in gut motility disorders through ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan D Huizinga
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, HSC-3N8, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8N 3Z5,
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Abstract
Megacolon, the irreversible dilation of a colonic segment, is a structural sign associated with various gastrointestinal disorders. In its hereditary, secondary form (e.g. in Hirschsprung's disease), dilation occurs in an originally healthy colonic segment due to an anally located, aganglionic zone. In contrast, in chronic Chagas' disease, the dilated segment itself displays pathohistological changes, and the earliest and most prominent being found was massive loss of myenteric neurons. This neuron loss was partial and selective, i.e. some neurons containing neuronal nitric oxide synthase and/or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were spared from neuron death. This disproportionate survival of inhibitory neurons, however, did not completely correlate with the calibre change along the surgically removed, megacolonic segments. A better correlation was observed as to potentially contractile muscle tissue elements and the interstitial cells of Cajal. Therefore, the decreased densities of α-smooth muscle actin- and c-kit-immunoreactive profiles were estimated along resected megacolonic segments. Their lowest values were observed in the megacolonic zones itself, whereas less pronounced decreases were found in the non-dilated, transitional zones (oral and anal to dilation). In contrast to the myenteric plexus, the submucosal plexus displayed only a moderate neuron loss. Neurons co-immunoreactive for VIP and calretinin survived disproportionately. As a consequence, these neurons may have contributed to maintain the epithelial barrier and allowed the chagasic patients to survive for decades, despite their severe disturbance of colonic motility. Due to its neuroprotective and neuroeffectory functions, VIP may play a key role in the development and duration of chagasic megacolon.
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Jabari S, da Silveira ABM, de Oliveira EC, Quint K, Wirries A, Neuhuber W, Brehmer A. Mucosal layers and related nerve fibres in non-chagasic and chagasic human colon--a quantitative immunohistochemical study. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 358:75-83. [PMID: 24962547 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1934-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chagasic megacolon is accompanied by extensive myenteric and, simultaneously, moderate submucosal neuron loss. Here, we examined changes of the innervation pattern of the lamina propria (LP) and muscularis mucosae (MM). Two alternating sets of cryosections were taken from seven non-chagasic colonic and seven chagasic megacolonic specimens (the latter included both the dilated megacolonic and the non-dilated transitional oral and anal zones) and were immunohistochemically triple-stained for smooth-muscle actin (SMA), synaptophysin (SYN) and glial acid protein S100 and, alternatively, for SMA, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and somatostatin (SOM). Subsequent image analysis and statistical evaluation of nervous tissue profile areas revealed that, in LP, the most extreme differences (i.e. increase in thickness or decrease in nerve, glia and muscle tissue profile area, respectively) compared with control values occurred in the dilated megacolonic zone itself. In contrast, the most extreme differences in the MM were in the anal-to-megacolonic zone (except the profile area of muscle tissue, which was lowest in the megacolonic zone). This parallels our previous results in the external muscle coat. A partial and selective survival of VIP-immunoreactive in contrast to SOM-immunoreactive nerve fibres was observed in both mucosal layers investigated. Thus, VIPergic nerve elements might be crucial for the maintenance of the mucosal barrier. The differential changes of neural tissue parameters in LP and MM might reflect a multifactorial rather than a pure neurogenic development of megacolon in chronic Chagas' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Jabari
- Institute of Anatomy I, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Krankenhausstrasse 9, 91054, Erlangen, Germany,
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