1
|
Ferreira A, Chambel SS, Avelino A, Cruz CD. Spinal Cord Injury Causes Marked Tissue Rearrangement in the Urethra-Experimental Study in the Rat. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23. [PMID: 36555592 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in the time-dependent development of urinary impairment due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and detrusor-sphincter-dyssynergia (DSD). This is known to be accompanied by massive changes in the bladder wall. It is presently less clear if the urethra wall also undergoes remodelling. To investigate this issue, female rats were submitted to complete spinal transection at the T8/T9 level and left to recover for 1 week and 4 weeks. To confirm the presence of SCI-induced NDO, bladder function was assessed by cystometry under urethane anesthesia before euthanasia. Spinal intact animals were used as controls. Urethras were collected and processed for further analysis. Following thoracic SCI, time-dependent changes in the urethra wall were observed. Histological assessment revealed marked urethral epithelium reorganization in response to SCI, as evidenced by an increase in epithelial thickness. At the muscular layer, SCI resulted in strong atrophy of the smooth muscle present in the urethral sphincter. Innervation was also affected, as evidenced by a pronounced decrease in the expression of markers of general innervation, particularly those present in sensory and sympathetic nerve fibres. The present data show an evident impact of SCI on the urethra, with significant histological rearrangement, accompanied by sensory and sympathetic denervation. It is likely that these changes will affect urethral function and contribute to SCI-induced urinary dysfunction, and they deserve further investigation.
Collapse
|
2
|
Kruepunga N, Hikspoors JPJM, Hülsman CJM, Mommen GMC, Köhler SE, Lamers WH. Development of the sympathetic trunks in human embryos. J Anat 2021; 239:32-45. [PMID: 33641166 PMCID: PMC8197954 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the development of the sympathetic trunks was first described >100 years ago, the topographic aspect of their development has received relatively little attention. We visualised the sympathetic trunks in human embryos of 4.5–10 weeks post‐fertilisation, using Amira 3D‐reconstruction and Cinema 4D‐remodelling software. Scattered, intensely staining neural crest‐derived ganglionic cells that soon formed longitudinal columns were first seen laterally to the dorsal aorta in the cervical and upper thoracic regions of Carnegie stage (CS)14 embryos. Nerve fibres extending from the communicating branches with the spinal cord reached the trunks at CS15‐16 and became incorporated randomly between ganglionic cells. After CS18, ganglionic cells became organised as irregular agglomerates (ganglia) on a craniocaudally continuous cord of nerve fibres, with dorsally more ganglionic cells and ventrally more fibres. Accordingly, the trunks assumed a “pearls‐on‐a‐string” appearance, but size and distribution of the pearls were markedly heterogeneous. The change in position of the sympathetic trunks from lateral (para‐aortic) to dorsolateral (prevertebral or paravertebral) is a criterion to distinguish the “primary” and “secondary” sympathetic trunks. We investigated the position of the trunks at vertebral levels T2, T7, L1 and S1. During CS14, the trunks occupied a para‐aortic position, which changed into a prevertebral position in the cervical and upper thoracic regions during CS15, and in the lower thoracic and lumbar regions during CS18 and CS20, respectively. The thoracic sympathetic trunks continued to move further dorsally and attained a paravertebral position at CS23. The sacral trunks retained their para‐aortic and prevertebral position, and converged into a single column in front of the coccyx. Based on our present and earlier morphometric measurements and literature data, we argue that differential growth accounts for the regional differences in position of the sympathetic trunks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nutmethee Kruepunga
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jill P J M Hikspoors
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Cindy J M Hülsman
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Greet M C Mommen
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - S Eleonore Köhler
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter H Lamers
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bulc M, Lewczuk B. Innervation of the pineal gland in the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) by nerve fibres immunoreactive to substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Folia Morphol (Warsz) 2019; 78:695-702. [PMID: 30835341 DOI: 10.5603/fm.a2019.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study demonstrates, for the first time, the presence of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the nerve fibres supplying the pineal gland in the Arctic fox. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression and distribution pattern of the studied substances were examined by double-labelling immunofluorescence technique. RESULTS The SP-positive fibres enter into the pineal gland through the capsule as the nervi conarii. The fibres formed thick bundles in the capsule and connective tissue septa, from where they penetrated into the pineal parenchyma. Inside the parenchyma, the nerve fibres created basket-like structures surrounding clusters of pinealocytes. The density of intrapineal SP positive fibres was slightly higher in the distal and middle parts of the gland than in the proximal one. Double immunostaining with antibodies against SP and CGRP revealed that the vast majority of SP positive fibres were also CGRP positive. The fibres showing a positive reaction to SP and negative to CGRP were scattered within the whole gland. The fibres immunopositive to CGRP and immunonegative to SP were not observed. In the habenular and posterior commissural areas adjoining to the pineal gland the immunoreactive nerve fibres were not found. Moreover, no immunopositive cell bodies were observed in both the pineal gland and the commissural areas. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal that SP and CGRP are involved in the innervation of pineal gland in carnivores. In turn we suggest that these peptides can regulate/modulate melatonin secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Bulc
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - B Lewczuk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yousif N, Vaizey CJ, Maeda Y. Mapping the current flow in sacral nerve stimulation using computational modelling. Healthc Technol Lett 2019; 6:8-12. [PMID: 30881693 PMCID: PMC6407445 DOI: 10.1049/htl.2018.5030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an established treatment for faecal incontinence involving the implantation of a quadripolar electrode into a sacral foramen, through which an electrical stimulus is applied. Little is known about the induced spread of electric current around the SNS electrode and its effect on adjacent tissues, which limits optimisation of this treatment. The authors constructed a 3-dimensional imaging based finite element model in order to calculate and visualise the stimulation induced current and coupled this to biophysical models of nerve fibres. They investigated the impact of tissue inhomogeneity, electrode model choice and contact configuration and found a number of effects. (i) The presence of anatomical detail changes the estimate of stimulation effects in size and shape. (ii) The difference between the two models of electrodes is minimal for electrode contacts of the same length. (iii) Surprisingly, in this arrangement of electrode and neural fibre, monopolar and bipolar stimulation induce a similar effect. (iv) Interestingly when the active contact is larger, the volume of tissue activated reduces. This work establishes a protocol to better understand both therapeutic and adverse stimulation effects and in the future will enable patient-specific adjustments of stimulation parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nada Yousif
- School of Engineering and Technology, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | | | - Yasuko Maeda
- Sir Alan Parks Physiology Unit, St Mark's Hospital, London, HA1 3UJ, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thoene M, Rytel L, Dzika E, Gonkowski I, Włodarczyk A, Wojtkiewicz J. Immunohistochemical characteristics of porcine intrahepatic nerves under physiological conditions and after bisphenol A administration. Folia Morphol (Warsz) 2018; 77:620-628. [PMID: 29569701 DOI: 10.5603/fm.a2018.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurochemistry of hepatic nerve fibres was investigated in large animal models after dietary exposure to the endocrine disrupting compound known as bisphenol A (BPA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Antibodies against neuronal peptides were used to study changes in hepatic nerve fibres after exposure to BPA at varying concentrations using standard immunofluorescence techniques. The neuropeptides investigated were substance P (SP), galanin (GAL), pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP), calcitonin gene regulated peptide (CGRP) and cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART). Immunoreactive nerve fibres were counted in multiple sections of the liver and among multiple animals at varying exposure levels. The data was pooled and presented as mean ± standard error of the mean. RESULTS It was found that all of the nerve fibres investigated showed upregulation of these neural markers after BPA exposure, even at exposure levels currently considered to be safe. These results show very dramatic increases in nerve fibres containing the above-mentioned neuropeptides and the altered neurochemical levels may be causing a range of pathophysiological states if the trend of over-expression is extrapolated to developing humans. CONCLUSIONS This may have serious implications for children and young adults who are exposed to this very common plastic polymer, if the same trends are occurring in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Thoene
- University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Warszawska 30, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yamada Y, Ueda Y, Nakamura A, Kanayama S, Tamura R, Hashimoto K, Kido H, Matsumoto T, Ishii R. Biphasic increase in scratching behaviour induced by topical application of Dermatophagoides farinae extract in NC/Nga mice. Exp Dermatol 2016; 25:611-7. [PMID: 26990308 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease accompanied by severe itching and eczematous lesion. In this study, we applied an ointment containing Dermatophagoides farinae body (Dfb) extract repeatedly on the dorsal skin of NC/Nga mice with barrier disruption to investigate the characteristics of this murine model of human AD. Following repeated topical application of Dfb ointment twice weekly for 2 weeks, the dermatitis score increased gradually, accompanied by an elevation of total immunoglobulin E level in plasma. Topical application of Dfb ointment also caused epidermal hyperplasia and accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lesional skin and increased expression of T-helper (Th) 1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in axillary lymph node cells. Furthermore, increased sprouting of intraepidermal nerve fibres was observed with an increase in the content of nerve growth factor and decrease in that of semaphorin 3A in the lesional skin. These findings suggest that the characteristics in this model were similar to those observed in patients with AD. Interestingly, it was observed for the first time that scratching behaviour increased in a biphasic fashion by topical application of Dfb ointment in addition to an increase in spontaneous scratching behaviour in this model. It is also suggested that further clarifying the underlying mechanisms of scratching behaviour in this model leads not only to elucidating the pathogenesis of AD but also to discovering novel therapeutic drugs for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihito Yamada
- Drug Development Research Laboratories, Kyoto R&D Center, Maruho Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuhki Ueda
- Drug Development Research Laboratories, Kyoto R&D Center, Maruho Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan
| | - Aki Nakamura
- Drug Development Research Laboratories, Kyoto R&D Center, Maruho Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shoji Kanayama
- Drug Development Research Laboratories, Kyoto R&D Center, Maruho Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan
| | - Rie Tamura
- Drug Development Research Laboratories, Kyoto R&D Center, Maruho Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kei Hashimoto
- Drug Development Research Laboratories, Kyoto R&D Center, Maruho Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroko Kido
- Drug Development Research Laboratories, Kyoto R&D Center, Maruho Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsumi Matsumoto
- Drug Development Research Laboratories, Kyoto R&D Center, Maruho Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ritsuko Ishii
- Strategic Research Planning & Management Department, Kyoto R&D Center, Maruho Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ellett L, Readman E, Newman M, McIlwaine K, Villegas R, Jagasia N, Maher P. Are endometrial nerve fibres unique to endometriosis? A prospective case-control study of endometrial biopsy as a diagnostic test for endometriosis in women with pelvic pain. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2808-15. [PMID: 26472151 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can the presence of endometrial nerve fibres be used as a diagnostic test for endometriosis in women with pelvic pain? SUMMARY ANSWER Endometrial fine nerve fibres were seen in the endometrium of women both with and without endometriosis, making their detection a poor diagnostic tool for endometriosis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Laparoscopy and biopsy are currently the gold standard for making a diagnosis of endometriosis. It has been reported that small density nerve fibres in the functional layer of the endometrium are unique to women with endometriosis and hence nerve fibre detection could function as a less invasive diagnostic test of endometriosis. However, it may be that other painful conditions of the pelvis are also associated with these nerve fibres. We therefore focused this prospective study on women with pelvic pain to examine the efficacy of endometrial nerve fibre detection as a diagnostic test for endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This prospective case-control study conducted between July 2009 and July 2013 included 44 women with pelvic pain undergoing laparoscopic examination for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Immunohistochemical nerve fibre detection in endometrial curettings and biopsies using anti-protein gene product 9.5 was compared with surgical diagnosis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Paired endometrial biopsies and curettings were taken from patients with (n = 22, study group) and without (n = 22, control group) endometriosis. Tissue was analysed by immunohistochemistry and nerve fibres were counted whenever they were present in the functional layer of the endometrium. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Fine nerve fibres were present in the eutopic endometrium of patients both with and without endometriosis. The presence of nerve fibres in curettings was not effective for either diagnosing or excluding endometriosis; sensitivity and specificity were 31.8 and 45.5% respectively, positive predictive value was 36.8% and negative predictive value was 40.0%. Few endometrial biopsy specimens were found to have nerve fibres present; sensitivity and specificity for endometrial biopsy were 13.6 and 68.2% respectively, positive predictive value was 30.0% and negative predictive value was 44.1%. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was a relatively small sample size and studies like this are subject to the heterogeneous nature of the patient population and tissue samples, despite our best efforts to regulate these parameters. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results demonstrate that fine nerve fibres are present in women with and without endometriosis. Future work should focus on the function of endometrial nerves and whether these nerves are involved with the subfertility or pain that endometriosis sufferers experience. Our study does not support the detection of endometrial nerve fibres as a non-invasive diagnostic test of endometriosis in women with pelvic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lenore Ellett
- Department of Endosurgery, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma Readman
- Department of Endosurgery, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marsali Newman
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate McIlwaine
- Department of Endosurgery, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rocio Villegas
- Department of Endosurgery, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nisha Jagasia
- Department of Endosurgery, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Maher
- Department of Endosurgery, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain remains the cardinal symptom of endometriosis. However, to date, the underlying mechanisms are still only poorly understood. Increasing evidence points towards a close interaction between peripheral nerves, the peritoneal environment and the central nervous system in pain generation and processing. Recently, studies demonstrating nerve fibres and neurotrophic and angiogenic factors in endometriotic lesions and their vicinity have led to increased interest in peripheral changes in endometriosis-associated pain. This review focuses on the origin and function of these nerves and factors as well as possible peripheral mechanisms that may contribute to the generation and modulation of pain in women with endometriosis. METHODS We conducted a systematic search using several databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL) of publications from January 1977 to October 2013 to evaluate the possible roles of the peripheral nervous system in endometriosis pathophysiology and how it can contribute to endometriosis-associated pain. RESULTS Endometriotic lesions and peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis had pronounced neuroangiogenic properties with increased expression of new nerve fibres, a shift in the distribution of sensory and autonomic fibres in some locations, and up-regulation of several neurotrophins. In women suffering from deep infiltrating endometriosis and bowel endometriosis, in which the anatomical distribution of lesions is generally more closely related to pelvic pain symptoms, endometriotic lesions and surrounding tissues present higher nerve fibre densities compared with peritoneal lesions and endometriomas. More data are needed to fully confirm a direct correlation between fibre density in these locations and the amount of perceived pain. A better correlation between the presence of nerve fibres and pain symptoms seems to exist for eutopic endometrium. However, this appears not to be exclusive to endometriosis. No correlation between elevated neurotrophin levels and pain severity appears to exist, suggesting the involvement of other mediators in the modulation of pain. CONCLUSIONS The increased expression of neurotrophic factors and nerve fibres in endometriotic lesions, eutopic endometrium and the peritoneum imply a role of such peripheral changes in the pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated pain. However, a clear link between these findings and pain in patients with endometriosis has so far not been demonstrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Morotti
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Genoa, Genoa 16100, Italy
| | - Katy Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jennifer Brawn
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Krina T Zondervan
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Christian M Becker
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wand S, Weissman A, Sagiv R, Schreiber L, Boaz M, Horowitz E, Ravhon A, Seadia S, Barkat J, Golan A, Lavran D. Endometrial nerve fibre density in patients undergoing IVF: a pilot study. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 28:761-5. [PMID: 24745833 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Revised: 12/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The presence of nerve fibres in the functional layer of the endometrium has been strongly associated with endometriosis. Presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium of women undergoing IVF has not been previously assessed. This prospective pilot study assessed the presence of nerve fibres in endometrium of women undergoing IVF due to various causes and examined the correlation between the presence of nerve fibres and IVF success. A total of 32 IVF patients underwent endometrial biopsy during days 21-23 of the menstrual cycle. Nerve fibres were identified by immunohistochemical staining. Correlations between the presence and density of nerve fibres and aetiology of infertility and IVF success were measured. Nerve fibres were identified in the endometrium of 10/31 (32.3%) women with a satisfactory biopsy. Presence of nerve fibres was not correlated with cause of infertility. Clinical pregnancy was achieved in 12/32 (37.5%) patients, without correlation to presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium. Nerve fibres were identified in a substantial percentage of women undergoing IVF, possibly reflecting underdiagnosis of endometriosis in this population. The presence of nerve fibres does not appear to interfere with implantation. The significance of nerve fibres in the endometrium of IVF patients warrants further research. The presence of nerve fibres in the functional layer of the endometrium has been strongly associated with endometriosis. The presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium of women undergoing IVF has not been previously assessed. Our aim was to assess the presence of nerve fibres in endometrium of women with various causes of infertility undergoing IVF and to examine the association between the presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium and IVF success. In a prospective study, 32 IVF patients underwent endometrial biopsy during days 21-23 of the menstrual cycle. Nerve fibres were identified by immunohistochemical staining. Associations between the presence and density of nerve fibres and the aetiology of infertility and IVF success were measured. Nerve fibres were identified in the endometrium of 10/31 (32.3%) women with a satisfactory biopsy. No association was found between the presence of nerve fibres and the cause of infertility. Clinical pregnancy was achieved in 12/32 (37.5%) patients, without association with the presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium. Nerve fibres can be identified in a substantial percentage of women undergoing IVF, possibly reflecting underdiagnosis of endometriosis in this population. Their presence does not interfere with embryo implantation. The significance of nerve fibres in the endometrium of IVF patients warrants further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna Wand
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Weissman
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Ron Sagiv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Letizia Schreiber
- Department of Pathology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mona Boaz
- Epidemiology and Research Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Horowitz
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir Ravhon
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sarit Seadia
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jonathan Barkat
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Abraham Golan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - David Lavran
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Regarding the existence and the role of intra-epidermal nerve fibres, the literature is ambiguous. However, performing a literature search, a landmark paper turned up that even many dermatologists seem to have forgotten, or may not even know at all. This paper is entitled 'The innervation of human epidermis' written by Arthur and Shelley (J Invest Dermatol, 32, 1959, 397). The full text is available via http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v32/n3/pdf/jid195969a.pdf. The authors present data on intra-epidermal nerves at 16 representative body areas. The existence of intra-epidermal nerve fibres is undisputable and does not only explain clinical symptoms but may even provide a promising target for drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Abels
- Dr. August Wolff GmbH & Co. KG Arzneimittel, Bielefeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Le C, Karnezis T, Achen MG, Stacker S, Sloan E. Lymphovascular and neural regulation of metastasis: shared tumour signalling pathways and novel therapeutic approaches. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol 2013; 27:409-25. [PMID: 24267548 PMCID: PMC4007214 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpa.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The progression of cancer is supported by a wide variety of non-neoplastic cell types which make up the tumour stroma, including immune cells, endothelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and nerve fibres. These host cells contribute molecular signals that enhance primary tumour growth and provide physical avenues for metastatic dissemination. This article provides an overview of the role of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerve fibres in the tumour microenvironment and highlights the interconnected molecular signalling pathways that control their development and activation in cancer. Further, this article highlights the known pharmacological agents which target these pathways and discusses the potential therapeutic uses of drugs that target angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and stress-response pathways in the different stages of cancer care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C.P. Le
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - T. Karnezis
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - M. G. Achen
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - S.A. Stacker
- Tumour Angiogenesis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - E.K. Sloan
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Cancer Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
- Cousins Center for PNI, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA AIDS Institute and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| |
Collapse
|