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Iqbal S, Rezaul Karim M, Yang DC, Mathiyalagan R, Chan Kang S. Tuft cells - the immunological interface and role in disease regulation. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110018. [PMID: 36989894 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110018] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Tuft cells, also known as taste chemosensory cells, accumulate during parasite colonization or infection and have powerful immunomodulatory effects on substances that could be detrimental, as well as possible anti-inflammatory or antibacterial effects. Tuft cells are the primary source of interleukin (IL)-25. They trigger extra Innate lymphoid type-2 cells (ILC2) in the intestinal lamina propria to create cytokines (type 2); for instance, IL-13, which leads to an increase in IL-25. As tuft cells can produce biological effector molecules, such as IL-25 and eicosanoids involved in allergy (for example, cysteinyl leukotrienes and prostaglandin D2) and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Following parasite infection, tuft cells require transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 5 (TRPM5)-dependent chemosensation to produce responses. Secretory tuft cells provide a physical mucus barrier against the external environment and therefore have vital defensive roles against diseases by supporting tissue maintenance and repair. In addition to recent research on tuft cells, more studies are required to understand the distribution, cell turnover, molecular characteristics, responses in various species, involvement in immunological function across tissues, and most importantly, the mechanism involved in the control of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safia Iqbal
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea; Department of Microbiology, Varendra Institute of Biosciences, Affiliated by Rajshahi University, Natore, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Rezaul Karim
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea; Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh.
| | - Deok-Chun Yang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea; Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea.
| | - Ramya Mathiyalagan
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea.
| | - Se Chan Kang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea; Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea.
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2
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O'Leary CE, Sbierski-Kind J, Kotas ME, Wagner JC, Liang HE, Schroeder AW, de Tenorio JC, von Moltke J, Ricardo-Gonzalez RR, Eckalbar WL, Molofsky AB, Schneider C, Locksley RM. Bile acid-sensitive tuft cells regulate biliary neutrophil influx. Sci Immunol 2022; 7:eabj1080. [PMID: 35245089 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abj1080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation and dysfunction of the extrahepatic biliary tree are common causes of human pathology, including gallstones and cholangiocarcinoma. Despite this, we know little about the local regulation of biliary inflammation. Tuft cells, rare sensory epithelial cells, are particularly prevalent in the mucosa of the gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts. Here, we show that biliary tuft cells express a core genetic tuft cell program in addition to a tissue-specific gene signature and, in contrast to small intestinal tuft cells, decreased postnatally, coincident with maturation of bile acid production. Manipulation of enterohepatic bile acid recirculation revealed that tuft cell abundance is negatively regulated by bile acids, including in a model of obstructive cholestasis in which inflammatory infiltration of the biliary tree correlated with loss of tuft cells. Unexpectedly, tuft cell-deficient mice spontaneously displayed an increased gallbladder epithelial inflammatory gene signature accompanied by neutrophil infiltration that was modulated by the microbiome. We propose that biliary tuft cells function as bile acid-sensitive negative regulators of inflammation in biliary tissues and serve to limit inflammation under homeostatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E O'Leary
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julia Sbierski-Kind
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maya E Kotas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Johanna C Wagner
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hong-Erh Liang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew W Schroeder
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Jakob von Moltke
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Roberto R Ricardo-Gonzalez
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Walter L Eckalbar
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ari B Molofsky
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Richard M Locksley
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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3
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Cellular and functional heterogeneity of the airway epithelium. Mucosal Immunol 2021; 14:978-990. [PMID: 33608655 PMCID: PMC7893625 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-020-00370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The airway epithelium protects us from environmental insults, which we encounter with every breath. Not only does it passively filter large particles, it also senses potential danger and alerts other cells, including immune and nervous cells. Together, these tissues orchestrate the most appropriate response, balancing the need to eliminate the danger with the risk of damage to the host. Each cell subset within the airway epithelium plays its part, and when impaired, may contribute to the development of respiratory disease. Here we highlight recent advances regarding the cellular and functional heterogeneity along the airway epithelium and discuss how we can use this knowledge to design more effective, targeted therapeutics.
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Zalewska A. Developmental milestones in neonatal and juvenile C57Bl/6 mouse - Indications for the design of juvenile toxicity studies. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 88:91-128. [PMID: 31386883 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing demand for wild type mice and mouse models of disease that may be more representative of human conditions but there is little information on neonatal and juvenile mouse anatomy. This project produces sound and comprehensive histology background data on the developing neonatal mouse at different time points from Day 0 until Day 28. The work describes optimal methods for tissue harvesting, fixation and processing from the neonatal and juvenile mice which can be used in routine toxicology studies. A review of the available literature revealed inconsistencies in the developmental milestones reported in the mouse. Although it is true that the sequence of events during the development is virtually the same in mice and rats, important developmental milestones in the mouse often happen earlier than in the rat, and these species should not be used interchangeably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Zalewska
- Sequani Limited, Bromyard Road, Ledbury, HR8 1LH, Herefordshire, United Kingdom.
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5
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O'Leary CE, Schneider C, Locksley RM. Tuft Cells-Systemically Dispersed Sensory Epithelia Integrating Immune and Neural Circuitry. Annu Rev Immunol 2018; 37:47-72. [PMID: 30379593 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-042718-041505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Tuft cells-rare solitary chemosensory cells in mucosal epithelia-are undergoing intense scientific scrutiny fueled by recent discovery of unsuspected connections to type 2 immunity. These cells constitute a conduit by which ligands from the external space are sensed via taste-like signaling pathways to generate outputs unique among epithelial cells: the cytokine IL-25, eicosanoids associated with allergic immunity, and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The classic type II taste cell transcription factor POU2F3 is lineage defining, suggesting a conceptualization of these cells as widely distributed environmental sensors with effector functions interfacing type 2 immunity and neural circuits. Increasingly refined single-cell analytics have revealed diversity among tuft cells that extends from nasal epithelia and type II taste cells to ex-Aire-expressing medullary thymic cells and small-intestine cells that mediate tissue remodeling in response to colonizing helminths and protists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E O'Leary
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA; , ,
| | - Christoph Schneider
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA; , ,
| | - Richard M Locksley
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA; , , .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA.,University of California, San Francisco, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
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Banerjee A, McKinley ET, von Moltke J, Coffey RJ, Lau KS. Interpreting heterogeneity in intestinal tuft cell structure and function. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:1711-1719. [PMID: 29714721 DOI: 10.1172/jci120330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal tuft cells are a morphologically unique cell type, best characterized by striking microvilli that form an apical tuft. These cells represent approximately 0.5% of gut epithelial cells depending on location. While they are known to express chemosensory receptors, their function has remained unclear. Recently, numerous groups have revealed startling insights into intestinal tuft cell biology. Here, we review the latest developments in understanding this peculiar cell type's structure and function. Recent advances in volumetric microscopy have begun to elucidate tuft cell ultrastructure with respect to its cellular neighbors. Moreover, single-cell approaches have revealed greater diversity in the tuft cell population than previously appreciated and uncovered novel markers to characterize this heterogeneity. Finally, advanced model systems have revealed tuft cells' roles in mucosal healing and orchestrating type 2 immunity against eukaryotic infection. While much remains unknown about intestinal tuft cells, these critical advances have illuminated the physiological importance of these previously understudied cells and provided experimentally tractable tools to interrogate this rare cell population. Tuft cells act as luminal sensors, linking the luminal microbiome to the host immune system, which may make them a potent clinical target for modulating host response to a variety of acute or chronic immune-driven conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Banerjee
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Eliot T McKinley
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jakob von Moltke
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Robert J Coffey
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ken S Lau
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Schütz B, Jurastow I, Bader S, Ringer C, von Engelhardt J, Chubanov V, Gudermann T, Diener M, Kummer W, Krasteva-Christ G, Weihe E. Chemical coding and chemosensory properties of cholinergic brush cells in the mouse gastrointestinal and biliary tract. Front Physiol 2015; 6:87. [PMID: 25852573 PMCID: PMC4371653 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse gastro-intestinal and biliary tract mucosal epithelia harbor choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-positive brush cells with taste cell-like traits. With the aid of two transgenic mouse lines that express green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of the ChAT promoter (EGFP (ChAT) ) and by using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry we found that EGFP (ChAT) cells were clustered in the epithelium lining the gastric groove. EGFP (ChAT) cells were numerous in the gall bladder and bile duct, and found scattered as solitary cells along the small and large intestine. While all EGFP (ChAT) cells were also ChAT-positive, expression of the high-affinity choline transporter (ChT1) was never detected. Except for the proximal colon, EGFP (ChAT) cells also lacked detectable expression of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). EGFP (ChAT) cells were found to be separate from enteroendocrine cells, however they were all immunoreactive for cytokeratin 18 (CK18), transient receptor potential melastatin-like subtype 5 channel (TRPM5), and for cyclooxygenases 1 (COX1) and 2 (COX2). The ex vivo stimulation of colonic EGFP (ChAT) cells with the bitter substance denatonium resulted in a strong increase in intracellular calcium, while in other epithelial cells such an increase was significantly weaker and also timely delayed. Subsequent stimulation with cycloheximide was ineffective in both cell populations. Given their chemical coding and chemosensory properties, EGFP (ChAT) brush cells thus may have integrative functions and participate in induction of protective reflexes and inflammatory events by utilizing ACh and prostaglandins for paracrine signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Schütz
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
| | - Innokentij Jurastow
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - Sandra Bader
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - Cornelia Ringer
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
| | - Jakob von Engelhardt
- Synaptic Signaling and Neurodegeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Bonn, Germany ; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vladimir Chubanov
- Walther-Straub-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther-Straub-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Diener
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kummer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Krasteva-Christ
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany ; Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eberhard Weihe
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
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8
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Gautron L, Rutkowski JM, Burton MD, Wei W, Wan Y, Elmquist JK. Neuronal and nonneuronal cholinergic structures in the mouse gastrointestinal tract and spleen. J Comp Neurol 2013; 521:3741-67. [PMID: 23749724 PMCID: PMC4081472 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence demonstrates that acetylcholine can directly modulate immune function in peripheral tissues including the spleen and gastrointestinal tract. However, the anatomical relationships between the peripheral cholinergic system and immune cells located in these lymphoid tissues remain unclear due to inherent technical difficulties with currently available neuroanatomical methods. In this study, mice with specific expression of the tdTomato fluorescent protein in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-expressing cells were used to label preganglionic and postganglionic cholinergic neurons and their projections to lymphoid tissues. Notably, our anatomical observations revealed an abundant innervation in the intestinal lamina propria of the entire gastrointestinal tract principally originating from cholinergic enteric neurons. The aforementioned innervation frequently approached macrophages, plasma cells, and lymphocytes located in the lamina propria and, to a lesser extent, lymphocytes in the interfollicular areas of Peyer's patches. In addition to the above innervation, we observed labeled epithelial cells in the gallbladder and lower intestines, as well as Microfold cells and T-cells within Peyer's patches. In contrast, we found only a sparse innervation in the spleen consisting of neuronal fibers of spinal origin present around arterioles and in lymphocyte-containing areas of the white pulp. Lastly, a small population of ChAT-expressing lymphocytes was identified in the spleen including both T- and B-cells. In summary, this study describes the variety of cholinergic neuronal and nonneuronal cells in a position to modulate gastrointestinal and splenic immunity in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Gautron
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
| | - Joseph M. Rutkowski
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
| | - Michael D. Burton
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
| | - Yihong Wan
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
| | - Joel K. Elmquist
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
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10
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TRPM5, a taste-signaling transient receptor potential ion-channel, is a ubiquitous signaling component in chemosensory cells. BMC Neurosci 2007; 8:49. [PMID: 17610722 PMCID: PMC1931605 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-8-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2007] [Accepted: 07/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A growing number of TRP channels have been identified as key players in the sensation of smell, temperature, mechanical forces and taste. TRPM5 is known to be abundantly expressed in taste receptor cells where it participates in sweet, amino acid and bitter perception. A role of TRPM5 in other sensory systems, however, has not been studied so far. Results Here, we systematically investigated the expression of TRPM5 in rat and mouse tissues. Apart from taste buds, where we found TRPM5 to be predominantly localized on the basolateral surface of taste receptor cells, TRPM5 immunoreactivity was seen in other chemosensory organs – the main olfactory epithelium and the vomeronasal organ. Most strikingly, we found solitary TRPM5-enriched epithelial cells in all parts of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. Based on their tissue distribution, the low cell density, morphological features and co-immunostaining with different epithelial markers, we identified these cells as brush cells (also known as tuft, fibrillovesicular, multivesicular or caveolated cells). In terms of morphological characteristics, brush cells resemble taste receptor cells, while their origin and biological role are still under intensive debate. Conclusion We consider TRPM5 to be an intrinsic signaling component of mammalian chemosensory organs, and provide evidence for brush cells being an important cellular correlate in the periphery.
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Abstract
Over the past 50 years, hundreds of studies have described those cells that are characterized by a brush of rigid apical microvilli with long rootlets, and which are found in the digestive and respiratory apparatuses. These cells have been given names such as brush cells, tuft cells, fibrillovesicular cells, multivesicular cells and caveolated cells. More recently, it has been realized that all these elements may represent a single cell type, probably with a chemosensory role, even if other functions (e.g. secretory or absorptive) seem to be possible. Very recent developments have permitted a partial definition of the chemical code characterizing these elements, revealing the presence of molecules involved in chemoreceptorial cell signalling. A molecular cascade, similar to those characterizing the gustatory epithelium, seems to be present in these elements. These new data suggest that these elements can be considered solitary chemosensory cells with the presence of the apical 'brush' as an inconsistent feature. They seem to comprise a diffuse chemosensory system that covers large areas (probably the whole digestive and respiratory apparatuses) with analogies to chemosensory systems described in aquatic vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sbarbati
- Department of Morphological-Biomedical Sciences, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Italy.
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12
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Luciano L, Groos S, Reale E. Brush cells of rodent gallbladder and stomach epithelia express neurofilaments. J Histochem Cytochem 2003; 51:187-98. [PMID: 12533527 DOI: 10.1177/002215540305100207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that brush cells (BCs), a distinct type of cell occurring in various epithelia of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, may function as receptor cells. The major characteristics of BCs are a prominent brush border and an unusually highly ordered arrangement of cytoskeletal elements (F-actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments). In this study we aimed to characterize the nature of the intermediate filaments in BCs by light and electron microscopic immunostaining. Gallbladder and stomach specimens from mice and rats, respectively, were fixed in various solutions, embedded either in paraffin or epoxy resin, and processed for immunodetection. Commercially available, well-characterized antibodies against neurofilaments, peripherin, and cytokeratin peptide 18 were used. The polyclonal antiserum cocktail to neurofilaments was applied as a supplement in a double-labeling procedure with anti-actin and anti-cytokeratin 18 antibodies. The results demonstrate that the BCs of both organs express two types of intermediate filaments, i.e., neurofilaments and cytokeratin 18 filaments, and that these have a compartmentalized distribution in the cytoplasm. BCs do not express peripherin. The immunodetection of intermediate filaments distinctive for mature neurons in BCs supports their putative receptor function. The co-expression of neurofilaments and cytokeratins is shown for the first time in healthy tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Luciano
- Department of Cell Biology, Center of Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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13
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Gebhard A, Gebert A. Brush cells of the mouse intestine possess a specialized glycocalyx as revealed by quantitative lectin histochemistry. Further evidence for a sensory function. J Histochem Cytochem 1999; 47:799-808. [PMID: 10330456 DOI: 10.1177/002215549904700609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brush cells occur in the epithelium of the small intestine and in various other epithelia of endodermal origin. Ultrastructural and histochemical characteristics suggest that they represent sensory cells. Because the apical membrane of brush cells might be involved in and specialized for (chemo-)receptive functions, we investigated the composition of the glycocalyx and compared it with that of enterocytes. Ultrathin sections of murine small intestine were labeled with a panel of eight lectins. Their binding sites in the brush border and on vesicles of the apical cytoplasm were detected by colloidal gold and quantified using image analysis. The glycocalyx of brush cells contained significantly higher amounts of l-fucose residues than that of enterocytes, as detected by the lectins UEA-I and LTA. In contrast, most of the other lectins bound more avidly to the glycocalyx of enterocytes. The cytoplasmic vesicles closely resembled the apical membrane in their labeling pattern. Quantitation of the brush cells' distribution revealed that the epithelia of the Peyer's patches contained 10-fold higher numbers of brush cells than the small intestinal mucosa distant from lymphoid tissue. We conclude that brush cells possess a glycocalyx with a specialized composition and differ significantly from enterocytes. Because similar peculiarities of the apical membrane have previously been described for sensory cells of the olfactory and gustatory organs, this study provides further evidence in favor of a sensory function of brush cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gebhard
- Center of Anatomy, Medical School of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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14
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Abstract
This paper serves to introduce a topical section of fifteen invited original research contributions dealing with normal and pathological development of the human biliary tract. This section also includes comparative anatomy of the gallbladder and the cystic duct as well as, the formation of gallstone. This series of reports have used advanced microscopic and ancillary techniques to study adaptative changes in gallbladder epithelial cell changes regarding permeability, renewal, mucous secretion as well as cholesterol uptake and nucleation. Several contributions deal with the blood and lymphatic drainage of the gallbladder. The gallbladder contractility is clarified by recent findings about its innervation, elegantly demonstrated and supported by complementary immunohistochemical and neurophysiological techniques. In vivo models for production of cholelithiasis in the ground squirrel and the Syrian hamster are introduced. Recent in vitro cellular and molecular models have substantially increased the understanding of biliary tract calculi formation. Finally, a survey and new data about progesterone gene regulation of both cholesterol metabolism and gallstone formation obtained in the Syrian hamster model are compared with cholelithogenesis in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Gilloteaux
- Summa Health System Foundation, Akron, Ohio 44304, USA
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15
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Oldham-Ott CK, Gilloteaux J. Comparative morphology of the gallbladder and biliary tract in vertebrates: variation in structure, homology in function and gallstones. Microsc Res Tech 1997; 38:571-97. [PMID: 9330347 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0029(19970915)38:6<571::aid-jemt3>3.0.co;2-i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A review of investigations on the morphology of the gallbladder and biliary tract in fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals was performed. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and light microscopy observations by the authors were also included. Variations in the presence or absence of a gallbladder, surface epithelium of the gallbladder, and differences in the morphology of the biliary tract in vertebrates were reported. Many differences were diet-related. Despite some dissimilarities observed, analogous functioning of the biliary system was accomplished by its various components, with the biliary ducts performing the function of the gallbladder when this organ was absent. In addition, the occurrence of peculiar parasitism and gallstones among some cases of vertebrates, including humans, was presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Oldham-Ott
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Ohio 44242, USA
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