Somatostatin inhibits intestinal mucosal mast cell degranulation in normal conditions and during mast cell hyperplasia

"Every cell is an immune cell; contributions of non-hematopoietic cells to anti-helminth immunity"

Helminths are remarkably successful parasites that can invade various mammalian hosts and establish chronic infections that can go unnoticed for years despite causing severe tissue damage. To complete their life cycles, helminths migrate through multiple barrier sites that are densely populated by a complex array of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. While it is clear that type 2 cytokine responses elicited by immune cells promote worm clearance and tissue healing, the actions of non-hematopoietic cells are increasingly recognized as initiators, effectors and regulators of anti-helminth immunity. This review will highlight the collective actions of specialized epithelial cells, stromal niches, stem, muscle and neuroendocrine cells as well as peripheral neurons in the detection and elimination of helminths at mucosal sites. Studies dissecting the interactions between immune and non-hematopoietic cells will truly provide a better understanding of the mechanisms that ensure homeostasis in the context of helminth infections.

Neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and their receptors interact with immune response in healthy and psoriatic skin

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a multifactorial origin that affects the skin. It is characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation, which results in erythemato-squamous plaques. Just as the immune system plays a fundamental role in psoriasis physiopathology, the nervous system maintains the inflammatory process through the neuropeptides and neurotransmitters synthesis, as histamine, serotonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, nerve growth factor, vasoactive intestinal peptide, substance P, adenosine, glucagon-like peptide, somatostatin and pituitary adenylate cyclase polypeptide. In patients with psoriasis, the systemic or in situ expression of these chemical mediators and their receptors are altered, which affects the clinical activity of patients due to its link to the immune system, provoking neurogenic inflammation. It is important to establish the role of the nervous system since it could represent a therapeutic alternative for psoriasis patients. The aim of this review is to offer a detailed review of the current literature about the neuropeptides and neurotransmitters involved in the physiopathology of psoriasis.

Immunoregulatory Effects of Neuropeptides on Endothelial Cells: Relevance to Dermatological Disorders

Many skin diseases, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, have a neurogenic component. In this regard, bidirectional interactions between components of the nervous system and multiple target cells in the skin and elsewhere have been receiving increasing attention. Neuropeptides released by sensory nerves that innervate the skin can directly modulate functions of keratinocytes, Langerhans cells, dermal dendritic cells, mast cells, dermal microvascular endothelial cells and infiltrating immune cells. As a result, neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptors participate in a complex, interdependent network of mediators that modulate the skin immune system, skin inflammation, and wound healing. In this review, we will focus on recent studies demonstrating the roles of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P, somatostatin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide, and nerve growth factor in modulating inflammation and immunity in the skin through their effects on dermal microvascular endothelial cells.

Enteroendocrine cells-sensory sentinels of the intestinal environment and orchestrators of mucosal immunity

The intestinal epithelium must balance efficient absorption of nutrients with partitioning commensals and pathogens from the bodies' largest immune system. If this crucial barrier fails, inappropriate immune responses can result in inflammatory bowel disease or chronic infection. Enteroendocrine cells represent 1% of this epithelium and have classically been studied for their detection of nutrients and release of peptide hormones to mediate digestion. Intriguingly, enteroendocrine cells are the key sensors of microbial metabolites, can release cytokines in response to pathogen associated molecules and peptide hormone receptors are expressed on numerous intestinal immune cells; thus enteroendocrine cells are uniquely equipped to be crucial and novel orchestrators of intestinal inflammation. In this review, we introduce enteroendocrine chemosensory roles, summarize studies correlating enteroendocrine perturbations with intestinal inflammation and describe the mechanistic interactions by which enteroendocrine and mucosal immune cells interact during disease; highlighting this immunoendocrine axis as a key aspect of innate immunity.

Selective agonists of somatostatin receptor subtype 1 or 2 injected peripherally induce antihyperalgesic effect in two models of visceral hypersensitivity in mice

Somatostatin interacts with five G-protein-coupled receptor (sst1-5). Octreotide, a stable sst2≫3≥5 agonist, exerts a visceral anti-hyperalgesic effect in experimental and clinical studies. Little is known on the receptor subtypes involved. We investigated the influence of the stable sst1-5 agonist, ODT8-SST and selective receptor subtype peptide agonists (3 or 10μg/mouse) injected intraperitoneally (ip) on visceral hypersensitivity in mice induced by repeated noxious colorectal distensions (four sets of three CRD, each at 55mmHg) or corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 agonist, cortagine given between two sets of graded CRD (15, 30, 45, and 60mmHg, three times each pressure). The mean visceromotor response (VMR) was assessed using a non-invasive manometry method and values were expressed as percentage of the VMR to the 1st set of CRD baseline or to the 60mmHg CRD, respectively. ODT8-SST (10μg) and the sst2 agonist, S-346-011 (3 and 10μg) prevented mechanically induced visceral hypersensitivity in the three sets of CRD, the sst1 agonist (10μg) blocked only the 2nd set and showed a trend at 3μg while the sst4 agonist had no effect. The selective sst2 antagonist, S-406-028 blocked the sst2 agonist but not the sst1 agonist effect. The sst1 agonist (3 and 10μg) prevented cortagine-induced hypersensitivity to CRD at each pressure while the sst2 agonist at 10μg reduced it. These data indicate that in addition to sst2, the sst1 agonist may provide a novel promising target to alleviate visceral hypersensitivity induced by mechanoreceptor sensitization and more prominently, stress-related visceral nociceptive sensitization.

Somatostatin inhibits the production of interferon-γ by intestinal epithelial cells during intestinal ischemia-reperfusion in macaques

BACKGROUND

Our previous study found that somatostatin (SST) inhibited the intestinal inflammatory injury in a macaque model of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IIR); however, the underlying mechanism was unclear.

AIMS

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of SST on IFN-γ and the systemic inflammatory response after IIR.

METHODS

Fifteen macaques were randomly divided into controls, IIR and SST+ IIR groups. ELISA was performed to measure IFN-γ in ileum tissues, ileac epithelial cells (IECs) and ileal lymphocytes, as well as the systemic levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ in the peripheral circulation and the portal vein. HE staining was performed to evaluate morphological changes in vital organs. Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify the distribution of IFN-γ, CD4, CD8 and CD57 in the ileum.

RESULTS

After IIR, IFN-γ level was significantly increased in the IECs. IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly increased in both the portal vein and the peripheral circulation; in contrast, IFN-γ level was increased in the portal vein alone. Prophylactic SST reversed the change in IFN-γ in the IECs and portal vein. SST led to an alleviation of the pathological changes in systemic vital organs. The distribution of CD4(+), CD57(+) and CD8(+) cells was not positively correlated with the secretion of IFN-γ.

CONCLUSION

IECs are the main source of IFN-γ production after IIR. SST may indirectly lead to mast cell deactivation through the inhibition of IFN-γ production by IECs. Pretreatment with SST may be beneficial for preventing a massive systemic inflammatory response in vital organs after IIR.

Effects of octreotide on jejunal hypersensitivity triggered by Cryptosporidium parvum intestinal infection in an immunocompetent suckling rat model

BACKGROUND

Similar to other bacterial or protozoan infections, human cryptosporidiosis may trigger postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms, a condition in which enhanced visceral perception of pain during intestinal distension plays a pivotal role. In an immunocompetent suckling rat model which mimicks features of postinfectious IBS, Cryptosporidium parvum infection induces long-lasting jejunal hypersensitivity to distension in association with intestinal activated mast cell accumulation. The aim of the present study was to explore in this model whether octreotide, a somatostatin agonist analog, could prevent the development of jejunal hypersensitivity and intestinal mast cell/nerve fiber accumulation.

METHODS

Five-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were infected with C. parvum and treated 10 days later with octreotide (50 g kg(-1) day(-1), i.p.) for 7 days.

KEY RESULTS

Compared with untreated infected rats, octreotide treatment of infected rats resulted in increased weight gain [day 23 postinfection (PI)], decreased food intake (day 16 PI), and a reduction in jejunal villus alterations (day 14 PI), CD3(+) IEL (day 37 PI) and mast cell (days 37 and 50 PI) accumulations, nerve fiber densities (day 50 PI), and hypersensitivity to distension (day 120 PI). In uninfected rats, the effects of octreotide treatment were limited to higher weight gain (days 16 and 23 PI) and decreased food intake (day 23 PI) compared with uninfected-untreated rats.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Data confirms the relevance of the present rat model to postinfectious IBS studies and prompt further investigation of somatostatin-dependent regulatory interactions in cryptosporidiosis.

Potential targets for intervention in radiation-induced heart disease

Radiotherapy of thoracic and chest wall tumors, if all or part of the heart was included in the radiation field, can lead to radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD), a late and potentially severe side effect. RIHD presents clinically several years after irradiation and manifestations include accelerated atherosclerosis, pericardial and myocardial fibrosis, conduction abnormalities, and injury to cardiac valves. The pathogenesis of RIHD is largely unknown, and a treatment is not available. Hence, ongoing pre-clinical studies aim to elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms of RIHD. Here, an overview of recent pre-clinical studies is given, and based on the results of these studies, potential targets for intervention in RIHD are discussed.

Preclinical research into basic mechanisms of radiation-induced heart disease

Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a potentially severe side effect of radiotherapy of thoracic and chest wall tumors if all or part of the heart was included in the radiation field. RIHD presents clinically several years after irradiation and manifestations include accelerated atherosclerosis, pericardial and myocardial fibrosis, conduction abnormalities, and injury to cardiac valves. There is no method to prevent or reverse these injuries when the heart is exposed to ionizing radiation. This paper presents an overview of recent studies that address the role of microvascular injury, endothelial dysfunction, mast cells, and the renin angiotensin system in animal models of cardiac radiation injury. These insights into the basic mechanisms of RIHD may lead to the identification of targets for intervention in this late radiotherapy side effect.

Somatostatin modulates mast cell-induced responses in murine spinal neurons and satellite cells

The course of intestinal inflammatory responses is tightly coordinated by the extensive communication between the immune system and the enteric nervous system, among which the bidirectional mast cell-neuron interaction within the intestinal wall plays a prominent role. Recent research suggests that somatostatin (SOM) is able to inhibit this self-reinforcing network by simultaneously suppressing the inflammatory activities of both neurons and mast cells. Therefore, we assessed the modulatory effects of SOM on both the short-term and long-term effects induced by the main mast cell mediators histamine (HIS) and 5-HT on spinal sensory neurons. Short-term incubation of dorsal root ganglion cultures with HIS and 5-HT induced neuronal CGRP-release and calcium-mediated activation of both neurons and nonneuronal cells, both of which effects were significantly reduced by SOM. In addition, SOM was also able to suppress the increased neuronal expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory peptides induced by long-term exposure to HIS and 5-HT. Immunocytochemical and molecular-biological experiments revealed the possible involvement of somatostatin receptor 1 (SSTR1) and SSTR2A in these profound SOM-dependent effects. These data, combined with the increased expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory peptides and several SSTRs in murine dorsal root ganglia following intestinal inflammation, reveal that intestinal inflammation not only induces the onset of proinflammatory cascades but simultaneously triggers endogenous systems destined to prevent excessive tissue damage. Moreover, these data provide for the first time functional evidence that SOM is able to directly modulate intestinal inflammatory responses by interference with the coordinating mast cell-neuron communication.

The role(s) of somatostatin, structurally related peptides and somatostatin receptors in the gastrointestinal tract: a review

Extensive functional and morphological research has demonstrated the pivotal role of somatostatin (SOM) in the regulation of a wide variety of gastrointestinal activities. In addition to its profound inhibitory effects on gastrointestinal motility and exocrine and endocrine secretion processes along the entire gastrointestinal tract, SOM modulates several organ-specific activities. In contrast to these well-known SOM-dependent effects, knowledge on the SOM receptors (SSTR) involved in these effects is much less conclusive. Experimental data on the identities of the SSTRs, although species- and tissue-dependent, point towards the involvement of multiple receptor subtypes in the vast majority of gastrointestinal SOM-mediated effects. Recent evidence demonstrating the role of SOM in intestinal pathologies has extended the interest of gastrointestinal research in this peptide even further. More specifically, SOM is supposed to suppress intestinal inflammatory responses by interfering with the extensive bidirectional communication between mucosal mast cells and neurons. This way, SOM not only acts as a powerful inhibitor of the inflammatory cascade at the site of inflammation, but exerts a profound antinociceptive effect through the modulation of extrinsic afferent nerve fibres. The combination of these physiological and pathological activities opens up new opportunities to explore the potential of stable SOM analogues in the treatment of GI inflammatory pathologies.

Effect of intestinal inflammation on the cell-specific expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes in the murine ileum

Despite our knowledge of somatostatin (SOM) in gastrointestinal functions, little information is available on the SOM receptors (SSTRs) mediating these effects. This study focussed on the expression of SSTRs in non-inflamed and Schistosoma mansoni-infected murine ileum using immunocytochemistry, reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR and quantitative real time RT-PCR (qPCR). In the non-inflamed ileum, SSTRs showed a widespread, cell-type specific expression pattern. For instance, SSTR2A immunoreactivity was detected in a minor population of submucous but not myenteric glial cells. In the inflamed ileum, significant changes in the expression pattern of SSTRs occurred, with SSTR1 and SSTR3 expression on mucosal mast cells (MMCs) and mucosal nerve fibres. SSTR4-immunoreactive nerve fibres were detected in granulomas and the lamina propria. qPCR experiments indicated significantly increased mRNA levels for SOM, SSTR1 and SSTR3 in inflamed ileum. This study reveals that SSTRs are expressed in specific cell types in murine ileum. Expression of SSTR1 and SSTR3 on MMCs and increased density of SOM-expressing nerve fibres in the lamina propria during inflammation, support the hypothesis that SOM is implicated in the physiological control of MMCs during intestinal inflammation. Evidence is provided that in mouse mainly SSTR1, SSTR3 and SSTR4 are involved in the somatostatinergic inflammatory effects during intestinal schistosomiasis.

The bidirectional communication between neurons and mast cells within the gastrointestinal tract

Normal or disordered behaviour of the gastrointestinal tract is determined by a complex interplay between the epithelial barrier, immune cells, blood vessels, smooth muscle and intramurally located nerve elements. Mucosal mast cells (MMCs), which are able to detect noxious and antigenic threats and to generate or amplify signals to the other cells, are assigned a rather central position in this complex network. Signal input from MMCs to intrinsic enteric neurons is particularly crucial, because the enteric nervous system fulfils a pivotal role in the control of gastrointestinal functions. Activated enteric neurons are able to generate an alarm program involving alterations in motility and secretion. MMC signalling to extrinsic nerve fibres takes part in pathways generating visceral pain or extrinsic reflexes contributing to the disturbed motor and secretory function. Morphological and functional studies, especially studies concerning physiological stress, have provided evidence that, apart from the interaction between the enteric nervous system and MMCs, there is also a functional communication between the central nervous system and these mast cells. Psychological factors trigger neuronal pathways, which directly or indirectly affect MMCs. Further basic and clinical research will be needed to clarify in more detail whether basic patterns of this type of interactions are conserved between species including humans.

Inhibitory effect of somatostatin on inflammation and nociception

The present review focuses on promising new opportunities for anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapy. The theoretical background is an original observation based on our own experimental results. These data demonstrate that somatostatin is released from capsaicin-sensitive, peptidergic sensory nerve endings in response to noxious heat and chemical stimuli such as vanilloids, protons or lipoxygenase products. It reaches distant parts of the body via the circulation and exerts systemic anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Somatostatin binds to G-protein-coupled membrane receptors (sst(1)-sst(5)) and diminishes neurogenic inflammation by prejunctional action on sensory-efferent nerve terminals, as well as by postjunctional mechanisms on target cells. It decreases the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides from sensory nerve endings and also acts on receptors of vascular endothelial, inflammatory and immune cells. Analgesic effect is mediated by an inhibitory action on peripheral terminals of nociceptive neurons, since circulating somatostatin cannot exert central action. Somatostatin itself is not suitable for drug development because of its broad spectrum and short elimination half life, stable, receptor-selective agonists have been synthesized and investigated. The present overview is aimed at summarizing the physiological importance of somatostatin and sst receptors, pharmacological significance of synthetic agonists and their potential in the development of novel anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. These compounds might provide novel perspectives in the pharmacotherapy of acute and chronic painful inflammatory diseases, as well as neuropathic conditions.

Amelioration of the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome by somatostatin via suppression of intestinal mucosal mast cells

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is the most serious complication of trauma or infection. Our previous study has shown that activated intestinal mucosal mast cells (IMMC) might play an important role in the development of MODS. Somatostatin (SST), one of the peptides derived from gut, is an important regulator in the neuroendocrine-immune network. However, the effects of SST on IMMC, especially in the situation of MODS, remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SST on the activity of IMMC in MODS. A rat model of MODS was established 24 h after intraperitoneal injection of zymosan at dosage of 75 mg/kg. SST was injected into the tail vein 30 min after intraperitoneal inoculation of zymosan. Animals were sacrificed 25 h after zymosan injection. The concentration of histamine and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in plasma and intestinal tissue was measured. The pathological changes of vital organs, including intestine, liver, kidney, and lung, were studied under light microscopy. The ultramicrostructures of IMMC were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Obvious improvement of pathological changes of vital organs was observed in the rats with MODS treated with SST at 2.3 ng/kg/h. PO2 was increased by 50% (P < 0.05). The histamine level in the intestinal tissue of rats with MODS treated with SST (14.50 +/- 1.08 ng/g protein) was significantly higher than that of the group without treatment (8.60 +/- 0.50 ng/g protein, P < 0.01). Furthermore, degranulation of IMMC in the rats treated with SST was less obvious. The in vitro inhibitive effect of SST on the histamine release rate of IMMC was negatively correlated to its concentration (r = -0.991, P < 0.01). In conclusion, suppression of IMMC activity might be an important mechanism of the protective effects of SST in rats with a high risk of MODS.

Mechanisms Involved in the Enhancement of Allergic Airways Neutrophil Influx by Permanent C-Fiber Degeneration in Rats

This study was undertaken to clarify the mechanisms by which C-fiber degeneration at neonatal stages exacerbates the inflammatory responses of rat airways. Rats were treated with capsaicin at neonatal stages and immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) at adult ages. Challenge of capsaicin-pretreated rats with OVA promoted a higher influx of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid compared with the vehicle group. No significant differences were found for the other cell types. The increased adhesion of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP; 0.1 microM)- and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA; 1 microM)-treated neutrophils to fibronectin-coated wells did not differ among vehicle- and capsaicin-pretreated rats. Additionally, fMLP (10 microM), platelet-activating factor (0.1 microM), and substance P (50 microM) induced a significant neutrophil chemotaxis, but no differences were found among vehicle and capsaicin groups. Increased levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and leukotriene B4 in BAL fluid as well as higher expression of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-3 in lung homogenates were detected in the capsaicin group compared with vehicle group. In the capsaicin group, chronic treatment with compound 48/80 restored the TNF-alpha levels to control values and prevented the neutrophil influx in BAL fluid. The enhanced production of TNF-alpha, superoxide anion, and nitrite by isolated alveolar macrophages in response to lipopolysaccharide (3 microg/ml), PMA (10 nM), and/or zymosan (100 particles/cell) did not differ between vehicle- and capsaicin-pretreated rats. In conclusion, chronic neuropeptide depletion promoted by neonatal capsaicin treatment up-regulates airways mast cells, which upon activation by antigen at adult ages, release large amounts of cytokines such as TNF-alpha and CINC-3 that accounts for the massive airways neutrophil infiltration.