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Smith AM, Welch BA, Harris KK, Garrett MR, Grayson BE. Nutrient composition influences the gut microbiota in chronic thoracic spinal cord-injured rats. Physiol Genomics 2022; 54:402-415. [PMID: 36036458 PMCID: PMC9576181 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00037.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in an increased predisposition to various metabolic problems that can be exacerbated by consuming a diet rich in calories and saturated fat. In addition, gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported after SCI, including intestinal dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. The effects of both diet and SCI on the gut microbiome of adult male Long Evans rats euthanized 16 wk after injury were investigated. The rats were either thoracic spinal contused or received sham procedures. After 12 wk of either a low-fat or high-fat diet, cecal contents were analyzed, revealing significant microbial changes to every taxonomic level below the kingdom level. Shannon α diversity analyses demonstrated a significant difference in diversity between the groups based on the surgical condition of the rats. SCI produced a unique signature of changes in commensal bacteria that were significantly different than Sham. Specific changes in commensal bacteria as a result of diet manipulation had high fidelity with reports in the literature, such as Clostridia, Thiohalorhabdales, and Pseudomonadales. In addition, novel changes in commensal bacteria were identified that are unique dietary influences on SCI. Linear regression analysis on body fat and lean mass showed that a consequence of chronic SCI produces uncoupled associations between some commensal bacteria and body composition. In conclusion, despite tightly controlling the protein content and varying the carbohydrate and fat contents, Sham and SCI rats respond uniquely to diet. These data provide potential direction for therapeutic modulation of the microbiome to improve health and wellness following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allie M Smith
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Bradley A Welch
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Kwamie K Harris
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Michael R Garrett
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Bernadette E Grayson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Musleh-Vega S, Ojeda J, Vidal PM. Gut Microbiota–Brain Axis as a Potential Modulator of Psychological Stress after Spinal Cord Injury. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040847. [PMID: 35453597 PMCID: PMC9024710 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence from preclinical and clinical studies has associated alterations of the gut microbiota–brain axis with the progression and development of a number of pathological conditions that also affect cognitive functions. Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can be produced from traumatic and non-traumatic causes. It has been reported that SCIs are commonly associated with anxiety and depression-like symptoms, showing an incidence range between 11 and 30% after the injury. These psychological stress-related symptoms are associated with worse prognoses in SCIs and have been attributed to psychosocial stressors and losses of independence. Nevertheless, emotional and mental modifications after SCI could be related to changes in the volume of specific brain areas associated with information processing and emotions. Additionally, physiological modifications have been recognized as a predisposing factor for mental health depletion, including the development of gut dysbiosis. This condition of imbalance in microbiota composition has been shown to be associated with depression in clinical and pre-clinical models. Therefore, the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between SCIs, gut dysbiosis and psychological stress could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to improve SCI patients’ quality of life.
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3
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Bykowski EA, Petersson JN, Dukelow S, Ho C, Debert CT, Montina T, Metz GA. Urinary biomarkers indicative of recovery from spinal cord injury: A pilot study. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2021; 10:178-185. [PMID: 33842921 PMCID: PMC8020035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Current assessments of recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI) focus on clinical outcome measures. These assessments bear an inherent risk of bias, emphasizing the need for more reliable prognostic biomarkers to measure SCI severity. This study evaluated fluid biomarkers as an objective tool to aid with prognosticating outcomes following SCI. Using a 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based quantitative metabolomics approach of urine samples, the objectives were to determine (a) if alterations in metabolic profiles reflect the extent of recovery of individual SCI patients, (b) whether changes in urine metabolites correlate to patient outcomes, and (c) whether biological pathway analysis reflects mechanisms of neural damage and repair. An inception cohort exploratory pilot study collected morning urine samples from male SCI patients (n=6) following injury and again at 6-months post-injury. A 700 MHz Bruker Avance III HD NMR spectrometer was used to acquire the metabolic signatures of urine samples, which were used to derive metabolic pathways. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to identify changes in metabolic signatures, which were correlated to clinical outcomes in the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM). Among SCI-induced metabolic changes, biomarkers which significantly correlated to patient SCIM scores included caffeine (R = -0.76, p < 0.01), 3-hydroxymandelic acid (R= -0.85, p < 0.001), L-valine (R = 0.90, p < 0.001; R = -0.64, p < 0.05), and N-methylhydantoin (R = -0.90, p < 0.001). The most affected pathway was purine metabolism. These findings indicate that urinary metabolites reflect SCI lesion severity and recovery and provide potentially prognostic biomarkers of SCI outcome in precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elani A. Bykowski
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jamie N. Petersson
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sean Dukelow
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chester Ho
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chantel T. Debert
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tony Montina
- Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerlinde A.S. Metz
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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4
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Blanke EN, Holmes GM, Besecker EM. Altered physiology of gastrointestinal vagal afferents following neurotrauma. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:254-263. [PMID: 32859772 PMCID: PMC7896240 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.290883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The adaptability of the central nervous system has been revealed in several model systems. Of particular interest to central nervous system-injured individuals is the ability for neural components to be modified for regain of function. In both types of neurotrauma, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, the primary parasympathetic control to the gastrointestinal tract, the vagus nerve, remains anatomically intact. However, individuals with traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Such gastrointestinal dysfunctions attribute to higher morbidity and mortality following traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. While the vagal efferent output remains capable of eliciting motor responses following injury, evidence suggests impairment of the vagal afferents. Since sensory input drives motor output, this review will discuss the normal and altered anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal vagal afferents to better understand the contributions of vagal afferent plasticity following neurotrauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Blanke
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Gregory M Holmes
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Emily M Besecker
- Department of Health Sciences, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA, USA
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5
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Bannerman CA, Douchant K, Sheth PM, Ghasemlou N. The gut-brain axis and beyond: Microbiome control of spinal cord injury pain in humans and rodents. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2021; 9:100059. [PMID: 33426367 PMCID: PMC7779861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2020.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating injury to the central nervous system in which 60 to 80% of patients experience chronic pain. Unfortunately, this pain is notoriously difficult to treat, with few effective options currently available. Patients are also commonly faced with various compounding injuries and medical challenges, often requiring frequent hospitalization and antibiotic treatment. Change in the gut microbiome from the "normal" state to one of imbalance, referred to as gut dysbiosis, has been found in both patients and rodent models following SCI. Similarities exist in the bacterial changes observed after SCI and other diseases with chronic pain as an outcome. These changes cause a shift in the regulation of inflammation, causing immune cell activation and secretion of inflammatory mediators that likely contribute to the generation/maintenance of SCI pain. Therefore, correcting gut dysbiosis may be used as a tool towards providing patients with effective pain management and improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A. Bannerman
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katya Douchant
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Gastrointestinal Disease Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Center, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Prameet M. Sheth
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Microbiology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Gastrointestinal Disease Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Center, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nader Ghasemlou
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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6
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Herrera J, Bockhorst K, Bhattarai D, Uray K. Gastrointestinal vascular permeability changes following spinal cord injury. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 32:e13834. [PMID: 32163655 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is observed clinically after spinal cord injury (SCI) and contributes to the diminished long-term quality of life. Our study examined the acute and chronic GI vascular changes that occur following SCI. We demonstrated that the GI vascular tract in SCI mice becomes compromised during the acute phase of injury and persists into the chronic phase of injury. METHODS Gastrointestinal vasculature permeability was measured using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) at 48 hours, and 2 and 4 weeks following contusion spinal cord injury. Angiopoietin-1, a vascular stabilizing protein, was administered intravenously following injury. Intestinal contractile activity assessments were performed following the last imaging session. KEY RESULTS Our results indicated that a single administration of Ang-1 reduced vascular permeability at 48 hours but the effect was only transient. However, when the treatment paradigm was changed from a single administration to multiple administrations of Ang-1 following contusion injury, our DCE MRI data indicated a significant decrease in GI vascular permeability 4 weeks after injury compared with vehicle control treated animals. This improved GI vascular permeability was associated with improved sustained intestinal contractile activity. We also demonstrated that Ang-1 reduced the expression of sICAM-1 in the ileum compared with the saline-treated group. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES We show that the GI vasculature is compromised in the acute and chronic phase of injury following spinal contusion. Our results also indicate that multiple administrations of Ang-1 can attenuate GI vascular permeability, possibly reduce inflammation, and improve sustained agonist-induced contraction compared with saline treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Herrera
- Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kurt Bockhorst
- Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Deepa Bhattarai
- Pediatric Surgery University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Karen Uray
- Pediatric Surgery University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Medicinal Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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White AR, Werner CM, Holmes GM. Diminished enteric neuromuscular transmission in the distal colon following experimental spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2020; 331:113377. [PMID: 32526238 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurogenic bowel following spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to decreased colonic motility, remodeling of the neuromuscular compartment and results in chronic evacuation difficulties. The distal colon of the rat serves a dual role for fluid absorption and storage that is homologous to the descending colon of humans. Dysmotility of the descending colon is one component of neurogenic bowel. We investigated the integrity of the enteric neuromuscular transmission responsible for the generation of excitatory and inhibitory junction potentials (EJPs and IJPs, respectively) in the distal colon of rats. We previously demonstrated a chronic reduction in colonic enteric neurons from rats with acute and chronic high-thoracic (T3) SCI and hypothesized that neurogenic bowel following T3-SCI results from diminished enteric neuromuscular transmission. Immunohistochemical labeling for myenteric neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) neurons demonstrated a significant loss of presumptive nitric oxide (NO) and acetylcholine (ACh) immunoreactive neurons in both 3-day and 3-week injured animals. Colonic neuromuscular transmission in response to transmural electrical stimulation of the colon was significantly reduced 3-days and 3-weeks following SCI in male rats. Specifically, cholinergic-mediated excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) and nitrergic-mediated slow inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) were significantly reduced while ATP-mediated fast IJPs remained unaffected. We conclude that a reduction in excitatory and inhibitory enteric neuromuscular transmission contributes to neurogenic bowel observed following SCI, and that these loss-of-function changes involve enteric-mediated cholinergic and nitrergic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R White
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States of America
| | - Claire M Werner
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States of America
| | - Gregory M Holmes
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States of America.
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8
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Besecker EM, Blanke EN, Deiter GM, Holmes GM. Gastric vagal afferent neuropathy following experimental spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2019; 323:113092. [PMID: 31697943 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Dramatic impairment of gastrointestinal (GI) function accompanies high-thoracic spinal cord injury (T3-SCI). The vagus nerve contains mechano- and chemosensory fibers as well as the motor fibers necessary for the central nervous system (CNS) control of GI reflexes. Cell bodies for the vagal afferent fibers are located within the nodose gangla (NG) and the majority of vagal afferent axons are unmyelinated C fibers that are sensitive to capsaicin through activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) channels. Vagal afferent fibers also express receptors for GI hormones, including cholecystokinin (CCK). Previously, T3-SCI provokes a transient GI inflammatory response as well as a reduction of both gastric emptying and centrally-mediated vagal responses to GI peptides, including CCK. TRPV1 channels and CCK-A receptors (CCKar) expressed in vagal afferents are upregulated in models of visceral inflammation. The present study investigated whether T3-SCI attenuates peripheral vagal afferent sensitivity through plasticity of TRPV1 and CCK receptors. Vagal afferent response to graded mechanical stimulation of the stomach was significantly attenuated by T3-SCI at 3-day and 3-week recovery. Immunocytochemical labeling for CCKar and TRPV1 demonstrated expression on dissociated gastric-projecting NG neurons. Quantitative assessment of mRNA expression by qRT-PCR revealed significant elevation of CCKar and TRPV1 in the whole NG following T3-SCI in 3-day recovery, but levels returned to normal after 3-weeks. Three days after injury, systemic administration of CCK-8 s showed a significantly diminished gastric vagal afferent response in T3-SCI rats compared to control rats while systemic capsaicin infusion revealed a significant elevation of vagal response in T3-SCI vs control rats. These findings demonstrate that T3-SCI provokes peripheral remodeling and prolonged alterations in the response of vagal afferent fibers to the physiological signals associated with digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Besecker
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States of America; Department of Health Sciences, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA 17325, United States of America
| | - Emily N Blanke
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States of America
| | - Gina M Deiter
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States of America
| | - Gregory M Holmes
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States of America.
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9
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Holmes GM, Blanke EN. Gastrointestinal dysfunction after spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2019; 320:113009. [PMID: 31299180 PMCID: PMC6716787 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract of vertebrates is a heterogeneous organ system innervated to varying degrees by a local enteric neural network as well as extrinsic parasympathetic and sympathetic neural circuits located along the brainstem and spinal axis. This diverse organ system serves to regulate the secretory and propulsive reflexes integral to the digestion and absorption of nutrients. The quasi-segmental distribution of the neural circuits innervating the gastrointestinal (GI) tract produces varying degrees of dysfunction depending upon the level of spinal cord injury (SCI). At all levels of SCI, GI dysfunction frequently presents life-long challenges to individuals coping with injury. Growing attention to the profound changes that occur across the entire physiology of individuals with SCI reveals profound knowledge gaps in our understanding of the temporal dimensions and magnitude of organ-specific co-morbidities following SCI. It is essential to understand and identify these broad pathophysiological changes in order to develop appropriate evidence-based strategies for management by clinicians, caregivers and individuals living with SCI. This review summarizes the neurophysiology of the GI tract in the uninjured state and the pathophysiology associated with the systemic effects of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M Holmes
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states of America.
| | - Emily N Blanke
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states of America
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10
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Lee D, Baik J, Yun G, Kim E. Oxygen insufflation via working channel in a fiberscope is a useful method: A case report and review of literature. World J Clin Cases 2018; 6:1189-1193. [PMID: 30613680 PMCID: PMC6306641 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v6.i16.1189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation is the gold standard for endotracheal intubation in difficult or compromised airway situations. However, oxygen insufflation through the working channel of a fiberscope is a controversial method because of the possibility of gastric distention and rupture during an awake fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation, despite the advantages of preventing fogging of the fiberoptic bronchoscopic lens, blowing oral secretions away, and oxygenation of patients.
CASE SUMMARY Here, we describe a case of cervical instability where we rapidly performed fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation using oxygen insufflation through working channel of the broncoscopy to administer general anesthesia after two previous failures due to low visibility. A 50-year-old man with a non-specific medical history underwent emergency cervical spine surgery for posterior fusion of the C2 and C3 vertebrae. After two unsuccessful attempts at intubation using the fiberoptic broncoscopy, we performed it successfully using the oxygen insufflation via the working channel, instead of using suction to remove the secretion from the lens.
CONCLUSION Oxygen insufflation via the working channel of the broncoscopy is a useful method for assisting with difficult intubation cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dowon Lee
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 49241, South Korea
| | - Jiseok Baik
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 49241, South Korea
| | - Giyoung Yun
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 49241, South Korea
| | - Eunsoo Kim
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 49241, South Korea
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De Jong WH, De Rijk E, Bonetto A, Wohlleben W, Stone V, Brunelli A, Badetti E, Marcomini A, Gosens I, Cassee FR. Toxicity of copper oxide and basic copper carbonate nanoparticles after short-term oral exposure in rats. Nanotoxicology 2018; 13:50-72. [DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2018.1530390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wim H. De Jong
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | | | - Alessandro Bonetto
- DAIS – Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Wendel Wohlleben
- Department of Material Physics and Dept. of Experimental Toxicology, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
| | - Vicki Stone
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrea Brunelli
- DAIS – Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Elena Badetti
- DAIS – Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Antonio Marcomini
- DAIS – Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Ilse Gosens
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Flemming R. Cassee
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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12
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Besecker EM, White AR, Holmes GM. Diminished gastric prokinetic response to ghrelin in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2018; 30:e13258. [PMID: 29205695 PMCID: PMC5878704 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cervical or high-thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) often present reduced gastric emptying and early satiety. Ghrelin provokes motility via gastric vagal neurocircuitry and ghrelin receptor agonists offer a therapeutic option for gastroparesis. We have previously shown that experimental high-thoracic injury (T3-SCI) diminishes sensitivity to another gastrointestinal peptide, cholecystokinin. This study tests the hypothesis that T3-SCI impairs the vagally mediated response to ghrelin. METHODS We investigated ghrelin sensitivity in control and T3-SCI rats at 3-days or 3-weeks after injury utilizing: (i) acute (3-day post-injury) fasting and post-prandial serum levels of ghrelin; (ii) in vivo gastric reflex recording following intravenous or central brainstem ghrelin; and (iii) in vitro whole cell recording of neurons within the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). KEY RESULTS The 2-day food intake of T3-SCI rats was reduced while fasting serum ghrelin levels were higher than in controls. Intravenous and fourth ventricle ghrelin increased in vivo gastric motility in fasted 3-day control rats but not fasted T3-SCI rats. In vitro recording of DMV neurons from 3-day T3-SCI rats were insensitive to exogenous ghrelin. For each measure, vagal responses returned after 3-weeks. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES Hypophagia accompanying T3-SCI produces a significant and physiologically appropriate elevation in serum ghrelin levels. However, higher ghrelin levels did not translate into increased gastric motility in the acute stage of T3-SCI. We propose that this may reflect diminished sensitivity of peripheral vagal afferents to ghrelin or a reduction in the responsiveness of medullary gastric vagal neurocircuitry following T3-SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Besecker
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University
College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033,Department of Health Sciences, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA
17325
| | - Amanda R. White
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University
College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Gregory M. Holmes
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University
College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033,Corresponding Author: Dr. Gregory M. Holmes, Penn State
University College of Medicine, 500 University Dr., H181, Hershey, PA 17033,
Tel: +1 717 531-6413, fax; +1 717 531-5184,
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13
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White AR, Holmes GM. Anatomical and Functional Changes to the Colonic Neuromuscular Compartment after Experimental Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:1079-1090. [PMID: 29205096 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A profound reduction in colorectal transit time accompanies spinal cord injury (SCI), yet the colonic alterations after SCI have yet to be understood fully. The loss of descending supraspinal input to lumbosacral neural circuits innervating the colon is recognized as one causal mechanism. Remodeling of the colonic enteric nervous system/smooth muscle junction in response to inflammation, however, is recognized as one factor leading to colonic dysmotility in other pathophysiological models. We investigated the alterations to the neuromuscular junction in rats with experimental high-thoracic (T3) SCI. One day to three weeks post-injury, both injured and age-matched controls underwent in vivo experimentation followed by tissue harvest for histological evaluation. Spontaneous colonic contractions were reduced significantly in the proximal and distal colon of T3-SCI rats. Histological evaluation of proximal and distal colon demonstrated significant reductions of colonic mucosal crypt depth and width. Markers of intestinal inflammation were assayed by qRT-PCR. Specifically, Icam1, Ccl2 (MCP-1), and Ccl3 (MIP-1α) mRNA was acutely elevated after T3-SCI. Smooth muscle thickness and collagen content of the colon were increased significantly in T3-SCI rats. Colonic cross sections immunohistochemically processed for the pan-neuronal marker HuC/D displayed a significant decrease in colonic enteric neuron density that became more pronounced at three weeks after injury. Our data suggest that post-SCI inflammation and remodeling of the enteric neuromuscular compartment accompanies SCI. These morphological changes may provoke the diminished colonic motility that occurs during this same period, possibly through the disruption of intrinsic neuromuscular control of the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R White
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Gregory M Holmes
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Vitores AA, Sloley SS, Martinez C, Carballosa-Gautam MM, Hentall ID. Some Autonomic Deficits of Acute or Chronic Cervical Spinal Contusion Reversed by Interim Brainstem Stimulation. J Neurotrauma 2017; 35:560-572. [PMID: 29160143 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged electrical stimulation of the hindbrain's nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) or of its major midbrain input region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG), was previously found in rats to promote recovery from sensory-motor and histological deficits of acute thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, some visceral deficits of acute and chronic midline cervical (C5) contusion are similarly examined. Cranially implanted wireless stimulators delivered intermittent 8 Hz, 30-70 μA cathodal pulse trains to a brainstem microelectrode. Injured controls were given inactive stimulators; rats without injuries or implants were also compared. Rectal distension or squeezing of the forepaws caused an exaggerated rise in mean arterial pressure in injured, untreated rats under anesthesia on post-injury week 6, probably reflecting autonomic dysreflexia (AD). These pressor responses became normal when 7 days of unilateral PAG stimulation was started on the injury day. Older untreated injuries (weeks 18-19) showed normal pressor responses, but unexpectedly had significant resting and nociceptive bradycardia, which was reversed by 3 weeks of PAG stimulation started on weeks 7 or 12. Subsequent chronic studies examined gastric emptying (GE), as indicated by intestinal transit of gavaged dye, and serum chemistry. GE and fasting serum insulin were reduced on injury weeks 14-15, and were both normalized by ∼5 weeks of PAG stimulation begun in weeks 7-8. Increases in calcitonin gene-related peptide, a prominent visceral afferent neurotransmitter, measured near untreated injuries (first thoracic segment) in superficial dorsal laminae were reversed by acutely or chronically initiated PAG stimulation. The NRM, given 2-3 weeks of stimulation beginning 2 days after SCI, prevented abnormalities in both pressor responses and GE on post-injury week 9, consistent with its relaying of repair commands from the PAG. The descending PAG-NRM axis thus exhibits broadly restorative influences on visceral as well as sensory-motor deficits, improving chronic as well as acute signs of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto A Vitores
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami, Florida
| | - Stephanie S Sloley
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami, Florida
| | - Catalina Martinez
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami, Florida
| | - Melissa M Carballosa-Gautam
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami, Florida
| | - Ian D Hentall
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami, Florida
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Abstract
Research and clinical experience with vagotomy have confirmed that damage to the central nervous system severely affects physiological movement in the gastrointestinal system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of synchronized dual-pulse gastric electrical stimulation (SGES) on the apoptosis of enteric neurons and the possible pathways involved in these effects in vagotomized rats. For this purpose, Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into a control group, an early subdiaphragmatic vagotomized group (ESDV group), an early subdiaphragmatic vagotomized group with short-term SGES (ESDV + SSGES group), a terminal subdiaphragmatic vagotomized group (TSDV group) and a terminal subdiaphragmatic vagotomized group with long-term SGES (TSDV + LSGES group). The expression levels of connexin 43 (Cx43), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), p-Akt, pan-Akt and PGP9.5 were assessed by RT-qPCR, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Apoptosis was determined by terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. We found that Cx43 expression was decreased in the ESDV and TSDV groups, but was significantly upregulated in the SSGES and LSGES groups. In addition, the GDNF and PGP9.5 expression levels were significantly decreased in the ESDV group compared with the control and TSDV groups and were upregulated in both the SSGES and LSGES groups. The LSGES group exhibited a clear increase in p-Akt expression compared with the TSDV group. Fewer TUNEL-positive cells were observed in the SSGES and LSGES groups than in the ESDV and TSDV groups. More TUNEL-positive cells were found in the stomach of rats subjected to subdiaphragmatic vagotomy. On the whole, our data indicate that SGES improved enteric neuronal survival, possibly through GDNF and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Kun Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Shuangning Song
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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Besecker EM, Deiter GM, Pironi N, Cooper TK, Holmes GM. Mesenteric vascular dysregulation and intestinal inflammation accompanies experimental spinal cord injury. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2017; 312:R146-R156. [PMID: 27834292 PMCID: PMC5283935 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00347.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Cervical and high thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) drastically impairs autonomic nervous system function. Individuals with SCI at thoracic spinal level 5 (T5) or higher often present cardiovascular disorders that include resting systemic arterial hypotension. Gastrointestinal (GI) tissues are critically dependent upon adequate blood flow and even brief periods of visceral hypoxia triggers GI dysmotility. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that T3-SCI induces visceral hypoperfusion, diminished postprandial vascular reflexes, and concomitant visceral inflammation. We measured in vivo systemic arterial blood pressure and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and duodenal blood flow in anesthetized T3-SCI rats at 3 days and 3 wk postinjury either fasted or following enteral feeding of a liquid mixed-nutrient meal (Ensure). In separate cohorts of fasted T3-SCI rats, markers of intestinal inflammation were assayed by qRT-PCR. Our results show that T3-SCI rats displayed significantly reduced SMA blood flow under all experimental conditions (P < 0.05). Specifically, the anticipated elevation of SMA blood flow in response to duodenal nutrient infusion (postprandial hyperemia) was either delayed or absent after T3-SCI. The dysregulated SMA blood flow in acutely injured T3-SCI rats coincides with abnormal intestinal morphology and elevation of inflammatory markers, all of which resolve after 3 wk. Specifically, Icam1, Ccl2 (MCP-1), and Ccl3 (MIP-1α) were acutely elevated following T3-SCI. Our data suggest that arterial hypotension diminishes mesenteric blood flow necessary to meet mucosal demands at rest and during digestion. The resulting GI ischemia and low-grade inflammation may be an underlying pathology leading to GI dysfunction seen following acute T3-SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Besecker
- Department of Neural & Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Department of Health Sciences, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
| | - Gina M Deiter
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Nicole Pironi
- Department of Biology, Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pennsylvania
| | - Timothy K Cooper
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania Hershey, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Gregory M Holmes
- Department of Neural & Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania;
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Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results not only in motor and sensory deficits but also in autonomic dysfunctions. The disruption of connections between higher brain centers and the spinal cord, or the impaired autonomic nervous system itself, manifests a broad range of autonomic abnormalities. This includes compromised cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal, thermoregulatory, and sexual activities. These disabilities evoke potentially life-threatening symptoms that severely interfere with the daily living of those with SCI. In particular, high thoracic or cervical SCI often causes disordered hemodynamics due to deregulated sympathetic outflow. Episodic hypertension associated with autonomic dysreflexia develops as a result of massive sympathetic discharge often triggered by unpleasant visceral or sensory stimuli below the injury level. In the pelvic floor, bladder and urethral dysfunctions are classified according to upper motor neuron versus lower motor neuron injuries; this is dependent on the level of lesion. Most impairments of the lower urinary tract manifest in two interrelated complications: bladder storage and emptying. Inadequate or excessive detrusor and sphincter functions as well as detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia are examples of micturition abnormalities stemming from SCI. Gastrointestinal motility disorders in spinal cord injured-individuals are comprised of gastric dilation, delayed gastric emptying, and diminished propulsive transit along the entire gastrointestinal tract. As a critical consequence of SCI, neurogenic bowel dysfunction exhibits constipation and/or incontinence. Thus, it is essential to recognize neural mechanisms and pathophysiology underlying various complications of autonomic dysfunctions after SCI. This overview provides both vital information for better understanding these disorders and guides to pursue novel therapeutic approaches to alleviate secondary complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoping Hou
- Spinal Cord Research Center, Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Swartz EM, Holmes GM. Gastric vagal motoneuron function is maintained following experimental spinal cord injury. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2014; 26:1717-29. [PMID: 25316513 PMCID: PMC4245370 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical reports indicate that spinal cord injury (SCI) initiates profound gastric dysfunction. Gastric reflexes involve stimulation of sensory vagal fibers, which engage brainstem circuits that modulate efferent output back to the stomach, thereby completing the vago-vagal reflex. Our recent studies in a rodent model of experimental high thoracic (T3-) SCI suggest that reduced vagal afferent sensitivity to gastrointestinal (GI) stimuli may be responsible for diminished gastric function. Nevertheless, derangements in efferent signals from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) to the stomach may also account for reduced motility. METHODS We assessed the anatomical, neurophysiological, and functional integrity of gastric-projecting DMV neurons in T3-SCI rats using: (i) retrograde labeling of gastric-projecting DMV neurons; (ii) whole cell recordings from gastric-projecting neurons of the DMV; and, (iii) in vivo measurements of gastric contractions following unilateral microinjection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) into the DMV. KEY RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis of gastric-projecting DMV neurons demonstrated no difference between control and T3-SCI rats. Whole cell in vitro recordings showed no alteration in DMV membrane properties and the neuronal morphology of these same, neurobiotin-labeled, DMV neurons were unchanged after T3-SCI with regard to cell size and dendritic arborization. Central microinjection of TRH induced a significant facilitation of gastric contractions in both control and T3-SCI rats and there were no significant dose-dependent differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Our data suggest that the acute, 3 day to 1 week post-SCI, dysfunction of vagally mediated gastric reflexes do not include derangements in the efferent DMV motoneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory M. Holmes
- Corresponding author: Dr. Gregory M. Holmes, Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, MC H109, Hershey, PA 17033,
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Holmes GM, Swartz EM, McLean MS. Fabrication and implantation of miniature dual-element strain gages for measuring in vivo gastrointestinal contractions in rodents. J Vis Exp 2014:51739. [PMID: 25285858 DOI: 10.3791/51739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal dysfunction remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Indeed, gastrointestinal (GI) motility in health and disease remains an area of productive research with over 1,400 published animal studies in just the last 5 years. Numerous techniques have been developed for quantifying smooth muscle activity of the stomach, small intestine, and colon. In vitro and ex vivo techniques offer powerful tools for mechanistic studies of GI function, but outside the context of the integrated systems inherent to an intact organism. Typically, measuring in vivo smooth muscle contractions of the stomach has involved an anesthetized preparation coupled with the introduction of a surgically placed pressure sensor, a static pressure load such as a mildly inflated balloon or by distending the stomach with fluid under barostatically-controlled feedback. Yet many of these approaches present unique disadvantages regarding both the interpretation of results as well as applicability for in vivo use in conscious experimental animal models. The use of dual element strain gages that have been affixed to the serosal surface of the GI tract has offered numerous experimental advantages, which may continue to outweigh the disadvantages. Since these gages are not commercially available, this video presentation provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to the fabrication of the current design of these gages. The strain gage described in this protocol is a design for recording gastric motility in rats. This design has been modified for recording smooth muscle activity along the entire GI tract and requires only subtle variation in the overall fabrication. Representative data from the entire GI tract are included as well as discussion of analysis methods, data interpretation and presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M Holmes
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine;
| | - Emily M Swartz
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine
| | - Margaret S McLean
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine
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Holmes GM. Upper gastrointestinal dysmotility after spinal cord injury: is diminished vagal sensory processing one culprit? Front Physiol 2012; 3:277. [PMID: 22934031 PMCID: PMC3429051 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the widely recognized prevalence of gastric, colonic, and anorectal dysfunction after spinal cord injury (SCI), significant knowledge gaps persist regarding the mechanisms leading to post-SCI gastrointestinal (GI) impairments. Briefly, the regulation of GI function is governed by a mix of parasympathetic, sympathetic, and enteric neurocircuitry. Unlike the intestines, the stomach is dominated by parasympathetic (vagal) control whereby gastric sensory information is transmitted via the afferent vagus nerve to neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). The NTS integrates this sensory information with signals from throughout the central nervous system. Glutamatergic and GABAergic NTS neurons project to other nuclei, including the preganglionic parasympathetic neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). Finally, axons from the DMV project to gastric myenteric neurons, again, through the efferent vagus nerve. SCI interrupts descending input to the lumbosacral spinal cord neurons that modulate colonic motility and evacuation reflexes. In contrast, vagal neurocircuitry remains anatomically intact after injury. This review presents evidence that unlike the post-SCI loss of supraspinal control which leads to colonic and anorectal dysfunction, gastric dysmotility occurs as an indirect or secondary pathology following SCI. Specifically, emerging data points toward diminished sensitivity of vagal afferents to GI neuroactive peptides, neurotransmitters and, possibly, macronutrients. The neurophysiological properties of rat vagal afferent neurons are highly plastic and can be altered by injury or energy balance. A reduction of vagal afferent signaling to NTS neurons may ultimately bias NTS output toward unregulated GABAergic transmission onto gastric-projecting DMV neurons. The resulting gastroinhibitory signal may be one mechanism leading to upper GI dysmotility following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M. Holmes
- Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of MedicineHershey, PA, USA
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Awad RA. Neurogenic bowel dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury, myelomeningocele, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:5035-48. [PMID: 22171138 PMCID: PMC3235587 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i46.5035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 06/20/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Exciting new features have been described concerning neurogenic bowel dysfunction, including interactions between the central nervous system, the enteric nervous system, axonal injury, neuronal loss, neurotransmission of noxious and non-noxious stimuli, and the fields of gastroenterology and neurology. Patients with spinal cord injury, myelomeningocele, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease present with serious upper and lower bowel dysfunctions characterized by constipation, incontinence, gastrointestinal motor dysfunction and altered visceral sensitivity. Spinal cord injury is associated with severe autonomic dysfunction, and bowel dysfunction is a major physical and psychological burden for these patients. An adult myelomeningocele patient commonly has multiple problems reflecting the multisystemic nature of the disease. Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disorder in which axonal injury, neuronal loss, and atrophy of the central nervous system can lead to permanent neurological damage and clinical disability. Parkinson's disease is a multisystem disorder involving dopaminergic, noradrenergic, serotoninergic and cholinergic systems, characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. Parkinson's disease affects several neuronal structures outside the substantia nigra, among which is the enteric nervous system. Recent reports have shown that the lesions in the enteric nervous system occur in very early stages of the disease, even before the involvement of the central nervous system. This has led to the postulation that the enteric nervous system could be critical in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease, as it could represent the point of entry for a putative environmental factor to initiate the pathological process. This review covers the data related to the etiology, epidemiology, clinical expression, pathophysiology, genetic aspects, gastrointestinal motor dysfunction, visceral sensitivity, management, prevention and prognosis of neurogenic bowel dysfunction patients with these neurological diseases. Embryological, morphological and experimental studies on animal models and humans are also taken into account.
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Tong M, Qualls-Creekmore E, Browning KN, Travagli RA, Holmes GM. Experimental spinal cord injury in rats diminishes vagally-mediated gastric responses to cholecystokinin-8s. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2011; 23:e69-79. [PMID: 20950355 PMCID: PMC3021002 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2010.01616.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have shown recently that our model of experimental high-thoracic spinal cord injury (T3-SCI) mirrors the gastrointestinal clinical presentation of neurotrauma patients, whereby T3-SCI animals show diminished gastric emptying and dysmotility. In this study we used cholecystokinin as a model peptide to test the hypothesis that the T3-SCI induced gastroparesis is due, in part, to an impaired vagally-mediated response to gastrointestinal peptides. METHODS We measured the responses to sulfated cholecystokinin (CCK-8s) in control and T3-SCI (3 or 21 days after injury) rats utilizing: (i) c-fos expression in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) following peripherally administered CCK-8s; (ii) in vivo gastric tone and motility following unilateral microinjection of CCK-8s into the dorsal vagal complex (DVC); and (iii) whole cell recordings of glutamatergic synaptic inputs to NTS neurons. KEY RESULTS Our results show that: (i) medullary c-fos expression in response to peripheral CCK-8s was significantly lower in T3-SCI rats 3 days after the injury, but recovered to control values at 3 weeks post-SCI, (ii) Unilateral microinjection of CCK-8s in the DVC induced a profound gastric relaxation in control animals, but did not induce any response in T3-SCI rats at both 3 and 21 days after SCI, (iii) Perfusion with CCK-8s increased glutamatergic currents in 55% of NTS neurons from control rats, but failed to induce any response in NTS neurons from T3-SCI rats. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Our data indicate alterations of vagal responses to CCK-8s in T3-SCI rats that may reflect a generalized impairment of gastric vagal neurocircuitry, leading to a reduction of gastric functions after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kirsteen N. Browning
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - R. Alberto Travagli
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Gregory M. Holmes
- Corresponding Author: Dr. Gregory M. Holmes, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70808, Tel: +1 225 763 2520, fax; +1 225 763 2525,
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Qualls-Creekmore E, Tong M, Holmes GM. Gastric emptying of enterally administered liquid meal in conscious rats and during sustained anaesthesia. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2010; 22:181-5. [PMID: 19735361 PMCID: PMC2806511 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2009.01393.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric motility studies are frequently conducted with anaesthetized animal models. Some studies on the same animal species have reported differences in vagal control of the stomach that could not be explained solely by slightly different experimental conditions. A possible limitation in the comparison between similar studies relates to the use of different anaesthetic agents. Furthermore, anaesthetic effects may also limit generalizations between mechanistic studies of gastric function and the gastric function of conscious animals. In the present study, we used the [(13)C]-breath test following a liquid mixed-nutrient test meal (Ensure), 1 ml) with the aim to investigate the rate of gastric emptying in animals that were either conscious or anaesthetized with either Inactin or urethane. METHODS One week after determining the maximum (13)CO(2) concentration, time to peak [(13)C] recovery and gastric half emptying time in control, conscious rats, we repeated the experiment in the same rats anaesthetized with Inactin or urethane. KEY RESULTS Our data show that Inactin anaesthesia prolonged the time to peak [(13)C] recovery but did not significantly reduce the maximum (13)CO(2) concentration nor delay gastric half emptying time. Conversely, urethane anaesthesia resulted in a significant slowing of all parameters of gastric emptying as measured by the maximum (13)CO(2) concentration, time to peak [(13)C] recovery and half emptying time. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Our data indicate that Inactin(R) anaesthesia does not significantly affect gastric emptying while urethane anaesthesia profoundly impairs gastric emptying. We suggest that Inactin(R), not urethane, is the more suitable anaesthetic for gastrointestinal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Qualls-Creekmore
- Neurotrauma and Nutrition Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
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