Signal molecules during the organism development: Central and peripheral sources of noradrenaline in rat ontogenesis

Increased MMP8 Levels in Atopic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Study Testing Multiple Immune Factors in Atopic and Non-Atopic Patients

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyse the level of serum matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in atopic and non-atopic COPD patients, providing guidance for clinical practice and theory for atopic COPD.

Methods

Blood samples from 50 adult male patients with COPD, including 17 atopic and 33 non-atopic patients, were submitted for detection of MMP8, MMP9, surfactant associated protein D (SPD), noradrenaline (NE), leukotriene (LT) B4, recombinant proteoglycan (PRG4), Phadiatop sIgE, and tIgE levels. Patients’ Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), pulmonary function test results, FeNO, blood cell ratio and induced sputum were collected.

Results

The level of serum tIgE in patients with atopic COPD [1876.00 kU/l (760.50, 5347.00)] was significantly higher than in patients with non-atopic COPD [377.00 kU/l (93.50, 581.50), P < 0.001]. The MMP8 levels in atopic COPD (1600 ± 1181 ng/mL) were significantly higher than in non-atopic COPD (973.3 ±921.5 ng/mL, P = 0.0494), but there was no significant difference in MMP9, SPD, NE, LTB4, and PRG4 levels between the two groups. In atopic COPD patients, the rate of leukocyte (r_s = 0.63, P < 0.001) and neutrophil (r_s = 0.54, P < 0.05) were positively correlated with MMP8 levels, while lymphocyte rate was negatively correlated with MMP8 (r_s = −0.70, P < 0.001) and MMP9 levels (r_s = −0.54, P < 0.05). Optimal scale analysis showed that NE was most closely related to the basophil rate from induced sputum and FeNO levels (Cronbach’s alpha = 85.1%). Interestingly, all atopic COPD patients with mMRC ≥2, CAT ≥ 10, and CCQ ≥16 exhibited MMP8 levels >1000 ng/mL.

Conclusion

In general, tIgE and MMP8 levels were higher in atopic COPD patients than in non-atopic patients. NE levels were closely correlated with the basophil rate of induced sputum and FeNO levels, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of atopic COPD.

Developing brain as a source of circulating norepinephrine in rats during the critical period of morphogenesis

The development of individual organs and the whole organism is under the control by morphogenetic factors over the critical period of morphogenesis. This study was aimed to test our hypothesis that the developing brain operates as an endocrine organ during morphogenesis, in rats during the perinatal period (Ugrumov in Neuro Chem 35:837-850, 2010). Norepinephrine, which is a morphogenetic factor, was used as a marker of the endocrine activity of the developing brain, although it is also secreted by peripheral organs. In this study, it was first shown that the concentration of norepinephrine in the peripheral blood of neonatal rats is sufficient to ensure the morphogenetic effect on the peripheral organs and the brain itself. Using pharmacological suppression of norepinephrine production in the brain, but not in peripheral organs, it was shown that norepinephrine is delivered from the brain to the general circulation in neonatal rats, that is, during morphogenesis. In fact, even partial suppression of norepinephrine production in the brain of neonatal rats led to a significant decrease of norepinephrine concentration in plasma, suggesting that at this time the brain is an important source of circulating norepinephrine. Conversely, the suppression of the production of norepinephrine in the brain of prepubertal rats did not cause a change in its concentration in plasma, showing no secretion of brain-derived norepinephrine to the bloodstream after morphogenesis. The above data support our hypothesis that morphogenetic factors, including norepinephrine, are delivered from the developing brain to the bloodstream, which occurs only during the critical period of morphogenesis.

Gene expression and content of enzymes of noradrenaline synthesis in the rat organ of Zuckerkandl at the critical period of morphogenesis

Gene expression and content of the key enzymes involved in the synthesis of noradrenaline-tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase-was evaluated in the organ of Zuckerkandl of rats in the critical period of morphogenesis. High levels of mRNA and protein of both enzymes in the perinatal period of development and their sharp decline on day 30 of postnatal development were detected. These data indicate that the synthesis of noradrenaline in the organ of Zuckerkandl is maximum during the critical period of morphogenesis and decreases during the involution of this paraganglion.

Perinatal effects of scorpion venoms: maternal and offspring development

Scorpion envenomation is a public health problem, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Considering the high incidence of scorpionism in some areas, pregnant women and nursing mothers may be possible victims. Scorpion stings alter the release of neurotransmitters and some cytokines. These mediators act as organizers and programmers in the adequate formation of the nerves, and non-physiological concentrations of them during the brain organization originate disorders and diseases that can appear later in the life of the individual. Despite the importance of this subject, there are only a few studies showing the effects of scorpion venom on maternal reproductive development, in the morphology and physical and behavioral development of offspring. The present review article summarizes the major findings on this issue. Biochemical changes in the blood – such as hyperglycemia, increase on the level of sodium and on the creatinine concentration – are observed after scorpion sting in humans and experimental animals. Some studies in the literature demonstrate that the scorpion venom affects the maternal reproductive development in humans and in experimental animals, increasing the frequency and amplitude of uterine contraction and the number of resorptions. The venom can also lead to some alterations in the embryonic or fetal development increasing the total weight of fetuses and of some organs. Moreover, it affects the general activity and locomotion during childhood and adulthood, and the anxiety level in adult females and males. It also alters the number of hippocampal neurons and interferes in the level of some cytokines. Altogether, it is evident that the venom, when administered during the pregnancy or lactation, affects the development of the offspring. Studies are being conducted to determine the actual participation of the venom in the development of the offspring, and to what extent they are detrimental to animal development.

Secretory activity of the brain and peripheral organs: Spontaneous and stimulated release of noradrenaline in the ontogenesis of rats

Spontaneous and K(+)-stimulated release of noradrenaline from the hypothalamus, adrenal gland, and organ of Zuckerkandl under their flowing incubation was investigated in the perinatal period of ontogenesis of rats. The results suggest that, during the investigated period of ontogenesis, adrenal glands are the main source of noradrenaline in the blood, whereas the contributions of the organ of Zuckerkandl and the brain are not as significant and change during this period.