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Sha A, Chen H, Zhang Y. Expression profile and immunomodulatory roles of methionine-enkephalin and delta opioid receptor in Octopus ocellatus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 150:109637. [PMID: 38754647 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the expressions and distributions of methionine-enkephalin (Met-enk) and δ opioid receptor in the nervous system of Octopus ocellatus, and the immune regulatory mechanisms of Met-enk on O. ocellatus were explored. The distributions and expressions of Met-enk and δ opioid receptor were assessed by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. UV-spectrophotometer, microplate reader, and flow cytometer were used to examine the effects of different concentrations of Met-enk on phagocytosis, antioxidant effects, and body surface mucus immunity of O. ocellatus hemocytes. The data were used to study the mechanisms of Met-enk immunity regulation in O. ocellatus. According to the results, the expression levels of Met-enk and δ opioid receptor in O. ocellatus lymphocytes were higher than those in hemocytes. The expression levels of Met-enk in the ganglia of O. ocellatus decreased in the following order: pedal ganglia > cerebral ganglia > visceral ganglia > optic ganglia > stellate ganglia. Moreover, the phagocytic activity of O. ocellatus hemocytes was enhanced with increasing Met-enk concentration. With increasing Met-enk concentration, the expressions of nitric oxide, total nitric oxide synthase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, catalase, hydrogen peroxide, myeloperoxidase, reduced glutathione, α-naphthy acetate esterase, and methionine aminopeptidases decreased in serums of O. ocellatus in the experimental group compared to the blank group. Similarly, the content of reduced glutathione in the hemocytes of O. ocellatus was also lower in the experimental group than in the blank group; however, the expressions of other substances were higher compared to the blank group. Furthermore, α-naphthy acetate esterase, myeloperoxidase, and hydrogen peroxide expressions in mucus immunity trials of the body surface were lower in the experimental group compared to the blank group. These results indicate that the distributions and expressions of Met-enk and δ opioid receptor in the nervous system of O. ocellatus were related to axoplasmic transport and immune regulation mechanisms. Met-enk participates in cellular immunity, humoral immunity, and mucus immunity in the form of neurotransmitters, thereby regulating the immune response of O. ocellatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailong Sha
- School of Teacher Education, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, 404120, China; School of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, 404120, China.
| | - Hongrun Chen
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, 404120, China
| | - Yaling Zhang
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing, 404120, China
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Dworsky-Fried Z, Chadwick CI, Kerr BJ, Taylor AMW. Multiple Sclerosis and the Endogenous Opioid System. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:741503. [PMID: 34602975 PMCID: PMC8484329 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.741503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation, neuronal degeneration and demyelinating lesions within the central nervous system. The mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis and progression of MS are not fully known and current therapies have limited efficacy. Preclinical investigations using the murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS, as well as clinical observations in patients with MS, provide converging lines of evidence implicating the endogenous opioid system in the pathogenesis of this disease. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that endogenous opioid peptides, binding μ- (MOR), κ- (KOR) and δ-opioid receptors (DOR), function as immunomodulatory molecules within both the immune and nervous systems. The endogenous opioid system is also well known to play a role in the development of chronic pain and negative affect, both of which are common comorbidities in MS. As such, dysregulation of the opioid system may be a mechanism that contributes to the pathogenesis of MS and associated symptoms. Here, we review the evidence for a connection between the endogenous opioid system and MS. We further explore the mechanisms by which opioidergic signaling might contribute to the pathophysiology and symptomatology of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Dworsky-Fried
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Caylin I. Chadwick
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bradley J. Kerr
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Anna M. W. Taylor
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Yadagiri G, Mudavath SL. Enkephalins as a therapeutic intervention for visceral leishmaniasis. Med Hypotheses 2020; 144:109956. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Lu WC, Xie H, Tie XX, Wang R, Wu AH, Shan FP. NFAT-1 hyper-activation by methionine enkephalin (MENK) significantly induces cell apoptosis of rats C6 glioma in vivo and in vitro. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 56:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Li X, Meng Y, Plotnikoff NP, Youkilis G, Griffin N, Wang E, Lu C, Shan F. Methionine enkephalin (MENK) inhibits tumor growth through regulating CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in mice. Cancer Biol Ther 2016; 16:450-9. [PMID: 25701137 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2014.1003006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Methionine enkephalin (MENK), an endogenous neuropeptide, plays an crucial role in both neuroendocrine and immune systems. CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are identified as a major subpopulation of T lymphocytes in suppressing immune system to keep balanced immunity. The aim of this research work was to elucidate the mechanisms via which MENK interacts with Tregs in cancer situation. The influence of MENK on transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) mediated conversion from naïve CD4+CD25- T cells to CD4+CD25+ Tregs was determined and the data from flow cytometry (FCM) analysis indicated that MENK effectively inhibited the expression of Foxp3 during the process of TGF-βinduction. Furthermore, this inhibiting process was accompanied by diminishing phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2/3, confirmed by western blot (WB) analysis and immunofluorescence (IF) at molecular level. We established sarcoma mice model with S180 to investigate whether MENK could modulate Tregs in tumor circumstance. Our findings showed that MENK delayed the development of tumor in S180 tumor bearing mice and down-regulated level of Tregs. Together, these novel findings reached a conclusion that MENK could inhibit Tregs activity directly and retard tumor development through down-regulating Tregs in mice. This work advances the deepening understanding of the influence of MENK on Tregs in cancer situation, and relation of MENK with immune system, supporting the implication of MENK as a new strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
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Key Words
- CCR4, CC chemokine receptor 4
- CTLA-4, cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen-4
- FCM, flow cytometry
- FasL, Fas ligand
- Foxp3, forkhead box P3 transcription factor
- GITR, glucocorticoid-induced TNFR
- IF, immunofluorescence
- IL-2, interleukin-2
- MENK, methionine enkephalin
- MFI, median fluorescence intensity
- MTS, 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt
- Smad2/3 protein
- TGF-β,transforming growth factor-β
- Tregs, regulatory T cells
- WB, protein gel blot
- cancer immunoregulation
- forkhead box P3 transcription factor
- methionine enkephalin
- real-time PCR, real-time polymerase chain reaction
- regulatory T cell reprogramming
- regulatory T cells
- transforming growth factor-β
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Li
- a Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science , China Medical University , Shenyang , PR, China
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The immunopotentiating effects of shark-derived protein hydrolysate. Nutrition 2014; 30:706-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2013.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Ebrahimpour S, Tabari MA, Youssefi MR, Aghajanzadeh H, Behzadi MY. Synergistic effect of aged garlic extract and naltrexone on improving immune responses to experimentally induced fibrosarcoma tumor in BALB/c mice. Pharmacognosy Res 2013; 5:189-94. [PMID: 23901215 PMCID: PMC3719261 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.112426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Garlic, a medicinal plant, and Naltrexone (NTX), an opioid receptor antagonist, both have immunomodulatory and antitumor effects. Current study was designed to evaluate synergistic antitumor effects of aged garlic extract (AGE) and NTX. Materials and Methods: WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma cells were implanted subcutaneously on day 0 into right flank of 80 BALB/c mice at age of 8 weeks. Mice were randomly categorized in four separate groups: The first group received AGE (100 mg/kg, i.p.), the second group received NTX (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), the third group received both of them, and the fourth group received phosphate buffered saline as control group. Treatments were administered three times per week. Tumor growth was measured and morbidity was recorded. Subpopulations of CD4+/CD8+ T cells were determined using flowcytometery. WEHI-164 cell specific cytotoxicity of splenocytes and in vitro production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) cytokines were measured. All statistical analyses were conducted with SPSS 16 software and P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The mice who received AGE+NTX had significantly longer survival time compared with the mice treated with AGE or NTX alone. An enhanced inhibitory effect on tumor growth was seen in combination therapy group. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio and in vitro IFN-γ production of splenocytes were significantly increased in AGE+NTX and NTX groups. WEHI-164 specific cytotoxicity of splenocytes was also significantly increased at 25:1 E:T ratio in AGE+NTX treated mice. Coadministration of AGE with NTX resulted in improvement of immune responses against experimentally implanted fibrosarcoma tumors in BALB/c mice. Conclusions: AGE showed synergistic effects with NTX on inhibition of tumor growth and increment of survival times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheil Ebrahimpour
- Infection Disease and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Chen W, Liu J, Meng J, Lu C, Li X, Wang E, Shan F. Macrophage polarization induced by neuropeptide methionine enkephalin (MENK) promotes tumoricidal responses. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:1755-68. [PMID: 22419372 PMCID: PMC11028532 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1240-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate macrophages polarization induced by methionine enkephalin (MENK) that promotes tumoricidal responses in vivo and in vitro. Both phenotypic and functional activities of macrophages were assessed by the quantitative analysis of key surface molecules on macrophages with flow cytometry, immunofluorescent staining, and the production of cytokines with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that MENK could down-regulate the expression of CD206 and the production of arginase-1 (the markers of alternatively activated (M2) macrophage) in tumor-associated macrophages in vivo, meanwhile it could significantly up-regulate the expression of CD64, MHC-II, and the production of induced nitric oxide synthase (the markers of classically activated (M1) macrophages). Furthermore, the studies on bone marrow-derived macrophages treated with MENK (10(-12) M) in vitro had demonstrated that MENK could markedly increase tumoricidal activity. MENK could also enhance the release of reactive oxidant species and the production of interleukin-12p40, tumor necrosis factor-α, while decrease the production of interleukin-10. In conclusion, MENK could effectively induce M2 macrophages polarizing to M1 macrophages, sequentially to modulate the Th1 responses of the host immune system. Our results suggest that MENK might have great potential as a new therapeutic agent for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenna Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 92, North Second Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 People’s Republic of China
- Center of Teaching and Research, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 79, Chongshan Eastern Road, Huanggu District, Shenyang, 110847 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinling Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 92, North Second Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingjuan Meng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 92, North Second Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 People’s Republic of China
| | - Changlong Lu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 92, North Second Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ximing Li
- Center of Teaching and Research, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 79, Chongshan Eastern Road, Huanggu District, Shenyang, 110847 People’s Republic of China
| | - Enhua Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, No. 92, North Second Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 People’s Republic of China
| | - Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 92, North Second Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 People’s Republic of China
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Hua H, Lu C, Li W, Meng J, Wang D, Plotnikoff NP, Wang E, Shan F. Comparison of stimulating effect on subpopulations of lymphocytes in human peripheral blood by methionine enkephalin with IL-2 and IFN-γ. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2012; 8:1082-9. [PMID: 22854663 DOI: 10.4161/hv.20759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mechanisms of methionine enkephalin (MENK) on lymphocytes in human peripheral blood. We detected CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg), dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer cells (NK), NKT cells and γδT cells before and after treatment with 10 (-12) M MENK, in cell culture by FCM and RT-PCR. Our findings show that MENK stimulating expansion of lymphocyte subpopulationns by inhibiting CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg), which is unique discovery of our study. We may use MENK as a drug to treat cancer patients, whose immune systems are damaged by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hua
- Department of Immunology; School of Basic Medical Science; China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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10
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Karaji AG, Reiss D, Matifas A, Kieffer BL, Gavériaux-Ruff C. Influence of Endogenous Opioid Systems on T Lymphocytes as Assessed by the Knockout of Mu, Delta and Kappa Opioid Receptors. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2011; 6:608-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s11481-011-9314-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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11
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Shan F, Xia Y, Wang N, Meng J, Lu C, Meng Y, Plotnikoff NP. Functional modulation of the pathway between dendritic cells (DCs) and CD4+T cells by the neuropeptide: methionine enkephalin (MENK). Peptides 2011; 32:929-37. [PMID: 21335041 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Revised: 01/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
MENK, the endogenous neuropeptide, is suggested to be involved in the regulatory loop between the immune and neuroendocrine systems, with modulation of various functions of cells related to both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Our present research findings show that MENK serves as an immune modulator to the pathway between DCs and CD4+T cells. We studied changes of DCs in key surface molecules, the activity of acid phosphatases (ACPs), the production of IL-12, and the effects on murine CD4+T cell expansion and their cytokine production by MENK alone, and in combination with interleukin-2 (IL-2) or interferon-γ (IFN-γ). In fact, we found that MENK could markedly induce the maturation of DCs through the addition of surface molecules such as MHC class II, CD86, and CD40 on murine DCs, the production of IL-12, and the down-regulation of ACP inside DCs, (which occurs when phagocytosis of DCs is decreased, and antigen presentation increased with maturation). We also found that MENK alone or in combination with IL-2 or IFN-γ, could markedly up-regulate both CD4+T cell expansion and the CD4 molecule expression in vivo and in vitro and that MENK alone, or MENK+IL-2, could enhance the production of interferon-γ from CD4+T cells. Moreover, MENK alone, or MENK+IFN-γ, could enhance the production of IL-2 from CD4+T cells. It is therefore concluded that MENK can exert positive modulation to the pathway between dendritic cells and CD4+T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 92, North Second Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110001, PR China.
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12
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Assis MA, Valdomero A, García-Keller C, Sotomayor C, Cancela LM. Decrease of lymphoproliferative response by amphetamine is mediated by dopamine from the nucleus accumbens: influence on splenic met-enkephalin levels. Brain Behav Immun 2011; 25:647-57. [PMID: 21237264 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2010] [Revised: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic pathway being one of the main substrates underlying stimulating and reinforcing effects induced by psychostimulant drugs, there is little information regarding its role in their effects at the immune level. We have previously demonstrated that acute exposure to amphetamine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) induced an inhibitory effect on the splenic T-cell proliferative response, along with an increase in the methionine(met)-enkephalin content at limbic and immune levels, 4 days after drug administration. In this study, we investigated if a possible dopamine mechanism underlies these amphetamine-induced effects by administering D1 and D2 dopaminergic antagonists or a dopaminergic terminal neurotoxin before the drug. Pre-treatment with either SCH-23390 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) or raclopride (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), a D1 or D2 dopaminergic receptor antagonist, respectively, abrogated the effects of amphetamine on the lymphoproliferative response and on met-enkephalin levels of the spleen. The amphetamine-induced increase in limbic met-enkephalin content was suppressed by SCH-23390 but not by raclopride pre-treatment. Finally, an intra-accumbens 6-hydroxy-dopamine injection administered 2 weeks previously prevented amphetamine-induced effects on the lymphoproliferative response and on met-enkephalin levels in the prefrontal cortex and spleen. These findings strongly suggest that D1 and D2 dopaminergic receptors are involved in amphetamine-induced effects at immune level as regards the lymphoproliferative response and the changes in spleen met-enkephalin content, whereas limbic met-enkephalin levels were modulated only by the D1 dopaminergic receptors. In addition, this study showed that a mesolimbic component modulated amphetamine-induced effects on the immune response, as previously shown at a behavioral level.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Amparo Assis
- Departamento de Farmacología (IFEC-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Symons FJ. Self-injurious behavior in neurodevelopmental disorders: relevance of nociceptive and immune mechanisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2011; 35:1266-74. [PMID: 21237197 PMCID: PMC3086601 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2010] [Revised: 01/03/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Self-injurious behavior (SIB) among individuals with intellectual and related neurodevelopmental disorders (IDD) is a clinical challenge and scientific puzzle. The physiological mechanisms regulating the sensory components of SIB remain a mystery with no clear understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. The central dogma regarding sensory processing in general and pain in particular among individuals with IDD and chronic SIB is that sensory processing is reduced and pain is absent or blunted. In this paper, recent findings challenging some of the conventional wisdom regarding pain and sensory function among individuals with IDD and SIB are reviewed. It seems that at least a subgroup of individuals with IDD and chronic SIB may be in a physiological state similar to neuropathic pain in which hyperalgesia is mediated by plasticity mechanisms regulating inflammatory, immune, and nociceptive systems. In response to repeated tissue damage associated with chronic self-injury, innate immune cells may be producing pro-inflammatory and pro-nociceptive cytokines that act on the brain to cause sickness-like behavior and sensitize primary sensory nerve afferents contributing to pain hypersensitivity (i.e., hyperalgesia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank J Symons
- Center for Neurobehavioral Development, Department of Educational Psychology, 56 River Road Education Sciences Building, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Assis MA, Hansen C, Lux-Lantos V, Cancela LM. Sensitization to amphetamine occurs simultaneously at immune level and in met-enkephalin of the nucleus accumbens and spleen: an involved NMDA glutamatergic mechanism. Brain Behav Immun 2009; 23:464-73. [PMID: 19486656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2009.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2008] [Revised: 01/06/2009] [Accepted: 01/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Administration of psychostimulants can elicit a sensitized response to the stimulating and reinforcing properties of the drugs, although there is scarce information regarding their effects at immune level. We previously demonstrated that an acute exposure to amphetamine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) induced an inhibitory effect on the splenic T-cell proliferative response, along with an increase in met-enkephalin at limbic and immune levels, 4 days following drug administration. In this study, we evaluated the amphetamine-induced effects at weeks one and three after the same single dose treatment (5 mg/kg, i.p.) on the lymphoproliferative response and on the met-enkephalin in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), prefrontal cortex (PfC), spleen and thymus. It was demonstrated that these effects disappeared completely after three weeks, although re-exposure to an amphetamine challenge induced the expression of sensitization to the effects of amphetamine on the lymphoproliferative response and on the met-enkephalin from NAc, spleen and thymus, but not in the PfC. Pre-treatment with MK-801 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) glutamatergic receptor antagonist, blocked the effects of a single amphetamine exposure on the lymphoproliferative response and on met-enkephalin in the NAc and spleen. Furthermore, the NMDA receptor antagonist administered prior to amphetamine challenge also blocked the expression of sensitization in both parameters evaluated. These findings show a long-lasting amphetamine-induced sensitization phenomenon at the immune level in a parallel way to that occurring in the limbic and immune enkephalineric system. A glutamate mechanism is implied in the long-term amphetamine-induced effects at immune level and in the met-enkephalin from NAc and spleen.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Amparo Assis
- National University of Córdoba, School of Chemical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba-CONICET, Medina Allende y Haya de la Torre, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
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15
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Sánchez-Hidalgo M, Martín AR, Villegas I, de la Lastra CA. Rosiglitazone, a PPARgamma ligand, modulates signal transduction pathways during the development of acute TNBS-induced colitis in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2007; 562:247-58. [PMID: 17343846 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2006] [Revised: 01/09/2007] [Accepted: 01/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), a highly nuclear receptor expressed in the colon, may participate in the control of inflammation, especially in regulating the production of immunomodulatory and inflammatory mediators, cellular proliferation and apoptosis. In order to delve into the anti-inflammatory mechanisms and signalling pathways of PPARgamma agonists, we have studied the effects of rosiglitazone, a PPARgamma agonist on the extent and severity of acute ulcerative colitis caused by intracolonic administration of 2,4,6-trinitribenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats. The inflammatory response was assessed by gross appearance, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels and a histological study of the lesions. We determined prostaglandin E2 production as well as the cyclooxygenases (COX)-1 and -2 expressions by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The nuclear factor kappa (NF-kappaB) p65 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression levels were also measured by Western blotting. Finally, since PPARgamma agonists modulate apoptosis, we tried to clarify its effects under early acute inflammatory conditions. Inflammation following TNBS induction was characterized by increased colonic wall thickness, edema, diffuse inflammatory cells infiltration, necrosis reaching an ulcer index (UI) of 9.66+/-0.66 cm(2) and increased MPO activity and TNF-alpha colonic levels. Rosiglitazone treatment significantly reduced the morphological alteration associated with TNBS administration and the UI with the highest dose. In addition, the degree of neutrophil infiltration and the cytokine levels were significantly ameliorated. Rosiglitazone significantly reduced the rise in the prostaglandin (PG) E(2) generation compared with TNBS group. The COX-1 levels remained stable throughout the treatment in all groups. The COX-2 expression was elevated in TNBS group; however rosiglitazone administration reduced the COX-2 overexpression. A high expression of NF-kappaB p65 and p38 MAPK proteins appeared in colon mucosa from control TNBS-treated rats; nevertheless, PPARgamma agonist treatment drastically decreased them. There were no significant changes in apoptosis after rosiglitazone treatment when compared to TNBS group. In conclusion, rosiglitazone seems to modulate the acute colitis through NF-kappaB p65 and p38 MAPK signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Sánchez-Hidalgo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Sevilla, Profesor García González Street 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
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