Neuroendocrine regulation of mucosal immunity

Neuropeptides and lymphocyte populations in the porcine ileum and ileocecal lymph nodes during postnatal life

The maturation-related changes in the concentrations of galanin (Gal), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP) and somatostatin (Som), as well as in subpopulations of lymphocytes expressing antigens CD2 (lymphocytes T), CD4 (T helper), CD8 (T cytotoxic), CD21 (B lymphocytes), CD5-/CD8+ (NK cells) and TCRgamma/delta (gut mucosal/intraepitelial cells) were studied in the ileal Peyer's patches and ileo-cecal lymph nodes in female pigs aged 3 days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 4 months. As regards neuropeptide concentrations statistically significant changes in the ileum and lymph nodes were found only in case of Gal and VIP. The concentrations of neuropeptides were significantly higher only in new-born animals. As regards the changes in subpopulations of lymphocytes, statistically significant changes were noticed only in 4-months old animals and were dealing only with CD2+ and TCRgamma/delta cells in the ileum as well as CD4+, CD8+, CD21+ and TCRgamma/delta in lymph nodes. The highest number of CD8+, CD21+ and TCRgamma/delta lymphocytes occurred in 4-months old animals.

Secretion of immunomodulating neuropeptides (VIP, SP) and nitric oxide synthase in porcine small intestine during postnatal development

Immunohistological identification/localization of immunomodulating neuropeptides [vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and substance P (SP)] and enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) as well as histomorphometric analyses of kinetics of their release and development of respective nerve fibers density during postnatal ontogenesis of porcine intestinal mucosal immune system (IMIS), were performed in order to assess the role of these molecules involved in maturation of the IMIS. The kinetcs of reactions to VIP, SP and NOS were demonstrated in the samples of jejunum and ileum from conventionally reared pigs. The samples were obtained at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 days of age and processed for immunohistological staining. The VIP⁺ reaction was prevalently visible in the epithelial layer, lamina propria and Lieberkühn crypts (Lc) but also in the submucosa and lamina muscularis along blood and lymphatic vessels. The SP⁺ fibers were regularly distributed along enteric neurons in the muscular layer. The reaction to NOS was demonstrated in both mucosa and submucosa of ileum and jejunum and in the ileal Peyer's patches (PP). Intensity of the reaction was more pronounced in the epithelial layer and numerous NOS⁺ cells were observed around the Lc and inside the follicles of the PP. Also, we have noticed NOS⁺ blood vessels, particular neurons and nerve fibers in the submucosa and muscular layer of the small intestine. By analyzing quantitative patterns of SP⁺, VIP⁺ fibers and release of NOS we have concluded that intensity of their reactions gradually increases with age, except a short period of stagnation after weaning (at age of 28 days), reaching the highest values in the pigs aged between 42 and 49 days. The values obtained by Sperman rank order correlation test (rs) between days of age of pigs and intensity of the reactions in their jejunum/ileum to VIP (r_s=0.97/0.95), SP (r_s=0.97/0.97) and NOS (r_s=0.98/0.95), respectively, showed positive correlations (P<0.05) according to Roemer Orphal scale. Current study showed that post-natal development of porcine IMIS was accompanied by a substantial increase in the secretion of neuropeptides/enzyme tested and that these molecules may participate in the functional maturation of immunoregulatory/bactericidal mechanisms of the local (intestinal) immune defense in young pigs.

Autonomic innervation of immune organs and neuroimmune modulation

1. Increasing evidence indicates the occurrence of functional interconnections between immune and nervous systems, although data available on the mechanisms of this bi-directional cross-talking are frequently incomplete and not always focussed on their relevance for neuroimmune modulation. 2. Primary (bone marrow and thymus) and secondary (spleen and lymph nodes) lymphoid organs are supplied with an autonomic (mainly sympathetic) efferent innervation and with an afferent sensory innervation. Anatomical studies have revealed origin, pattern of distribution and targets of nerve fibre populations supplying lymphoid organs. 3. Classic (catecholamines and acetylcholine) and peptide transmitters of neural and non-neural origin are released in the lymphoid microenvironment and contribute to neuroimmune modulation. Neuropeptide Y, substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and vasoactive intestinal peptide represent the neuropeptides most involved in neuroimmune modulation. 4. Immune cells and immune organs express specific receptors for (neuro)transmitters. These receptors have been shown to respond in vivo and/or in vitro to the neural substances and their manipulation can alter immune responses. Changes in immune function can also influence the distribution of nerves and the expression of neural receptors in lymphoid organs. 5. Data on different populations of nerve fibres supplying immune organs and their role in providing a link between nervous and immune systems are reviewed. Anatomical connections between nervous and immune systems represent the structural support of the complex network of immune responses. A detailed knowledge of interactions between nervous and immune systems may represent an important basis for the development of strategies for treating pathologies in which altered neuroimmune cross-talking may be involved.

Human eosinophils produce neurotrophins and secrete nerve growth factor on immunologic stimuli

Neurotrophins, such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), are essential for development, function, and survival of peripheral sympathetic and sensory neurons. Most eosinophilic leukocytes in the human body are localized in mucosal tissues; however, the roles of eosinophils in human diseases are not fully understood. We found that human eosinophils constitutively express messenger RNA for NGF and NT-3, synthesize and store these proteins intracellularly, and continuously replenish them. Incubation of eosinophils with a transcription inhibitor, actinomycin D, for 8 hours completely depletes intracellular NGF and NT-3. New synthesis of NGF is enhanced by Fc-receptor-mediated stimuli, such as immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG immune complexes; in contrast, production of NT-3 is not affected by these stimuli. Notably, supernatants of eosinophils stimulated with IgA immune complex and interleukin 5 promote neurite extension of the PC-12 pheochromocytoma cell line; this effect is abolished by pretreatment of the supernatants with anti-NGF-neutralizing antibody. By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, substantial amounts of NGF protein are also detected in the supernatants of stimulated eosinophils. Furthermore, in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, the concentrations of NGF in nasal secretions correlate with the magnitudes of eosinophilic inflammation in the airway, suggesting a potential clinical implication of eosinophil NGF. Our observations propose a new pathologic mechanism by which eosinophils may contribute to enhanced neurologic responses in patients with allergic diseases and other eosinophilic disorders. Alternatively, eosinophils may play important roles in maintenance and restoration of homeostatic functions of mucosal tissues through the pleitropic activities of NGF.

Tachykinins and neuro-immune interactions in asthma

Excitatory non-adrenergic-non-cholinergic neuropeptides, such as the tachykinins substance P and neurokinin A, and its receptors are present in human and animal airways. Tachykinins are biologically active at extremely low concentrations. These peptides can cause potent inflammatory effects and can affect airway function in a way that resembles features of asthma. Local release of tachykinins affects blood vessels (vasodilatation and increased vascular permeability) and bronchial smooth muscle (bronchoconstrition and hyperresponsiveness). Neuropeptide research has revealed that tachykinins also play an important modulatory role in immune reactions. Tachykinins stimulate immune cells, such as mast cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages and are chemotactic for neutrophils and eosinophils. Vice versa, a range of immune cell mediators can also induce the release of tachykinins from excitatory NANC nerve endings in the airways. In the last 20 years, significant advances have been made in investigations of the interaction between immune cells and nervous systems in chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma.

Excitatory non-adrenergic-non-cholinergic neuropeptides: key players in asthma

Professor David de Wied first introduced the term 'neuropeptides' at the end of 1971. Later peptide hormones and their fragments, endogenous opioid (morphine-like) peptides and a large number of other biogenic peptides became classified as neuropeptides. All of these peptides are united by a number of common features including their origin (nervous system and peptide-secreting cells found in various organs such as skin, gut, lungs), biosynthesis, secretion, metabolism, and enormous effectiveness. Neuropeptides are biologically active at extremely low concentrations. The past decade, neuropeptide research has revealed that neuropeptides also participate strongly in immune reactions. The neuro-immune concept has opened up a whole new research area. In the last 20 years, significant advances have been made in investigations of the interaction between immune and nervous systems in chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma. The goal of this review is to bring together the functional relevance of excitatory non-adrenergic-non-cholinergic (NANC) nerves and the interaction with the immune system in asthma.

Potential effect of the administration of substance P and allergen therapy on immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic reactions in human subjects

Previously we observed and reported that immunoglobulin E-mediated (IgE-mediated) allergy in rhesus monkeys was decreased by the administration of substance P (SP) and an allergen. We extended these studies to human subjects, giving SP and 1 allergen to subjects with reactivity to more than 1 allergen, using reactivity to a second allergen as a control. SP and an allergen were initially given by aerosol delivery but subsequently were given by injection. The administration of SP and 1 allergen by aerosol delivery or injection resulted in decreased IgE-mediated reactivity to the allergen administered and also to the control allergen. This result occurred in 7 of 8 human subjects. The 2 initial subjects receiving 8 SP and allergen injections had a sharp reduction in their symptoms of ragweed hay fever lasting for 3 years to date. No significant reactions to the injection of SP occurred. Further controlled human research is necessary on the administration of SP and allergen and the mechanisms of action. Unexpected and serendipitous results first observed in rhesus monkeys and reproduced in allergic human subjects provide a new and potential mechanism for control and perhaps obliteration of common IgE-mediated allergies and even more-serious allergic problems.

Review article: In vitro models in inflammatory bowel disease research--a critical review

Research efforts in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been directed towards the epithelium as it has become clear that epithelial cells play a critical role in inflammatory response. Most research involving IBD employs in vitro techniques. In vitro epithelial cell studies have played and are continuing to play a major role in providing specific information relevant to IBD. Thus, such studies have provided irrefutable evidence that epithelial responses can be induced by microbes/microbial products and by immune activation. Culture experiments have provided insights into the effects of individual cytokines and other inflammatory mediators on epithelial pathophysiology, injury and repair, apoptosis, necrosis, and other processes that may be involved in IBD. Activated epithelial cells can participate in and even orchestrate immune responses, by stimulating T cells (and possibly others) and by producing cytokines that recruit specific inflammatory cells. Physiological regulation of epithelial tight junctions has been demonstrated by in vitro studies; the implication of this information for treating IBD is just beginning to be explored. It is becoming increasingly clear that epithelial processing and presentation of antigens is critical to the outcome of the immune response.

Local immunocompetence and salivary cortisol in confinement

The present study describes the effects of a 60-day isolation period on the salivary levels of cortisol and secretory IgA. The study took place in the context of the EXEMSI project in which four volunteers were isolated in a space station-like chamber in the DLR Institute of Aerospace Medicine in order to examine the effects of long term isolation. Inspection of the individual immunoglobulin A secretion rates revealed different patterns of cyclic variation with respect to the weekday-weekend schedule, and different time lags for the adaptation leading to a plateau for this parameter. The salivary cortisol levels showed a circadian rhythm with high concentrations in the early morning (7:30 am) and lower concentrations in the late evening (11:00 pm). Moreover, in all subjects marked increases of salivary cortisol were observed in a 12- to 14-day cycle. In two subjects the marked morning-evening differences were only visible at the weekends. The salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A levels were determined twice weekly before and after completion of a complex decision-making test. The results reveal a changed responsiveness in all subjects at different times.

Substance P and adrenocorticotropic hormone do not affect T-lymphocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium or surface expression of adhesion receptors

Substance P (SP) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) are peptides that have been shown to have both neurological and immunological effects. Because of the demonstrated effects upon immune function, we examined the effects of these peptides on T-lymphocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium and surface adhesion receptor expression. Neither the adhesion assays nor the expression assays showed any statistically significant effect of SP (10 microM) or ACTH (1 microM) for any incubation period used. We conclude that, while SP and ACTH have a variety of immunomodulatory effects, direct modulation of T-lymphocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium is probably not one of them.

Somatostatin and the immune and haematopoetic system; a review

SS-R and SS have been demonstrated in non-pathological and pathological lymphoid tissue and may play a regulatory, mostly inhibitory, role in the immune response. SS is produced by lymphocytes and monocytes which suggests an autocrine or paracrine regulatory role, but SS may be released as well by nerve endings. It can therefore be hypothesized that apart from a role of SS in local, immunomodulation of cells belonging to the immune system, a second pathway exists in which this peptide exerts its effects via neuroendocrine modulation of the immune response which might represent a direct regulatory relation between the nervous and the immune system. The presence of SS-R in lymphoid neoplasm cells and in diseases involving activated mononuclear leukocytes allows the visualization of these diseases using octreotide scintigraphy. This technique may be used in the evaluation of the spread of these diseases and to monitor their response to therapy. Moreover, the presence of SS-R in immune diseases warrants studies on the efficacy of treatment with octreotide of patients suffering from these diseases.

Neuroenteric peptides affect natural killer activity by intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells

The effect of the neuropeptides bombesin and vasoactive intestinal peptide, as well as neurotensin, on natural killer activity by lamina propria mononuclear cells isolated from histologically normal mucosa was assessed. Bombesin and vasoactive intestinal peptide were found to dose-dependently stimulate natural killer activity against Caco-2 colon carcinoma target cells, especially in a short incubation assay, whereas no alterations of cytotoxicity were found against K-562 target cells. Neurotensin, on the contrary, was not found to affect this type of cellular cytotoxicity. Differences in the modulatory effects of these gastrointestinal peptides on natural killer activity by lamina propria mononuclear cells may be related to the distinct localization differences of these peptides within the bowel. The present findings illustrate the existence of neuro-immune interactions at the intestinal mucosa level.

The role of autonomic nervous system and inflammatory mediators in nasal hyperreactivity: a review

The last decade has seen a marked increase in the number of otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons who have been trained to perform rhinologic surgery. This includes both rhinoseptoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of rhinitis and sinusitis has also kept pace with this rapid expansion of surgical intervention. For example, significant advances have taken place in our knowledge of the local immune system in the nose, particularly in regard to mucosal and submucosal mast cells and the development of protective antibodies in the nasal mucosa against viral and bacterial infections. We have far more understanding of the complex innervation of the blood vessels and glands in the nasal mucosa and their receptors, and, most recently, a tremendous increase of scientific data has accumulated on the effect of neuropeptides on the nasal mucous membrane. It is imperative that rhinologic surgeons have an understanding and appreciation of the complex patterns of sensory and autonomic innervation of the nose to better evaluate the medical, allergic, and surgical treatment of acute and chronic rhinitis and sinusitis. This discussion will focus on recent advances in our understanding of the biochemical substances that are released by both the autonomic nervous system and the sensory nervous system in the nasal mucosa. The effect of these mediators on both vascular smooth muscle and the seromucinous glands of the nose will be considered. Finally, the dynamic interaction between the inflammatory mediators released by sensory nerves so-called tachykinins-- and the immune system and mast cell degranulation will be considered.

Modulatory effects of VIP and related peptides from the gastrointestinal tract on cell mediated cytotoxicity against tumour cells in vitro

In the present study the effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), peptide histidine-methionine (PHM), and secretin on spontaneous cell mediated cytotoxicity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells against tumour target cells was evaluated. VIP stimulated cytotoxicity against CaCo-2 human colon cancer cells, whereas less effect was seen against K-562 erythroleukemia cells. Depletion of CD16+ natural killer cells almost completely abolished cytotoxicity and subsequent VIP incubation did not change residual activity. In contrast to PHM, which hardly influenced cytotoxicity, secretin was found to be more effective especially against K-562 target cells. These observations suggest a modulating role for the neuropeptide VIP in the cellular immune response against tumour cells, especially from the colon, resulting in increased activity of CD16+ natural killer cells. Secretin, seems to be less potent in modulating cellular cytotoxicity. These findings support the concept that gastrointestinal peptides can play a role in the regulation of cellular cytotoxicity against tumor cells.

Characterization of calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors and adenylate cyclase response in the murine macrophage cell line P388 D1

Specific receptors for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were identified and characterized on plasma membranes from the interleukin-1 secreting murine macrophage-like cells line P388 D1. The binding of [125I]-rat CGRP I was time-dependent, reversible and the rate of dissociation of [125I]-rat CGRP I increased in the presence of GTP. Scatchard analysis was consistent with a single class of binding sites, with an apparent dissociation constant of 1.76 nM and a maximal binding capacity of 85.48 fmol/mg protein. In competitive displacement studies, rat CGRP I, human CGRP I and human CGRP II were equipotent to inhibit the binding of [125I]-rat CGRP I (IC50 = 4 nM) while rat CGRP II and the synthetic analogue [tyr(o)]-human CGRP I were ten-fold less potent. Porcine calcitonin and VIP did not inhibit tracer binding. In the presence of GTP, CGRP stimulation of adenylate cyclase was dose-dependent and strongly correlated with receptor occupation. These results indicate that the P388 D1 macrophage-like cell line expresses CGRP specific receptors functionally coupled to adenylate cyclase, which may be involved in CGRP-mediated macrophage immune response.