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Biagioni C, Traini C, Faussone‐Pellegrini MS, Idrizaj E, Baccari MC, Vannucchi MG. Prebiotics counteract the morphological and functional changes secondary to chronic cisplatin exposition in the proximal colon of mice. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18161. [PMID: 38445787 PMCID: PMC10915824 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is an antimitotic drug able to cause acute and chronic gastrointestinal side effects. Acute side effects are attributable to mucositis while chronic ones are due to neuropathy. Cisplatin has also antibiotic properties inducing dysbiosis which enhances the inflammatory response, worsening local damage. Thus, a treatment aimed at protecting the microbiota could prevent or reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy. Furthermore, since a healthy microbiota enhances the effects of some chemotherapeutic drugs, prebiotics could also improve this drug effectiveness. We investigated whether chronic cisplatin administration determined morphological and functional alterations in mouse proximal colon and whether a diet enriched in prebiotics had protective effects. The results showed that cisplatin caused lack of weight gain, increase in kaolin intake, decrease in stool production and mucus secretion. Prebiotics prevented increases in kaolin intake, changes in stool production and mucus secretion, but had no effect on the lack of weight gain. Moreover, cisplatin determined a reduction in amplitude of spontaneous muscular contractions and of Connexin (Cx)43 expression in the interstitial cells of Cajal, changes that were partially prevented by prebiotics. In conclusion, the present study shows that daily administration of prebiotics, likely protecting the microbiota, prevents most of the colonic cisplatin-induced alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Biagioni
- Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Chiara Traini
- Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | | | - Eglantina Idrizaj
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Maria Caterina Baccari
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
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Idrizaj E, Biagioni C, Traini C, Vannucchi MG, Baccari MC. Glucagon-like Peptide-2 Depresses Ileal Contractility in Preparations from Mice through Opposite Modulatory Effects on Nitrergic and Cholinergic Neurotransmission. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1855. [PMID: 38339131 PMCID: PMC10855646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) has been reported to influence gastrointestinal motor responses, exerting a modulatory role on enteric neurotransmission. To our knowledge, no data on GLP-2 effects on the motility of the isolated ileum are available; therefore, we investigated whether GLP-2 affects the contractile activity of mouse ileal preparations and the neurotransmitters engaged. Ileal preparations showed tetrodotoxin (TTX)- and atropine-insensitive spontaneous contractile activity, which was unaffected by the nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor, L-NNA. GLP-2 depressed the spontaneous contractility, an effect that was abolished by TTX or L-NNA and not influenced by atropine. Electrical field stimulation induced TTX- and atropine-sensitive contractile responses, which were reduced in amplitude by GLP-2 even in the presence of L-NNA. Immunohistochemical results showed a significant increase in nNOS-positive fibers in the ileal muscle wall and a significant decrease in ChAT-positive myenteric neurons in GLP-2-exposed preparations. The present results offer the first evidence that GLP-2 acts on ileal preparations. The hormone appears to depress ileal contractility through a dual opposite modulatory effect on inhibitory nitrergic and excitatory cholinergic neurotransmission. From a physiological point of view, it could be hypothesized that GLP-2 inhibitory actions on ileal contractility can increase transit time, facilitating nutrient absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eglantina Idrizaj
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Cristina Biagioni
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (C.T.)
| | - Chiara Traini
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (C.T.)
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (C.T.)
| | - Maria Caterina Baccari
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
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Traini C, Idrizaj E, Biagioni C, Baccari MC, Vannucchi MG. Otilonium Bromide Prevents Cholinergic Changes in the Distal Colon Induced by Chronic Water Avoidance Stress, a Rat Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087440. [PMID: 37108603 PMCID: PMC10139220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly widespread gastrointestinal disorder whose symptomatology mainly affect the large intestine. Among the risk factors, psychosocial stress is the most acknowledged. The repeated water avoidance stress (rWAS) is considered an animal model of psychosocial stress that is capable of mimicking IBS. Otilonium bromide (OB), which is orally administered, concentrates in the large bowel and controls most of the IBS symptoms in humans. Several reports have shown that OB has multiple mechanisms of action and cellular targets. We investigated whether the application of rWAS to rats induced morphological and functional alterations of the cholinergic neurotransmission in the distal colon and whether OB prevented them. The results demonstrated that rWAS affects cholinergic neurotransmission by causing an increase in acid mucin secretion, in the amplitude of electrically evoked contractile responses, abolished by atropine, and in the number of myenteric neurons expressing choline acetyltransferase. OB counteracted these changes and also showed an intrinsic antimuscarinic effect on the post-synaptic muscular receptors. We assume that the rWAS consequences on the cholinergic system are linked to corticotrophin-releasing factor-1 (CRF1) receptor activation by the CRF hypothalamic hormone. OB, by interfering with the CFR/CRFr activation, interrupted the cascade events responsible for the changes affecting the rWAS rat colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Traini
- Histology and Embryology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Eglantina Idrizaj
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Biagioni
- Histology and Embryology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Baccari
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Histology and Embryology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
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Baccari MC, Vannucchi MG, Idrizaj E. Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 in the Control of Gastrointestinal Motility: Physiological Implications. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2022; 23:61-69. [PMID: 35176986 DOI: 10.2174/1389203723666220217142935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a pleiotropic hormone that plays several roles in different organs and tissues, so being involved in many physiological processes. Among these, it regulates gastrointestinal (GI) tract function binding to a specific G-protein coupled receptor (GLP-2R). Of note, GLP-2R is widely expressed in different cells of the GI tract, including excitatory and inhibitory neurons of the enteric nervous system. In the gut, GLP-2 has been reported to play numerous actions, among which the modulation of motility. Nevertheless, most of the GLP-2 effects and its role in physiological processes are still debated. The aim of this minireview is to summarize the data present in the literature on the control of GI motility by GLP-2, the mechanism through which it occurs, and to discuss the physiological implications of such effects. A better understanding of the role of GLP-2 on GI motor responses may be of importance for the development of new therapeutic approaches in GI dysmotility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Caterina Baccari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Eglantina Idrizaj
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Grifoni L, Vanti G, Vannucchi MG, Bergonzi MC, Bilia AR. Development and Evaluation of Khellin-loaded Microemulgel for Dermatological Applications. Planta Med 2022. [PMID: 35253148 DOI: 10.1055/a-1789-3112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microemulsions are optically nanosized emulsions, isotropic and thermodynamically stable. They represent versatile drug delivery systems with high potential because they can be administered regardless of route. In the present study, we report on the formulation of a microemulsion made with glycerol (2.25%), Labrasol (20.25%) vitamin E acetate (2.50%), and water (75.00%), which was developed using the pseudo-ternary phase diagram. Globules of the microemulsion had PdI less than 0.25 and size of about 17 nm, evaluated by DLS analysis. These values did not change after loading khellin, a natural lipophilic molecule with interesting biological activities, used as a model of lipophilic drug. Carboxymethyl cellulose was selected as gelling polymer to obtain a microemulgel. Viscosity was 22 100.0 ± 1555.6 mPas·s at 21 ± 2 °C, while it was 8916.5 ± 118.1 mPas·s at 35 ± 2 °C, remaining stable over time. Khellin recovery was 93.16 ± 4.39% and was unchanged after 4 weeks of storage (93.23 ± 2.14%). The pH was 6.59 ± 0.19 and it was found to be 6.42 ± 0.34 at the end of the storage lifetime. The diffusion of khellin from the developed formulation was prolonged over an extended period. Based on overall results and due to the dermatological properties of the ingredients of the formulation, the developed microemulgel loaded with khellin is very promising and suitable for skin care applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Grifoni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Vanti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Section of Histology and Embryology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Anna Rita Bilia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Traini C, Nistri S, Calosi L, Vannucchi MG. Chronic Exposure to Cigarette Smoke Affects the Ileum and Colon of Guinea Pigs Differently. Relaxin (RLX-2, Serelaxin) Prevents Most Local Damage. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:804623. [PMID: 35095510 PMCID: PMC8793690 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.804623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking (CS) is the cause of several organ and apparatus diseases. The effects of smoke in the gut are partially known. Accumulating evidence has shown a relationship between smoking and inflammatory bowel disease, prompting us to investigate the mechanisms of action of smoking in animal models. Despite the role played by neuropeptides in gut inflammation, there are no reports on their role in animal models of smoking exposure. The hormone relaxin has shown anti-inflammatory properties in the intestine, and it might represent a putative therapy to prevent gut damage caused by smoking. Presently, we investigate the effects of chronic smoke exposure on inflammation, mucosal secretion, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P (SP) expressions in the ileum and colon of guinea pigs. We also verify the ability of relaxin to counter the smoke-induced effects. Smoke impacted plasma carbon monoxide (CO). In the ileum, it induced inflammatory infiltrates, fibrosis, and acidic mucin production; reduced the blood vessel area; decreased c-kit-positive mast cells and VIP-positive neurons; and increased the SP-positive nerve fibers. In the colon, it reduced the blood vessel area and the goblet cell area and decreased c-kit-positive mast cells, VIP-positive neurons, and SP-positive nerve fibers. Relaxin prevented most of the smoking-induced changes in the ileum, while it was less effective in the colon. This study shows the diverse sensitivity to CS between the ileum and the colon and demonstrates that both VIP and SP are affected by smoking. The efficacy of relaxin proposes this hormone as a potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic to counteract gut damage in humans affected by inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Traini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Nistri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Calosi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Traini C, Idrizaj E, Garella R, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Baccari MC, Vannucchi MG. Otilonium Bromide treatment prevents nitrergic functional and morphological changes caused by chronic stress in the distal colon of a rat IBS model. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:6988-7000. [PMID: 34109728 PMCID: PMC8278105 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation. Among the risk factors to develop IBS, psychosocial stress is widely acknowledged. The water avoidance stress repeatedly applied (rWAS) is considered effective to study IBS etio-pathogenesis. Otilonium bromide (OB), a drug with multiple mechanisms of action, is largely used to treat IBS patients. Orally administered, it concentrates in the large bowel and significantly ameliorates the IBS symptomatology. Presently, we tested whether rWAS rats developed neuro-muscular abnormalities in the distal colon and whether OB treatment prevented them. The investigation was focussed on the nitrergic neurotransmission by combining functional and morphological methodologies. The results confirm rWAS as reliable animal model to investigate the cellular mechanisms responsible for IBS: exposure to one-hour psychosocial stress for 10 days depressed muscle contractility and increased iNOS expression in myenteric neurons. OB treatment counteracted these effects. We hypothesize that these effects are due to the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) release, the main mediator of the psychosocial stress, followed by a CRF1receptor activation. OB, that was shown to prevent CRF1r activation, reasonably interrupted the cascade events that bring to the mechanical and immunohistochemical changes affecting rWAS rat colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Traini
- Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eglantina Idrizaj
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rachele Garella
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Maria Caterina Baccari
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Ji S, Traini C, Mischopoulou M, Gibbons SJ, Ligresti G, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Sha L, Farrugia G, Vannucchi MG, Cipriani G. Muscularis macrophages establish cell-to-cell contacts with telocytes/PDGFRα-positive cells and smooth muscle cells in the human and mouse gastrointestinal tract. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021; 33:e13993. [PMID: 33020982 PMCID: PMC7902307 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Muscularis macrophages (MMs) not only mediate the innate immunity, but also functionally interact with cells important for gastrointestinal motility. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial relationship and types of contacts between the MMs and neighboring cells in the muscularis propria of human and mouse stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. METHODS The distribution and morphology of MMs and their contacts with other cells were investigated by immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. KEY RESULTS Immunohistochemistry showed variable shape and number of MMs according to their location in different portions of the muscle coat. By double labeling, a close association between MMs and neighboring cells, that is, neurons, smooth muscle cells, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), telocytes (TCs)/PDGFRα-positive cells, was seen. Electron microscopy demonstrated that in the muscle layers of both animal species, MMs have similar ultrastructural features and have specialized cell-to-cell contacts with smooth muscle cells and TCs/PDGFRα-positive cells but not with ICCs and enteric neurons. CONCLUSION & INFERENCES This study describes varying patterns of distribution of MMs between different regions of the gut, and reports the presence of distinct and extended cell-to-cell contacts between MMs and smooth muscle cells and between MMs and TCs/PDGFRα-positive cells. In contrast, MMs, although close to ICCs and nerve elements, did not make contact with them. These findings indicate specialized and variable roles for MMs in the modulation of gastrointestinal motility whose significance should be more closely investigated in normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Ji
- Enteric NeuroScience Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA,Department of Neuroendocrine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chiara Traini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Italy
| | | | - Simon J. Gibbons
- Enteric NeuroScience Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | - Lei Sha
- Department of Neuroendocrine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China,Corresponding authors: Gianluca Cipriani, PhD, Mayo Clinic, Enteric NeuroScience Program, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, 507-210-6402, ; Maria Giuliana Vannucchi MD, PhD, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, Dept of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Viale G. Pieraccini,6, 50139 Florence, Italy, ; Lei Sha, MD, China Medical University, Department of Neuroendocrine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang, Liaoning, China, 77 Pu He Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang, Liaoning province, P. R. China,110122, 18900911003,
| | - Gianrico Farrugia
- Enteric NeuroScience Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Italy,Corresponding authors: Gianluca Cipriani, PhD, Mayo Clinic, Enteric NeuroScience Program, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, 507-210-6402, ; Maria Giuliana Vannucchi MD, PhD, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, Dept of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Viale G. Pieraccini,6, 50139 Florence, Italy, ; Lei Sha, MD, China Medical University, Department of Neuroendocrine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang, Liaoning, China, 77 Pu He Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang, Liaoning province, P. R. China,110122, 18900911003,
| | - Gianluca Cipriani
- Enteric NeuroScience Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA,Corresponding authors: Gianluca Cipriani, PhD, Mayo Clinic, Enteric NeuroScience Program, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, 507-210-6402, ; Maria Giuliana Vannucchi MD, PhD, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, Dept of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Viale G. Pieraccini,6, 50139 Florence, Italy, ; Lei Sha, MD, China Medical University, Department of Neuroendocrine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang, Liaoning, China, 77 Pu He Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang, Liaoning province, P. R. China,110122, 18900911003,
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Nardini P, Pini A, Bessard A, Duchalais E, Niccolai E, Neunlist M, Vannucchi MG. GLP-2 Prevents Neuronal and Glial Changes in the Distal Colon of Mice Chronically Treated with Cisplatin. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228875. [PMID: 33238628 PMCID: PMC7700273 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used for the treatment of solid cancers. Its administration is commonly associated with acute and chronic gastrointestinal dysfunctions, likely related to mucosal and enteric nervous system (ENS) injuries, respectively. Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a pleiotropic hormone exerting trophic/reparative activities on the intestine, via antiapoptotic and pro-proliferating pathways, to guarantee mucosal integrity, energy absorption and motility. Further, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Presently, cisplatin acute and chronic damages and GLP-2 protective effects were investigated in the mouse distal colon using histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques. The mice received cisplatin and the degradation-resistant GLP-2 analog ([Gly2]GLP-2) for 4 weeks. Cisplatin-treated mice showed mucosal damage, inflammation, IL-1β and IL-10 increase; decreased number of total neurons, ChAT- and nNOS-immunoreactive (IR) neurons; loss of SOX-10-IR cells and reduced expression of GFAP- and S100β-glial markers in the myenteric plexus. [Gly2]GLP-2 co-treatment partially prevented mucosal damage and counteracted the increase in cytokines and the loss of nNOS-IR and SOX-10-IR cells but not that of ChAT-IR neurons. Our data demonstrate that cisplatin causes mucosal injuries, neuropathy and gliopathy and that [Gly2]GLP-2 prevents these injuries, partially reducing mucosal inflammation and inducing ENS remodeling. Hence, this analog could represent an effective strategy to overcome colonic injures induced by cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Nardini
- Histology and Embryology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (P.N.); (A.P.); (E.N.)
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Histology and Embryology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (P.N.); (A.P.); (E.N.)
| | - Anne Bessard
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, University of Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (M.N.)
| | - Emilie Duchalais
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, University of Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (M.N.)
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Histology and Embryology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (P.N.); (A.P.); (E.N.)
| | - Michel Neunlist
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, University of Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (M.N.)
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Histology and Embryology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (P.N.); (A.P.); (E.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-275-8152
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10
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Amedei A, Asadzadeh F, Papi F, Vannucchi MG, Ferrucci V, Bermejo IA, Fragai M, De Almeida CV, Cerofolini L, Giuntini S, Bombaci M, Pesce E, Niccolai E, Natali F, Guarini E, Gabel F, Traini C, Catarinicchia S, Ricci F, Orzalesi L, Berti F, Corzana F, Zollo M, Grifantini R, Nativi C. A Structurally Simple Vaccine Candidate Reduces Progression and Dissemination of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. iScience 2020; 23:101250. [PMID: 32629615 PMCID: PMC7322362 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The Tn antigen is a well-known tumor-associated carbohydrate determinant, often incorporated in glycopeptides to develop cancer vaccines. Herein, four copies of a conformationally constrained mimetic of the antigen TnThr (GalNAc-Thr) were conjugated to the adjuvant CRM197, a protein licensed for human use. The resulting vaccine candidate, mime[4]CRM elicited a robust immune response in a triple-negative breast cancer mouse model, correlated with high frequency of CD4+ T cells and low frequency of M2-type macrophages, which reduces tumor progression and lung metastasis growth. Mime[4]CRM-mediated activation of human dendritic cells is reported, and the proliferation of mime[4]CRM-specific T cells, in cancer tissue and peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer, is demonstrated. The locked conformation of the TnThr mimetic and a proper presentation on the surface of CRM197 may explain the binding of the conjugate to the anti-Tn antibody Tn218 and its efficacy to fight cancer cells in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 03, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Fatemeh Asadzadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini, 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy; CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzata, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Papi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia, 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 03, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini, 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy; CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzata, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy
| | - Iris A Bermejo
- Department of Chemistry, University of La Rioja, Madre de Dios, 53, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Marco Fragai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia, 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; CERM, University of Florence, via L. Sacconi, 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Carolina Vieira De Almeida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 03, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- CERM, University of Florence, via L. Sacconi, 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metalloproteine (CIRMMP), via L. Sacconi, 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Stefano Giuntini
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia, 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; Department of Chemistry, University of La Rioja, Madre de Dios, 53, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Mauro Bombaci
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare, Padiglione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Pesce
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare, Padiglione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 03, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesca Natali
- CNR-IOM, c/o Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 avenue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Eleonora Guarini
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, via Sansone, 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Frank Gabel
- Université Grenobles Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Chiara Traini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 03, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Stefano Catarinicchia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 03, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Federica Ricci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 03, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Orzalesi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 03, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Francisco Corzana
- CERM, University of Florence, via L. Sacconi, 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Massimo Zollo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini, 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy; CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzata, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Renata Grifantini
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare, Padiglione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Cristina Nativi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia, 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.
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Vannucchi MG. The Telocytes: Ten Years after Their Introduction in the Scientific Literature. An Update on Their Morphology, Distribution, and Potential Roles in the Gut. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4478. [PMID: 32599706 PMCID: PMC7352570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ten years ago, the term 'telocyte' was introduced in the scientific literature to describe a 'new' cell type described in the connective tissue of several organs by Popescu and Faussone-Pellegrini (2010). Since then, 368 papers containing the term 'telocyte' have been published, 261 of them in the last five years. These numbers underscore the growing interest in this cell type in the scientific community and the general acceptance of the name telocyte to indicate this interstitial cell. Most of these studies, while confirming the importance of transmission electron microscopy to identify the telocytes with certainty, highlight the variability of their immune phenotypes. This variability was interpreted as due to (i) the ability of the telocytes to adapt to the different sites in which they reside; (ii) the distinct functions they are likely to perform; and (iii) the existence of telocyte subtypes. In the present paper, an overview of the last 10 years of literature on telocytes located in the gut will be attempted, confining the revision to the morphological findings. A distinct chapter will be dedicated to the recently hypothesized role of the telocytes the intestinal mucosa. Through this review, it will be shown that telocytes, despite their variability, are a unique interstitial cell.
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12
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Traini C, Idrizaj E, Garella R, Squecco R, Vannucchi MG, Baccari MC. Glucagon-like peptide-2 interferes with the neurally-induced relaxant responses in the mouse gastric strips through VIP release. Neuropeptides 2020; 81:102031. [PMID: 32143816 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) has been reported to indirectly relax gastric smooth muscle. In the present study we investigated, through a combined mechanical and immunohistochemical approach, whether GLP-2 interferes with the electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced vipergic relaxant responses and the mechanism through which it occurs. For functional experiments, strips from the mouse gastric fundus were mounted in organ baths for isometric recording of the mechanical activity. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) immunoreactivity in GLP-2 exposed specimens was also evaluated by immunohistochemistry. In carbachol pre-contracted strips, GLP-2 (20 nM) evoked a tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive relaxation, similar in shape to the TTX-insensitive of 100 nM VIP. In the presence of GLP-2, VIP had no longer effects and no more response to GLP-2 was observed following VIP receptor saturation. EFS (4-16 Hz) induced a fast relaxant response followed, at the higher stimulation frequencies (≥ 8 Hz), by a slow one. This latter was abolished either by GLP-2 or VIP receptor saturation as well as by the VIP receptor antagonist, VIP 6-28 (10 μM). A decrease of VIP-immunoreactive nerve structures in the GLP-2 exposed specimens was observed. These results suggest that, in the mouse gastric fundus, GLP-2 influences the EFS-induced slow relaxant response by promoting neuronal VIP release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Traini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Eglantina Idrizaj
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Rachele Garella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Squecco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Baccari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy.
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13
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Traserra S, Villarte S, Traini C, Palacin S, Vergara P, Vannucchi MG, Jimenez M. The asymmetric innervation of the circular and longitudinal muscle of the mouse colon differently modulates myogenic slow phasic contractions. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 32:e13778. [PMID: 31845466 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromuscular transmission has been extensively studied in the circular layer of the mouse colon where a co-transmission of purines acting on P2Y1 receptors and NO has been previously described. However, the corresponding mechanisms in the longitudinal layer are less known. METHODS Electrophysiological and myography techniques were used to evaluate spontaneous phasic contractions (SPC) and neural-mediated responses in the proximal, mid, and distal colon devoid of CD1 mice. Immunohistochemistry against c-kit and PDGFRα was performed in each colonic segment. KEY RESULTS SPC were recorded in both muscle layers at a similar frequency being about four contractions per minute (c.p.m.) in the proximal and distal colon compared to the mid colon (2 c.p.m.). In non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic conditions, L-NNA (1 mmol/L) increased contractility in the circular but not in the longitudinal layer. In the longitudinal muscle, both electrophysiological and mechanical neural-mediated inhibitory responses were L-NNA and ODQ (10 µmol/L) sensitive. NaNP (1 µmol/L) caused cessation of SPC and the response was blocked by ODQ. Neither ADPßS (10 µmol/L) nor CYPPA (10 µmol/L), which both targeted the purinergic pathway, altered longitudinal contractions. PDGFRα + cells were located in both muscle layers and were more numerous compared with cKit + cells, which both formed a heterologous cellular network. A decreasing gradient of the PDGFRα labeling was observed along the colon. CONCLUSION An inhibitory neural tone was absent in the longitudinal layer and neuronal inhibitory responses were mainly nitrergic. Despite the presence of PDGFRα + cells, purinergic responses were absent. Post-junctional pathways located in different cell types might be responsible for neurotransmitter transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Traserra
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonia Villarte
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Chiara Traini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Palacin
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patri Vergara
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marcel Jimenez
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Evangelista S, Traini C, Vannucchi MG. Otilonium Bromide: A Drug with a Complex Mechanism of Action. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 24:1772-1779. [PMID: 29732965 DOI: 10.2174/1381612824666180507122935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Otilonium bromide (OB) is a drug with spasmolytic activity belonging to quaternary ammonium derivatives and extensively used to treat patients affected by the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Thanks to its peculiar pharmacokinetic, OB concentrates in the large bowel wall and acts locally. From the pharmacodynamics point of view, OB is able to inhibit i) the main patterns of human colonic motility in vitro; ii) the contractility caused by excitatory motor neurons stimulation (pre-synaptic action) and iii) the contractility caused by the direct action of excitatory neurotransmitters (post-synaptic action). Interestingly, these effects derive from a complex interaction between the drug and several cellular targets. The main action consists in the blockade of Ca2+ entry through L-type Ca2+ channels and interference with intracytoplasmatic Ca2+ mobilization necessary for SMC contraction, thus preventing excessive bowel contractions and abdominal cramps. Further, OB blocks the T-type Ca2+ channels and interferes with the muscarinic responses; it interacts, directly or indirectly, with the tachykinin receptors on SMC and on primary afferent neurons whose combined effects may result in the reduction of motility and abdominal pain. In summary, a revision of this complex picture of OB activity could help to better address its therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Evangelista
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 650139 Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Traini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 650139 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 650139 Florence, Italy
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15
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Traini C, Del Popolo G, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Guasti D, Catarinicchia S, Vannucchi MG. Nerve sprouting and neurogenic inflammation characterize the neurogenic detrusor overactive bladder of patients no longer responsive to drug therapies. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:4076-4087. [PMID: 30945429 PMCID: PMC6533505 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Urothelium and Lamina Propria (LP) are considered an integrate sensory system which is able to control the detrusor activity. Complete supra-sacral spinal cord lesions cause Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity (NDO) whose main symptoms are urgency and incontinence. NDO therapy at first consists in anti-muscarinic drugs; secondly, in intra-vesical injection of botulinum toxin. However, with time, all the patients become insensitive to the drugs and decide for cystoplastic surgery. With the aim to get deeper in both NDO and drug's efficacy lack pathogenesis, we investigated the innervation, muscular and connective changes in NDO bladders after surgery by using morphological and quantitative methodologies. Bladder innervation showed a significant global loss associated with an increase in the nerve endings located in the upper LP where a neurogenic inflammation was also present. Smooth muscle cells (SMC) anomalies and fibrosis were found in the detrusor. The increased innervation in the ULP is suggestive for a sprouting and could condition NDO evolution and drug efficacy length. Denervation might cause the SMC anomalies responsible for the detrusor altered contractile activity and intra-cellular traffic and favour the appearance of fibrosis. Inflammation might accelerate these damages. From the clinical point of view, an early anti-inflammatory treatment could positively influence the disease fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Traini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulio Del Popolo
- Department of Neuro-Urology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Guasti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Catarinicchia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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16
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Garella R, Idrizaj E, Traini C, Squecco R, Vannucchi MG, Baccari MC. Glucagon-like peptide-2 modulates the nitrergic neurotransmission in strips from the mouse gastric fundus. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:7211-7220. [PMID: 29142468 PMCID: PMC5677198 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i40.7211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate whether glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) influences the neurally-induced responses in gastric strips from mice, since no data are available.
METHODS For functional experiments, gastric fundal strips were mounted in organ baths containing Krebs-Henseleit solution. Mechanical responses were recorded via force-displacement transducers, which were coupled to a polygraph for continuous recording of isometric tension. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) was applied via two platinum wire rings through which the preparation was threaded. The effects of GLP-2 (2 and 20 nmol/L) were evaluated on the neurally-induced contractile and relaxant responses elicited by EFS. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) enzyme was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS In the functional experiments, electrical field stimulation (EFS, 4-16 Hz) induced tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive contractile responses, which were reduced in amplitude by GLP-2 (P < 0.05). In the presence of the nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor L-NNA, GLP-2 no longer influenced the neurally-evoked contractile responses (P > 0.05). The direct smooth muscle response to methacholine was not influenced by GLP-2 (P > 0.05). In the presence of guanethidine and carbachol, the addition of GLP-2 to the bath medium evoked TTX-sensitive relaxant responses that were unaffected by L-NNA (P > 0.05). EFS induced a fast NO-mediated relaxation, whose amplitude was enhanced in the presence of the hormone (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical experiments showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in nNOS immunoreactivity in the nerve structures after GLP-2 exposure.
CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that in gastric fundal strips, GLP-2 influences the amplitude of neurally-induced responses through the modulation of the nitrergic neurotransmission and increases nNOS expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Garella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Eglantina Idrizaj
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Traini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Squecco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Baccari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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17
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Vannucchi MG, Traini C. Interstitial cells of Cajal and telocytes in the gut: twins, related or simply neighbor cells? Biomol Concepts 2017; 7:93-102. [PMID: 26992201 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2015-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In the interstitium of the connective tissue several types of cells occur. The fibroblasts, responsible for matrix formation, the mast cells, involved in local response to inflammatory stimuli, resident macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes, granulocytes and monocytes, all engaged in immunity responses. Recently, another type of interstitial cell, found in all organs so far examined, has been added to the previous ones, the telocytes (TC). In the gut, in addition to the cells listed above, there are also the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), a peculiar type of cell exclusively detected in the alimentary tract with multiple functions including pace-maker activity. The possibility that TC and ICC could correspond to a unique cell type, where the former would represent an ICC variant outside the gut, was initially considered, however, further studies have clearly shown that ICC and TC are two distinct types of cells. In the gut, while the features and the roles of the ICC are established, part of the scientific community is still disputing these 'new' interstitial cells to which several names such as fibroblast-like cells (FLCs), interstitial Cajal-like cells or, most recently, PDGFRα+ cells have been attributed. This review will detail the main features and roles of the TC and ICC with the aim to establish their relationships and hopefully define the identity of the TC in the gut.
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18
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Traini C, Evangelista S, Girod V, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Vannucchi MG. Repeated otilonium bromide administration prevents neurotransmitter changes in colon of rats underwent to wrap restraint stress. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 21:735-745. [PMID: 27866394 PMCID: PMC5345670 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Otilonium bromide (OB) is a spasmolytic drug successfully used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Its efficacy has been attributed to the block of L- and T-type Ca2+ channels and muscarinic and tachykinin receptors in the smooth muscle. Furthermore, in healthy rats, repeated OB administration modified neurotransmitter expression and function suggesting other mechanisms of action. On this basis, we investigated whether repeated OB treatment prevented the functional and neurochemical changes observed in the colon of rats underwent to wrap restrain stress (WRS) a psychosocial stressor considered suitable to reproduce the main IBS signs and symptoms. In control, WRS and OB/WRS rats functional parameters were measured in vivo and morphological investigations were done ex vivo in the colon. The results showed that OB counteracts most of the neurotransmitters changes caused by WRS. In particular, the drug prevents the decrease in SP-, NK1r-, nNOS-, VIP-, and S100β-immunoreactivity (IR) and the increase in CGRP-, and CRF1r-IR. On the contrary, OB does not affect the increase in CRF2r-IR neurons observed in WRS rats and does not interfere with the mild mucosal inflammation due to WRS. Finally, OB per se increases the Mr2 expression in the muscle wall and decreases the number of the myenteric ChAT-IR neurons. Functional findings show a significantly reduction in the number of spontaneous abdominal contraction in OB treated rats. The ability of OB to block L-type Ca2+ channels, also expressed by enteric neurons, might represent a possible mechanism through which OB exerts its actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Traini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, Florence, Italy
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19
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Traini C, Evangelista S, Girod V, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Vannucchi MG. Changes of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the colon of rats underwent to the wrap partial restraint stress. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2016; 28:1172-85. [PMID: 26972279 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal models proposed to reproduce some of the human irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms are based on the hypothesis that psychosocial stressors play a pivotal role in the IBS etio-pathology. We investigated the wrap restraint stress (WRS) model with the aim to analyze the morphological changes of the entire colonic wall of these animals that showed some of the human IBS symptoms such as visceral hypersensitivity. METHODS Male Wistar rats were used and WRS was maintained for 2 h. Abdominal contractions (AC) were recorded in the colon-rectum by balloon distension. Fecal pellets were quantitated. Colonic specimens were examined by routine histology, immunohistochemistry and western blot. KEY RESULTS WRS animals were characterized by: (i) increase in AC number and fecal pellets mean weight; (ii) clusters of mononucleated cells, increase in eosinophilic granulocytes and mast cells in the mucosa; (iii) increase in CGRP-immunoreactive (IR) nerve fibers in the lamina propria; (iv) decrease in myenteric NK1r-IR and nNOS-IR neurons and in submucous nNOS-IR neurons; (v) decrease in SP-IR nerve fibers in the muscle wall; (vi) reduction in S100β-IR glia in the entire colonic wall; (vii) increase in CRF1r-IR myenteric neurons; (viii) no change in ChAT-IR neurons, smooth muscle cells and interstitial cells of Cajal. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES The present results support the consistency of the WRS as a potential model where part of the human IBS signs and symptoms are reproduced. The changes in glial cells and in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters might represent the substrate for the dysmotility and hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Traini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S Evangelista
- Menarini Ricerche SpA, Preclinical Development, Florence, Italy
| | - V Girod
- Syncrosome, Marseille, France
| | - M S Faussone-Pellegrini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M G Vannucchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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20
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Pini A, Garella R, Idrizaj E, Calosi L, Baccari MC, Vannucchi MG. Glucagon-like peptide 2 counteracts the mucosal damage and the neuropathy induced by chronic treatment with cisplatin in the mouse gastric fundus. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2016; 28:206-16. [PMID: 26547262 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a pleiotropic hormone synthesized and secreted by the enteroendocrine 'L' cells able to exert intestine-trophic and anti-inflammatory effects. The antineoplastic drug cisplatin causes gastrointestinal alterations with clinical symptoms (nausea and vomiting) that greatly affect the therapy compliance. Experimentally, it has been reported that chronic cisplatin treatment caused mucosal damage and enteric neuropathy in the rat colon. METHODS We investigated, through a combined immunohistochemical and functional approach, whether [Gly(2) ]GLP-2, a GLP-2 analog, was able to counteract the detrimental effects of long-term cisplatin administration in the mucosa and myenteric neurons of mouse gastric fundus. KEY RESULTS Morphological experiments showed a reduction in the epithelium thickness in cisplatin-treated mice, which was prevented by [Gly(2) ]GLP-2 co-treatment. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that cisplatin caused a significant decrease in myenteric neurons, mainly those expressing neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), that was prevented by [Gly(2) ]GLP-2 co-treatment. In the functional experiments, [Gly(2) ]GLP-2 co-treatment counteracted the increase in amplitude of the neurally induced contractions observed in strips from cisplatin-treated animals. The NO synthesis inhibitor L-N(G) -nitro arginine caused an increase in amplitude of the contractile responses that was greater in preparations from cisplatin+[Gly(2) ]GLP-2 treated mice compared to the cisplatin-treated ones. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES The results demonstrate that in cisplatin long-term treated mice [Gly(2) ]GLP-2 is able to counteract both the mucosal gastric fundus damage, by preventing the epithelium thickness decrease, and the neuropathy, by protecting the nNOS neurons. Taken together, the present data suggest that [Gly(2) ]GLP-2 could represent an effective strategy to overcome the distressing gastrointestinal symptoms present during the anti-neoplastic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - R Garella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E Idrizaj
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - L Calosi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M C Baccari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M G Vannucchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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21
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Vannucchi MG, Evangelista S. Neurokinin receptors in the gastrointestinal muscle wall: cell distribution and possible roles. Biomol Concepts 2015; 4:221-31. [PMID: 25436578 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2013-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurokinin receptors are G-protein-linked receptors; three distinct molecules, called neurokinin-1, neurokinin-2, and neurokinin-3 receptors, have been identified. Their physiological ligands are the tachykinins, which, in the mammalian gut, correspond to substance P, neurokinin A, and neurokinin B. In this apparatus, the main source of tachykinins is represented by intrinsic neurons located either in the myenteric plexus and projecting mainly to the muscle coat, or in the submucous plexus and projecting to the mucosa and submucosal blood vessels. The availability of specific antibodies has allowed identifying the sites of distribution of the neurokinin receptors in the gut, and important differences have been found among cell types and animal species. The complexity of the receptor distribution, either intraspecies or interspecies, is in agreement with the variegated picture coming out from physiological and pharmacological experiments. Interestingly, most of the knowledge on the tachykinin systems has been obtained from pathological conditions. Here, we tried to collect the main information available on the cellular distribution of the neurokinin receptors in the gut wall in the attempt to correlate their cell location with the several roles the tachykinins seem to play in the gastrointestinal apparatus.
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Cipriani G, Gibbons SJ, Arumugam SS, Malysz J, Sha L, Szurszewski JH, Linden DR, Evangelista S, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Vannucchi MG, Farrugia G. Changes in nitrergic and tachykininergic pathways in rat proximal colon in response to chronic treatment with otilonium bromide. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015; 27:997-1009. [PMID: 25930994 PMCID: PMC4478139 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Otilonium bromide (OB) is used as a spasmolytic drug in the treatment of the functional bowel disorder irritable bowel syndrome. Although its acute effects on colonic relaxation are well-characterized, little is known about the effects of chronic administration of OB on enteric neurons, neuromuscular transmission, and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), key regulators of the gut function. METHODS Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with OB in drinking water at a dose of 2 mg/kg for 30 days. The colons of OB-treated and age-matched control rats were studied by confocal immunohistochemistry to detect immunoreactivity (IR) in myenteric plexus neurons for nitrergic and tachykininergic markers, and also by microelectrode electrophysiology. KEY RESULTS Using immunohistochemistry, chronic OB administration did not change total neuron number, assessed by anti-Hu IR, but resulted in a significant increase in NK1 receptor positive neurons, a decrease in neuronal nitric oxide synthase expressing neurons, and a reduction in volume of substance P in nerve fibers in the myenteric plexus. Chronic OB administration potentiated inhibitory and excitatory junction potentials evoked by repetitive electrical field stimulation. The various types of colonic ICC, detected by Kit IR, were not altered nor were slow waves or smooth muscle membrane potential. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Chronic treatment with OB caused significant changes in the nitrergic and tachykinergic components of the myenteric plexus and in both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission in the rat colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Cipriani
- Enteric NeuroScience Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Simon J. Gibbons
- Enteric NeuroScience Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Saravanaperumal Siva Arumugam
- Enteric NeuroScience Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - John Malysz
- Enteric NeuroScience Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lei Sha
- Enteric NeuroScience Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Joseph H. Szurszewski
- Enteric NeuroScience Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - David R. Linden
- Enteric NeuroScience Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Dept. Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianrico Farrugia
- Enteric NeuroScience Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
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Traini C, Del Popolo G, Lazzeri M, Mazzaferro K, Nelli F, Calosi L, Vannucchi MG. γEpithelial Na(+) Channel (γENaC) and the Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 1 (ASIC1) expression in the urothelium of patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity. BJU Int 2015; 116:797-804. [PMID: 25109632 DOI: 10.1111/bju.12896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of two types of cation channels, γEpithelial Na(+) Channel (γENaC) and the Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 1 (ASIC1), in the urothelium of controls and in patients affected by neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). In parallel, urodynamic parameters were collected and correlated to the immunohistochemical results. PATIENTS SUBJECTS AND METHODS Four controls and 12 patients with a clinical diagnosis of NDO and suprasacral spinal cord lesion underwent urodynamic measurements and cystoscopy. Cold-cup biopsies were frozen and processed for immunohistochemistry and Western Blot. Spearman's correlation coefficient between morphological and urodynamic data was applied. One-way anova followed by Newman-Keuls multiple comparison post hoc test was applied for Western Blot results. RESULTS In the controls, γENaC and ASIC1 were expressed in the urothelium with differences in their cell distribution and intensity. In patients with NDO, both markers showed consistent changes either in cell distribution and labelling intensity compared with the controls. A significant correlation between a higher intensity of γENaC expression in the urothelium of patients with NDO and lower values of bladder compliance was detected. CONCLUSIONS The present findings show important changes in the expression of γENaC and ASIC1 in NDO human urothelium. Notably, while the changes in γENaC might impair the mechanosensory function of the urothelium, the increase of ASIC1 might represent an attempt to compensate for the excess in local sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Traini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulio Del Popolo
- Department of Neuro-Urology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Lazzeri
- Division of Oncology, Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Katia Mazzaferro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Federico Nelli
- Department of Neuro-Urology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Calosi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Traini C, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Evangelista S, Mazzaferro K, Cipriani G, Santicioli P, Vannucchi MG. Inner and outer portions of colonic circular muscle: ultrastructural and immunohistochemical changes in rat chronically treated with otilonium bromide. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103237. [PMID: 25122192 PMCID: PMC4133200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rat colonic circular muscle, main target of otilonium bromide (OB) spasmolytic activity, is subdivided in an inner and outer portion. Since the inner one is particularly rich in organelles involved in calcium availability (caveolae, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria), the expression of specific markers (Caveolin-1, eNOS, calreticulin, calsequestrin) in comparison with the outer portion was investigated. The possible changes of these organelles and related markers, and of muscarinic receptors (Mr2) were then studied after OB chronic exposition. Rats were treated with 2-20 mg/kg/OB for 10 or 30 days. Proximal colon was processed by electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and western blot. In colon strips the stimulated contractility response to muscarinic agonist was investigated. The inner portion showed a higher expression of Caveolin-1 and Mr2, but not of eNOS, calreticulin and calsequestrin, compared to the outer portion. Chronic OB treatment caused similar ultrastructural and immunohistochemical changes in both portions. Organelles and some related markers were increased at 10 days; Mr2 expression and muscle contractility induced by methacholine was increased at 30 days. The present findings: 1) provide new information on the immunohistochemical properties of the inner portion of the circular layer that are in favour of a role it might play in colonic motility distinct from that of the outer portion; 2) demonstrate that chronically administered OB interferes with cell structures and molecules responsible for calcium handling and storage, and modifies cholinergic transmission. In conclusion, chronic OB administration in the colonic circular muscle layer directly interacts with the organelles and molecules calcium-related and with the Mr2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Traini
- Dept of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Katia Mazzaferro
- Dept of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianluca Cipriani
- Enteric Neuroscience Program, Division of Gastroenterology, Dept of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Paolo Santicioli
- Dept of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Dept of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Histology and Embryology Research Unit, Florence, Italy
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Melani A, Corti F, Cellai L, Giuliana Vannucchi M, Pedata F. Low doses of the selective adenosine A2A receptor agonist CGS21680 are protective in a rat model of transient cerebral ischemia. Brain Res 2014; 1551:59-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Baccari MC, Traini C, Garella R, Cipriani G, Vannucchi MG. Relaxin exerts two opposite effects on mechanical activity and nitric oxide synthase expression in the mouse colon. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2012; 303:E1142-50. [PMID: 22932783 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00260.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The hormone relaxin exerts a variety of functions on the smooth muscle of reproductive and nonreproductive organs, most of which occur through a nitric oxide (NO)-mediated mechanism. In the stomach and ileum, relaxin causes muscle relaxation by modulating the activity and expression of different nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms region-dependently. Nothing is known on the effects of relaxin in the colon, the gut region expressing the highest number of neuronal (n) NOSβ-immunoreactive neurons and mainly involved in motor symptoms of pregnancy and menstrual cycle. Therefore, we studied the effects of relaxin exposure in the mouse proximal colon in vitro evaluating muscle mechanical activity and NOS isoform expression. The functional experiments showed that relaxin decreases muscle tone and increases amplitude of spontaneous contractions; the immunohistochemical results showed that relaxin increases nNOSβ and endothelial (e) NOS expression in the neurons and decreases nNOSα and eNOS expression in the smooth muscle cells (SMC). We hypothesized that, in the colon, relaxin primarily increases the activity and expression of nNOSβ and eNOS in the neurons, causing a reduction of the muscle tone. The downregulation of nNOSα and eNOS expression in the SMC associated with increased muscle contractility could be the consequence of continuous exposue of these cells to the NO of neuronal origin. These findings may help to better understand the physiology of NO in the gastrointestinal tract and the role that the "relaxin-NO" system plays in motor disorders such as functional bowel disease.
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MESH Headings
- Anesthetics, Local/pharmacology
- Animals
- Colon/blood supply
- Colon/cytology
- Colon/innervation
- Colon/metabolism
- Colon, Ascending/cytology
- Colon, Ascending/drug effects
- Colon, Ascending/innervation
- Colon, Ascending/metabolism
- Colon, Transverse/cytology
- Colon, Transverse/drug effects
- Colon, Transverse/innervation
- Colon, Transverse/metabolism
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Female
- Guanylate Cyclase/antagonists & inhibitors
- In Vitro Techniques
- Interstitial Cells of Cajal/cytology
- Interstitial Cells of Cajal/drug effects
- Interstitial Cells of Cajal/metabolism
- Mechanical Phenomena
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Muscle Contraction/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth/blood supply
- Muscle, Smooth/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth/innervation
- Muscle, Smooth/metabolism
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Neurons/cytology
- Neurons/drug effects
- Neurons/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide Donors/pharmacology
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism
- Osmolar Concentration
- Relaxin/metabolism
- Submucous Plexus/cytology
- Submucous Plexus/drug effects
- Submucous Plexus/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Baccari
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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27
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Cipriani G, Serboiu CS, Gherghiceanu M, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Vannucchi MG. NK receptors, Substance P, Ano1 expression and ultrastructural features of the muscle coat in Cav-1(-/-) mouse ileum. J Cell Mol Med 2012; 15:2411-20. [PMID: 21535398 PMCID: PMC3822952 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01333.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Caveolin (Cav)-1 is an integral membrane protein of caveolae playing a crucial role in various signal transduction pathways. Caveolae represent the sites for calcium entry and storage especially in smooth muscle cells (SMC) and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Cav-1−/− mice lack caveolae and show abnormalities in pacing and contractile activity of the small intestine. Presently, we investigated, by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistochemistry, whether the absence of Cav-1 in Cav-1−/− mouse small intestine affects ICC, SMC and neuronal morphology, the expression of NK1 and NK2 receptors, and of Ano1 (also called Dog1 or TMEM16A), an essential molecule for slow wave activity in gastrointestinal muscles. ICC were also labelled with c-Kit and tachykinergic neurons with Substance P (SP). In Cav-1−/− mice: (i) ICC were Ano1-negative but maintained c-Kit expression, (ii) NK1 and NK2 receptor immunoreactivity was more intense and, in the SMC, mainly intracytoplasmatic, (iii) SP-immunoreactivity was significantly reduced. Under TEM: (i) ICC, SMC and telocytes lacked typical caveolae but had few and large flask-shaped vesicles we called large-sized caveolae; (ii) SMC and ICC contained an extraordinary high number of mitochondria, (iii) neurons were unchanged. To maintain intestinal motility, loss of caveolae and reduced calcium availability in Cav-1–knockout mice seem to be balanced by a highly increased number of mitochondria in ICC and SMC. Loss of Ano-1 expression, decrease of SP content and consequently overexpression of NK receptors suggest that all these molecules are Cav-1–associated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cipriani
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, Section of Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Melani A, Corti F, Stephan H, Müller CE, Donati C, Bruni P, Vannucchi MG, Pedata F. Ecto-ATPase inhibition: ATP and adenosine release under physiological and ischemic in vivo conditions in the rat striatum. Exp Neurol 2011; 233:193-204. [PMID: 22001157 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Revised: 09/08/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS) ATP and adenosine act as transmitters and neuromodulators on their own receptors but it is still unknown which part of extracellular adenosine derives per se from cells and which part is formed from the hydrolysis of released ATP. In this study extracellular concentrations of adenosine and ATP from the rat striatum were estimated by the microdialysis technique under in vivo physiological conditions and after focal ischemia induced by medial cerebral artery occlusion. Under physiological conditions, adenosine and ATP concentrations were in the range of 130 nmol/L and 40 nmol/L, respectively. In the presence of the novel ecto-ATPase inhibitor, PV4 (100 nmol/L), the extracellular concentration of ATP increased 12-fold to ~360 nmol/L but the adenosine concentration was not altered. This demonstrates that, under physiological conditions, adenosine is not a product of extracellular ATP. In the first 4h after ischemia, adenosine increased to ~690 nmol/L and ATP to ~50 nmol/L. In the presence of PV4 the extracellular concentration of ATP was in the range of 450 nmol/L and a significant decrease in extracellular adenosine (to ~270 nmol/L) was measured. The contribution of extracellular ATP to extracellular adenosine was maximal in the first 20 min after ischemia onset. Furthermore we demonstrated, by immunoelectron microscopy, the presence of the concentrative nucleoside transporter CNT2 on plasma and vesicle membranes isolated from the rat striatum. These results are in favor that adenosine is transported in vesicles and is released in an excitation-secretion manner under in vivo physiological conditions. Early after ischemia, extracellular ATP is hydrolyzed by ecto-nucleotidases which significantly contribute to the increase in extracellular adenosine. To establish the contribution of extracellular ATP to adenosine might constitute the basis for devising a correct putative purinergic strategy aimed at protection from ischemic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Melani
- Department of Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
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Isacchi B, Fabbri V, Galeotti N, Bergonzi MC, Karioti A, Ghelardini C, Vannucchi MG, Bilia AR. Salvianolic acid B and its liposomal formulations: anti-hyperalgesic activity in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Eur J Pharm Sci 2011; 44:552-8. [PMID: 22001125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2011.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2011] [Revised: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Salvianolic acid B (SalB) represents the most characteristic constituent of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. with a strong free radicals scavenger activity. This property may be useful in the treatment of some severe chronic diseases, where there is an imbalance of reactive oxygen species formation and where intracellular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species level can cause severe cell damage and even cell death. In particular, SalB can protect against the oxidative stress as well as the antioxidant superoxide dismutase and reduced activity of glutathione, important determinants of neuropathological and behavioural consequences in neuropathic pain. This is a chronic disease defined by the WHO as an untreatable illness because therapeutics are unsatisfactory in many cases and there is an urgent need to discover and develop novel active drugs. In the present work, SalB has been extracted and purified with an efficient and rapid method from the roots and rhizome of S. miltiorrhiza Bge. It was firstly submitted to pharmacological studies using the paw-pressure test, in an animal model of neuropathic pain where a peripheral mono neuropathy was produced by a chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve. SalB was effective against mechanical hyperalgesia when administered intraperitoneally at the dose of 100mg/kg, 15 min after administration. Due to the poor chemical stability and bioavailability of SalB, liposomes were developed as drug carriers for parental administration. SalB-loaded liposomes were characterised in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficacy and morphology. According to the in vivo studies, encapsulation, especially into PEGylated liposomes, increased and prolonged the antihyperalgesic activity 30 min after i.p. administration and the effect was still significant at 45 min. Thus, PEGylated formulation ameliorated the performance of drug delaying, increasing and prolonging in time its antihyperalgesic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Isacchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florence, via U. Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
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Cinci L, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Rotondo A, Mulè F, Vannucchi MG. GLP-2 receptor expression in excitatory and inhibitory enteric neurons and its role in mouse duodenum contractility. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2011; 23:e383-92. [PMID: 21752156 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2011.01750.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2), a nutrient-responsive hormone, exerts various actions in the gastrointestinal tract that are mediated by a G-protein coupled receptor called GLP-2R. A little information is available on GLP-2R expression in enteric neurons and nothing on the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). METHODS We investigated presence and distribution of the GLP-2R in the mouse duodenum by immunohistochemistry and the potential motor effects of GLP-2 on the spontaneous and neurally evoked mechanical activity. KEY RESULTS The GLP-2R was expressed by the myenteric and submucosal neurons. Labelling was also present in nerve varicosities within the circular muscular layer and at the deep muscular plexus (DMP). No immunoreactive nerve fiber was seen within the longitudinal muscle layer. The GLP-2R-positive neurons were either excitatory (SP- and choline-acetyltransferase-positive) or inhibitory (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and nNOS-positive). The ICC, both at the myenteric plexus and at the DMP, never expressed GLP-2R but, especially those at the DMP, were surrounded by GLP-2R-positive nerve varicosities co-expressing either excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmitters. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a consistent prevalence of GLP-2R on the excitatory pathways. In agreement, the functional results showed that the administration of GLP-2 in vitro caused decrease of the spontaneous contractions mediated by nitric oxide release and reduction of the evoked cholinergic contractions. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES The present findings indicate that the GLP-2R is expressed by inhibitory and excitatory neurons, the GLP-2 inhibits the muscle contractility likely decreasing cholinergic neurotransmission and increasing nitric oxide production, and this effect is possibly mediated by the ICC-DMP recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cinci
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, Section of Histology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, Florence, Italy
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31
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Vannucchi MG, Garella R, Cipriani G, Baccari MC. Relaxin counteracts the altered gastric motility of dystrophic (mdx) mice: functional and immunohistochemical evidence for the involvement of nitric oxide. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2011; 300:E380-91. [PMID: 21081707 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00375.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Impaired gastric motility ascribable to a defective nitric oxide (NO) production has been reported in dystrophic (mdx) mice. Since relaxin upregulates NO biosynthesis, its effects on the motor responses and NO synthase (NOS) expression in the gastric fundus of mdx mice were investigated. Mechanical responses of gastric strips were recorded via force displacement transducers. Evaluation of the three NOS isoforms was performed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Wild-type (WT) and mdx mice were distributed into three groups: untreated, relaxin pretreated, and vehicle pretreated. In strips from both untreated and vehicle-pretreated animals, electrical field stimulation (EFS) elicited contractile responses that were greater in mdx than in WT mice. In carbachol-precontracted strips, EFS induced fast relaxant responses that had a lower amplitude in mdx than in WT mice. Only in the mdx mice did relaxin depress the amplitude of the neurally induced excitatory responses and increase that of the inhibitory ones. In the presence of L-NNA, relaxin was ineffective. In relaxin-pretreated mdx mice, the amplitude of the EFS-induced contractile responses was decreased and that of the fast relaxant ones was increased compared with untreated mdx animals. Responses to methacholine or papaverine did not differ among preparations and were not influenced by relaxin. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed a significant decrease in neuronal NOS expression and content in mdx compared with WT mice, which was recovered in the relaxin-pretreated mdx mice. The results suggest that relaxin is able to counteract the altered contractile and relaxant responses in the gastric fundus of mdx mice by upregulating nNOS expression.
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Pieri L, Urbani S, Mazzanti B, Dal Pozzo S, Santosuosso M, Saccardi R, Bosi A, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Vannucchi MG. Human mesenchymal stromal cells preserve their stem features better when cultured in the Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium. Cytotherapy 2011; 13:539-48. [PMID: 21198336 DOI: 10.3109/14653249.2010.542459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS The human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC), a type of adult stem cell with a fibroblast-like appearance, has the potential to differentiate along the mesenchymal lineage and also along other cell lineages. These abilities make hMSC a promising candidate for use in regenerative medicine. As the hMSC represents a very rare population in vivo, in vitro expansion is necessary for any clinical use. hMSC characterization is commonly carried out through the expression of specific markers and by the capability of differentiating toward at least adipo-, osteo- and chondrocytic lineages. Commitment processes also result in significant changes in the ultrastructure in order to acquire new functional abilities; however, few studies have dealt with the ultrastructural characteristics of hMSC according to the time of incubation and type of media. METHODS The immunophenotype, functional characteristics and ultrastructural features of bone marrow (BM) hMSC cultured in two different media were investigated. The media chosen were Iscove's modified Dulbecco's medium (IMDM) and the Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM). The latter has been recommended recently by two international transplantation and cytotherapy societies, the International Society of Cellular Therapy (ISCT) and European Group for Blood and Bone Marrow Transplantation (EBMT), for hMSC expansion for clinical applications. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The present results indicate that culture conditions greatly influence hMSC ultrastructural features, proliferation, growth and differentiation. In particular, our findings demonstrate that DMEM preserves the hMSC stem features better. Furthermore, the results obtained in IMDM suggest that a small size does not always correlate with conditions of cell immaturity and a greater proliferative potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pieri
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, Section of Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Cipriani G, Santicioli P, Evangelista S, Maggi CA, Riccadonna S, Ringressi MN, Bechi P, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Vannucchi MG. Effect of otilonium bromide and ibodutant on the internalization of the NK2 receptor in human colon. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2011; 23:96-102, e10. [PMID: 20879991 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2010.01594.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present aim was to study the modulation of NK2 receptor internalization by two compounds, the spasmolytic otilonium bromide (OB) endowed with NK2 receptor antagonistic properties and the selective NK2 receptor antagonist ibodutant. METHODS Full-thickness human colonic segments were incubated in the presence of OB (0.1-10 μmol L(-1)) or ibodutant (0.001-0.1 μmol L(-1)), with or without the NK2 receptor selective agonist [ßAla8]NKA(4-10) and then fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. Cryosections were processed for NK2 receptor immunohistochemical revelation. Quantitative analysis evaluated the number of the smooth muscle cells that had internalized the NK2 receptor. KEY RESULTS Immunohistochemistry revealed that in basal condition, the NK2 receptor was internalized in about 23% of total smooth muscle cells. The exposure to the selective NK2 receptor agonist induced internalization of the receptor in more than 77% of the cells. Previous exposure to both OB or ibodutant, either alone or in the presence of the agonist, concentration-dependently reduced the number of the cells with the internalized receptor. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Both OB and ibodutant antagonize the internalization of the NK2 receptor in the human colon. As NK2 receptors are the predominant receptor mediating spasmogenic activity of tachykinins on enteric smooth muscle, we hypothesize that the antagonistic activity found for both OB and ibodutant should play a specific therapeutic role in gut diseases characterized by hypermotility.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cipriani
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
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Isacchi B, Arrigucci S, Marca GL, Bergonzi MC, Vannucchi MG, Novelli A, Bilia AR. Conventional and long-circulating liposomes of artemisinin: preparation, characterization, and pharmacokinetic profile in mice. J Liposome Res 2010; 21:237-44. [DOI: 10.3109/08982104.2010.539185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Amato A, Rotondo A, Cinci L, Baldassano S, Vannucchi MG, Mulè F. Role of cholinergic neurons in the motor effects of glucagon-like peptide-2 in mouse colon. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2010; 299:G1038-44. [PMID: 20705903 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00282.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) reduces mouse gastric tone and small intestine transit, but its action on large intestine motility is still unknown. The purposes of the present study were 1) to examine the influence of GLP-2 on spontaneous mechanical activity and on neurally evoked responses, by recording intraluminal pressure from mouse isolated colonic segments; 2) to characterize GLP-2 mechanism of action; and 3) to determine the distribution of GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) in the mouse colonic muscle coat by immunohistochemistry. Exogenous GLP-2 (0.1-300 nM) induced a concentration-dependent reduction of the spontaneous mechanical activity, which was abolished by the desensitization of GLP-2 receptor or by tetrodotoxin, a voltage-dependent Na(+)-channel blocker. GLP-2 inhibitory effect was not affected by N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), apamin (a blocker of small conductance Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels), or [Lys1,Pro2,5,Arg3,4,Tyr6]VIP(7-28) (a VIP receptor antagonist), but it was prevented by atropine or pertussis toxin (PTX), a G(i/o) protein inhibitor. Proximal colon responses to electrical field stimulation were characterized by nitrergic relaxation, which was followed by cholinergic contraction. GLP-2 reduced only the cholinergic evoked contractions. This effect was almost abolished by GLP-2 receptor desensitization or PTX. GLP-2 failed to affect the contractile responses to exogenous carbachol. GLP-2R immunoreactivity (IR) was detected only in the neuronal cells of both plexuses of the colonic muscle coat. More than 50% of myenteric GLP-2R-IR neurons shared the choline acetyltransferase IR. In conclusion, the activation of GLP-2R located on cholinergic neurons may modulate negatively the colonic spontaneous and electrically evoked contractions through inhibition of acetylcholine release. The effect is mediated by G(i) protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Amato
- Dipartimento di Biologia cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Amato A, Cinci L, Rotondo A, Serio R, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Vannucchi MG, Mulè F. Peripheral motor action of glucagon-like peptide-1 through enteric neuronal receptors. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2010; 22:664-e203. [PMID: 20158614 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2010.01476.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a proglucagon-derived peptide expressed in the enteroendocrine-L cells of small and large intestine and released in response to meal ingestion. Glucagon-like peptide-1 exerts inhibitory effects on gastrointestinal motility through vagal afferents and central nervous mechanisms; however, no data is available about a direct influence on the gastrointestinal wall. Our aim was to investigate the effects of GLP-1 on the spontaneous and evoked mechanical activity of mouse duodenum and colon and to identify the presence and distribution of GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) in the muscle coat. METHODS Organ bath recording technique and immunohistochemistry were used. KEY RESULTS Glucagon-like peptide-1 (up to the concentration of 1 mumol L(-1)) failed to affect spontaneous mechanical activity. It caused concentration-dependent reduction of the electrically evoked cholinergic contractions in circular smooth muscle of both intestinal segments, without affecting the longitudinal muscle responses. Glucagon-like peptide-1 inhibitory effect was significantly antagonized by exendin (9-39), an antagonist of GLP-1R. In both intestinal preparations, GLP-1 effect was not affected by guanethidine, a blocker of adrenergic neurotransmission, but it was significantly reduced by N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase. Glucagon-like peptide-1 failed to affect the contractions evoked by exogenous carbachol. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated GLP-1R expression in the enteric neurons. Furthermore, 27% of GLP-1R immunoreactive (IR) neurons in the duodenum and 79% of GLP-1R-IR neurons in the colon, co-expressed nNOS. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES The present results suggest that GLP-1 is able to act in the enteric nervous system by decreasing the excitatory cholinergic neurotransmission through presynaptic GLP-1Rs, which modulate NO release.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Amato
- Dipartimento di Biologia cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Università di Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Melani A, Cipriani S, Vannucchi MG, Nosi D, Donati C, Bruni P, Giovannini MG, Pedata F. Selective adenosine A2a receptor antagonism reduces JNK activation in oligodendrocytes after cerebral ischaemia. Brain 2009; 132:1480-95. [PMID: 19359287 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awp076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is a potent biological mediator, the concentration of which increases dramatically following brain ischaemia. During ischaemia, adenosine is in a concentration range (muM) that stimulates all four adenosine receptor subtypes (A(1), A(2A), A(2B) and A(3)). In recent years, evidence has indicated that the A(2A) receptor subtype is of critical importance in stroke. We have previously shown that 24 h after medial cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo), A(2A) receptors up-regulate on neurons and microglia of ischaemic striatum and cortex and that subchronically administered adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonists protect against brain damage and neurological deficit and reduce activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in microglial cells. The mechanisms by which A(2A) receptors are noxious during ischaemia still remain elusive. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether the adenosine A(2A) antagonist SCH58261 affects JNK and MEK1/ERK MAPK activation. A further aim was to investigate cell types expressing activated JNK and MEK1/ERK MAPK after ischaemia. We hereby report that the selective adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist, SCH58261, administered subchronically (0.01 mg/kg i.p) 5 min, 6 and 20 h after MCAo in male Wistar rats, reduced JNK MAPK activation (immunoblot analysis: phospho-JNK54 isoform by 81% and phospho-JNK46 isoform by 60%) in the ischaemic striatum. Twenty-four hours after MCAo, the Olig2 transcription factor of oligodendroglial progenitor cells and mature oligodendrocytes was highly expressed in cell bodies in the ischaemic striatum. Immunofluorescence staining showed that JNK MAPK is maximally expressed in Olig2-stained oligodendrocytes and in a few NeuN stained neurons. Striatal cell fractioning into nuclear and extra-nuclear fractions demonstrated the presence of Olig2 transcription factor and JNK MAPK in both fractions. The A(2A) antagonist reduced striatal Olig 2 transcription factor (immunoblot analysis: by 55%) and prevented myelin disorganization, assessed by myelin-associated glycoprotein staining. Twenty-four hours after MCAo, ERK1/2 MAPK was highly activated in the ischaemic striatum, mostly in microglia, while it was reduced in the ischaemic cortex. The A(2A) antagonist did not affect activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. The efficacy of A(2A) receptor antagonism in reducing activation of JNK MAPK in oligodendrocytes suggests a mechanism of protection consisting of scarring oligodendrocyte inhibitory molecules that can hinder myelin reconstitution and neuron functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Melani
- Department of Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, Florence, Italy
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Pieri L, Vannucchi MG, Faussone-Pellegrini MS. Histochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of an interstitial cell type different from ICC and resident in the muscle coat of human gut. J Cell Mol Med 2009; 12:1944-55. [PMID: 19145703 PMCID: PMC4506162 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00461.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
CD117 (or c-kit) is expressed by the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which are located within the gastrointestinal (GI) muscle coat and directly involved in its motility. CD34 is expressed by several cell types some of which have features and location resembling the ICC; however, a sure identification of these cells is still lacking. In order to establish whether the CD34-positive cells of the human GI tract are to be considered as ICC subpopulation or a novel independent cell type, and to hypothesize their nature and role, we verified CD34 and CD117 receptor expression under light and fluorescence microscope and performed a routine and a CD34-immuno-electron microscopy. CD34-positive cells were seen in the entire human GI tract. In the muscularis propria, shared morphologies similar to the c-kit-positive cells, in the submucosa, resembled fibroblasts. Their ultrastructure resembled that of the fibrocytes/fibroblasts and of the interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLC). Double labelling and immunoelectro-microscopy demonstrated that they are unequivocally different to the ICC and, due to the similarities with the ICLC, we identified them as ICLC. The novelty of these results is that two types of interstitial cells are present in the GI muscle coat of humans: the ICC and the ICLC. We hypothesize a mechanical role for the septal ICLC, those at the myenteric plexus level and those bordering the muscle layers; a helping role in neurotransmission is proposed for the ICLC intercalated with the intramuscular ICC, possibly in spreading the slow waves generated by the ICC. Furthermore, the possibility that the ICLC represent the adult mesenchymal stromal cells able to guarantee the ICC renewal deserves to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pieri
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Corsani L, Bizzoco E, Pedata F, Gianfriddo M, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Vannucchi MG. Inducible nitric oxide synthase appears and is co-expressed with the neuronal isoform in interneurons of the rat hippocampus after transient ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Exp Neurol 2008; 211:433-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2008.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2007] [Revised: 02/05/2008] [Accepted: 02/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Midrio P, Vannucchi MG, Pieri L, Alaggio R, Faussone-Pellegrini MS. Delayed development of interstitial cells of Cajal in the ileum of a human case of gastroschisis. J Cell Mol Med 2008; 12:471-8. [PMID: 18266958 PMCID: PMC3822536 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00277.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2008] [Accepted: 02/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) are responsible for rhythmic electrical activity. A paralytic ileus is present in gastroschisis (GS), a malformation due to a defective closure of the abdominal wall through which part of the intestine herniates during pregnancy. In experimental GS, ICC morphological immaturity was shown in the rat foetus at-term but it could not be demonstrated whether differentiation is accomplished post-natally. For this purpose we morphologically investigated ICC, as well as enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells, in a case of human GS at birth and 1 month later when peristaltic activity had initiated. A 36 weeks gestation female was born by c/section with prenatal diagnosis of GS and possible volvulus of the herniated intestine. At birth, the necrotic intestine was resected and both ileostomy and colostomy were performed. The intestine continuity was restored after 4 weeks. Intestinal specimens, taken during both operations at the level of the proximal stoma, were immunostained with c-kit, neuron-specific-enolase and alpha-smooth-muscle-actin antibodies and some processed for electron microscopy. ICC were present at the myenteric plexus only. At birth, these cells were rare and ultrastructurally immature; 1 month later, when partial enteral feeding was tolerated, they formed rows or groups and many of them were ultrastructurally differentiated. Neurons and smooth muscle cells, immature at birth, had developed after 1 month. Therefore, ICC differentiation, as well as that of neurons and smooth muscle cells, is delayed at birth and this might explain the paralytic ileus in GS. One month later, differentiation quickly proceeded at all cellular levels paralleling the increasing tolerance of enteral nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Midrio
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Laura Pieri
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Department of Pathology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Bizzoco E, Faussone-Pellegrini MS, Vannucchi MG. Activated microglia cells express argininosuccinate synthetase and argininosuccinate lyase in the rat brain after transient ischemia. Exp Neurol 2007; 208:100-9. [PMID: 17900569 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2007.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2007] [Revised: 06/25/2007] [Accepted: 07/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Argininosuccinate-synthetase (ASS), argininosuccinate-lyase (ASL) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) act in the l-arginine-NO-l-citrulline cycle. In the rat brain, ASS is expressed in neurons, ASL in neurons and astroglia in the striatum, both are co-expressed with nNOS in medium-sized neurons. Microglia cells express iNOS and ASS after activation but no information is available on ASL and on ASS/ASL/iNOS co-expression in this glial population. The present aim was to ascertain, by immunohistochemistry, whether the microglia cells of the rat striatum and fronto-parietal cortex express ASL and ASS in control conditions and after transient ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion, and whether ASL and ASS are co-expressed with iNOS. The study was conducted 24, 72 and 144 h after reperfusion in two groups of ischemic rats with different tissue damage and survival. ASS and ASL are not expressed by microglia cells in controls while are present in most of the activated microglia cells in the ischemic rats. In those animals with longer survival, ASS and ASL were no more detectable at 144 h, while, in the animals with shorter survival, they were co-expressed with iNOS, but only at 72 h. In the cortex, at variance with the striatum, almost all of nNOS-positive neurons co-expressed ASS and ASL. In conclusion, only activated microglia cells express ASS and ASL, this expression precedes that of iNOS and does not necessarily imply its appearance. Therefore, local factors such as the NO produced by nNOS/ASS/ASL-positive neurons, could influence ASS/ASL-positive microglia cells avoiding or allowing the induction, in these cells, of iNOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bizzoco
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, Section of Histology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
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Baccari MC, Nistri S, Vannucchi MG, Calamai F, Bani D. Reversal by relaxin of altered ileal spontaneous contractions in dystrophic (mdx) mice through a nitric oxide-mediated mechanism. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007; 293:R662-8. [PMID: 17522128 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00214.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Altered nitric oxide (NO) production/release is involved in gastrointestinal motor disorders occurring in dystrophic (mdx) mice. Since the hormone relaxin (RLX) can upregulate NO biosynthesis, its effects on spontaneous motility and NO synthase (NOS) expression in the ileum of dystrophic (mdx) mice were investigated. Mechanical responses of ileal preparations were recorded in vitro via force-displacement transducers. Evaluation of the expression of NOS isoforms was performed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Normal and mdx mice were distributed into three groups: untreated, RLX pretreated, and vehicle pretreated. Ileal preparations from the untreated animals showed spontaneous muscular contractions whose amplitude was significantly higher in mdx than in normal mice. Addition of RLX, alone or together with l-arginine, to the bath medium depressed the amplitude of the contractions in the mdx mice, thus reestablishing a motility pattern typical of the normal mice. The NOS inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) or the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ reversed the effects of RLX. In RLX-pretreated mdx mice, the amplitude of spontaneous motility was reduced, thus resembling that of the normal mice, and NOS II expression in the muscle coat was increased in respect to the vehicle-pretreated mdx animals. These results indicate that RLX can reverse the altered ileal motility of mdx mice to a normal pattern, likely by upregulating NOS II expression and NO biosynthesis in the ileal smooth muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Baccari
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, V.le G.B. Morgagni 63, I-50134, Florence, Italy.
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Vannucchi MG, Bizzoco E, Corsani L, Gianfriddo M, Pedata F, Faussone-Pellegrini MS. Relationships between neurons expressing neuronal nitric oxide synthase, degree of microglia activation and animal survival. A study in the rat cortex after transient ischemia. Brain Res 2007; 1132:218-27. [PMID: 17182010 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2006] [Revised: 11/09/2006] [Accepted: 11/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The focal ischemia obtained in an animal model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) causes the "core" of damage in the striatum and the "penumbra" of damage in the fronto-parietal cortex. The latter is mainly functionally affected and shows changes in nNOS and iNOS expression during the acute phase of ischemia. With the aim to study possible relationships between these changes and the affection entity during the animal recovery, we investigated from 24 up to 144 h after reperfusion the expression and content of these two NOS isoforms in the neurons and microglia and the degree of microglia reactivity in the fronto-parietal cortices of rats undertaken to transient MCAo. Evaluation of motor-sensory performances and survival allowed dividing the animals into two groups. Immunohistochemistry, western blot and quantitative analysis demonstrated, both in the ischemic and contralateral cortex of the rats with longer survival, wellness and significantly increased number of the nNOS-IR neurons at 24 h and moderately activated microglia up to 144 h. In the rats not recovering, injured and significantly decreased nNOS-IR neurons, intensely activated microglia and appearance of iNOS-IR were seen at all time points. In conclusion, since the recovery occurs when nNOS-IR neurons are greatly increased, we presume nNOS protect the tissue likely controlling the passage from the state of reactive to that of activated microglia. Moreover, the morphological signs of wellness and the two-fold increase in number of the nNOS-IR neurons appear to be characteristic of the "penumbra" area and could explain why this region is mainly functionally affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, Section of Histology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
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Abstract
This study investigated whether alterations in gastric activity in dystrophic mdx mouse can be attributed to dysfunctions of tachykinins. Endoluminal pressure was recorded and the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), NK1 and NK2 neurokinin receptors was investigated by immunohistochemistry. SR48968, NK2 receptor antagonist, but not SR140333, NK1 receptor antagonist, decreased the tone only in mdx gastric preparations. In the presence of N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), inhibitor of NOS, SR48968 reduced the tone also in normal stomach. [Sar(9), Met(O(2))(11)]-SP, agonist of NK1 receptors, caused tetrodotoxin-sensitive relaxations, antagonized by SR140333 or l-NAME, with no difference in the potency or efficacy between normal and mdx preparations. [beta-Ala(8)]-NKA(4-10), an NK2 receptor agonist, induced SR48968-sensitive contractions in both types of preparations, although the maximal response of mdx tissues was significantly lower than normal preparations. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a consistent reduction of nNOS and NK2 receptor expression in mdx stomach smooth muscle cells and no change in nNOS and NK1 receptor expression in neurones. In conclusion, in mdx stomach the activation of NK2 receptors plays a role in the development of the tone, associated with a reduced NO production by muscular nNOS. The hypo-responsiveness to NK2 receptors could depend on the reduced expression of these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Mulè
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Laboratorio di Fisiologia generale, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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Abstract
1. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of NK1 and NK2 receptors in the control of mechanical activity of mouse stomach. In this view, the motor effects induced by NK1 and NK2 receptor agonists and antagonists were analyzed, measuring motility as intraluminal pressure changes in mouse-isolated stomach preparations. In parallel, immunohistochemical studies were performed to identify the location of NK1 and NK2 receptors on myenteric neurons and smooth muscle cells. 2. Substance P (SP) induced biphasic effects: a contraction followed by relaxation; neurokinin A (NKA) and [beta-Ala8]-NKA(4-10), selective agonist of NK2 receptors, evoked concentration-dependent contractions, whereas [Sar9, Met(O2)11]-SP, selective agonist of NK1 receptors, induced concentration-dependent relaxation. 3. SR48968, NK2 receptor antagonist, did not modify the spontaneous activity and reduced the contractile effects induced by tachykinins without affecting the relaxation. SR140333, NK1 receptor antagonist, did not modify the spontaneous activity and antagonized the relaxant response to tachykinins, failing to affect the contractile effects. 4. The relaxation to SP or to [Sar9, Met(O2)11]-SP was abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX) and significantly reduced by N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). 5. NK2-immunoreactivity (NK2-IR) was seen at the level of the smooth muscle cells of both circular and longitudinal muscle layers. NK1-immunoreactive (NK1-IR) neurons were seen in the myenteric ganglia and NK1/nNOS double labeling revealed that some neurons were both NK1-IR and nNOS-IR. 6. These results suggest that, in mouse stomach, NK1 receptors, causing relaxant responses, are present on nitrergic inhibitory myenteric neurons, whereas NK2 receptors, mediating contractile responses, are present at muscular level.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Gastrointestinal Motility/drug effects
- Gastrointestinal Motility/physiology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Neurokinin A/pharmacology
- Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
- Peptide Fragments/pharmacology
- Receptors, Neurokinin-1/agonists
- Receptors, Neurokinin-1/drug effects
- Receptors, Neurokinin-1/physiology
- Receptors, Neurokinin-2/agonists
- Receptors, Neurokinin-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Neurokinin-2/drug effects
- Receptors, Neurokinin-2/physiology
- Substance P/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Mulè
- Dipartimento di Biologia cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Laboratorio di Fisiologia generale, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
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Melani A, Gianfriddo M, Vannucchi MG, Cipriani S, Baraldi PG, Giovannini MG, Pedata F. The selective A2A receptor antagonist SCH 58261 protects from neurological deficit, brain damage and activation of p38 MAPK in rat focal cerebral ischemia. Brain Res 2006; 1073-1074:470-80. [PMID: 16443200 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2005] [Revised: 11/22/2005] [Accepted: 12/05/2005] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the protective effect of subchronic treatment of the A2A receptor antagonist, SCH 58261 (0.01 mg/kg, i.p.), administered 5 min, 6 h and 15 h after permanent right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Twenty-four hours after ischemia, an extensive pallid area, evaluated by cresyl violet staining, is evident in the vascular territories supplied by the MCA, the striatum and the sensory motor cortex. The pallid area reflects the extent of necrotic neurons. Soon after waking, rats showed a definite contralateral turning behavior which was significantly reduced by SCH 58261 treatment. Twenty-four hours after MCAo, SCH 58261 significantly improved the neurological deficit and reduced ischemic damage in the striatum and cortex. Phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), evaluated by Western Blot, increased by 500% in the ischemic striatum 24 h after MCAo. SCH 58261 treatment significantly reduced phospho-p38 MAPK by 70%. Microglia was immunostained using the OX-42 antibody. Phospho-p38 MAPK and OX-42-immunoreactive cells are localized in the ventral striatum and frontoparietal cortex. Furthermore, both OX-42 and phospho-p38 MAPK-immunoreactive cells have overlapping morphological features, typical of reactive microglia. SCH 58261 reduced phospho-p38 MAPK immunoreactivity in the striatum and in the cortex without changing the microglial cell morphology. These results indicate that the protective effect of the adenosine antagonist SCH 58261 during ischemia is not due to reduced microglial activation but involves inhibition of phospho-p38 MAPK and suggest that treatment with the A2A antagonist from the first hour to several hours after ischemia may be a useful therapeutic approach in cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Melani
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
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Melani A, Turchi D, Vannucchi MG, Cipriani S, Gianfriddo M, Pedata F. ATP extracellular concentrations are increased in the rat striatum during in vivo ischemia. Neurochem Int 2005; 47:442-8. [PMID: 16029911 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2005.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2005] [Revised: 04/29/2005] [Accepted: 05/13/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Interest is growing in the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on P2 receptors during hypoxic/ischemic events in the brain. However, there is no direct evidence of an increase in extracellular ATP levels during cerebral ischemia in vivo. The aim of the present study was to evaluate ATP outflow from the rat striatum by the microdialysis technique associated with focal cerebral ischemia in vivo by intraluminal occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA). Between 1 and 4h after ischemia, rats showed a clear turning behavior contralateral to the ischemic side. Twenty-four hour after MCA occlusion, ischemic rats had definite neurological deficit and striatal and cortical damage. The ATP concentration (mean+/-S.E.M.) in the striatum of normoxic rats (n = 8) was 3.10+/-0.34 nM. During 220 min after MCA occlusion, the extracellular ATP levels significantly increased two-fold, being 5.90+/-0.61 nM (p < 0.01 versus normoxic level). ATP outflow showed a tendency to increase over time during the 220 min of ischemia. Since extracellular ATP is rapidly metabolized to adenosine, we also assessed ATP outflow in the presence of the ecto-5'-nucleotidase inhibitor, alpha,beta-methylene-adenosine diphosphate (AOPCP, 1 mM) directly perfused into the striatum. The ATP concentration in normoxic rats (n = 8) was increased three-fold in the presence of the ecto-5'-nucleotidase inhibitor (9.57+/-0.26 nM). During 220 min of ischemia, extracellular ATP levels significantly increased 1.3-fold in AOPCP-treated rats (12.62+/-0.65 nM, p < 0.01 versus normoxic level). The present study confirms that ATP is continuously released in the brain and demonstrates for the first time that ATP outflow increases during ischemia in vivo. These results confirm that ATP may be an important mediator in brain ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Melani
- Department of Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Florence, V.le Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
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Abstract
We studied the effects of relaxin on ileal contractility in normal and dystrophic (mdx) mice. Ileal preparations from male normal and mdx mice showed spontaneous myogenic contractions whose amplitude was significantly higher in the latter ones. Relaxin added to the bath medium together with l-arginine depressed the amplitude of the spontaneous contractions in the mdx mice to a level similar to that of the normal mice. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-N(G)-nitroarginine reverted this effect. In mdx mice pretreated for 18 hours with relaxin, spontaneous motility was greatly reduced in amplitude, resembling that of the normal mice. Concurrently, iNOS expression in the muscle coat was markedly increased. Therefore, in mdx mice, relaxin can restore an ileal motility pattern similar to that of the normal mice by upregulating endogenous NO biosynthesis.
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Vannucchi MG, Corsani L, Gianfriddo M, Pedata F, Faussone-Pellegrini MS. Expression of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase in neuronal and glial cells after transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Neuroscience 2005; 136:1015-26. [PMID: 16216429 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2005] [Revised: 07/27/2005] [Accepted: 08/15/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We presently investigated the time-course of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and content in the rat striatum up to 6 days after ischemia induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, a condition that potentially allows functional recovery, with the aim to identify the cell types expressing these two enzymes and to correlate neuronal nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase changes in order to verify whether and how these changes are related to tissue damage, motor-sensory performances and survival. Before and after surgery, the animals underwent neurological evaluation. The results demonstrated that the rats with a score > or = 12 at the neurological evaluation 24 h after ischemia showed a significant increase in neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive neurones and absence of inducible nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive cells and survived up to the sixth day; conversely, the rats with a score < 12 at the neurological evaluation 24 h after ischemia showed a progressive significant decrease in neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive neurones and appearance of inducible nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive cells and none of the rats survived up to the sixth day. Microglia cells were activated in both groups but only in the latter did these cells express inducible nitric oxide synthase. Measurement of the infarct area demonstrated that it occupied a similar territory in both groups of rats but in those with a score < 12 the edema was more extended. In conclusion, we demonstrated that a neurotoxic insult such as ischemia can induce neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression in the neurones and that when neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive neurones increase in number, microglia activation is less extended, inducible nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive cells are absent, tissue damage reduced and the rats survive longer. Conversely, when there is a significant decrease of neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive neurones, microglia cells are intensely activated, inducible nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive cells appear and the animal survival is shortened.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Vannucchi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, Section of Histology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
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Lazzeri M, Vannucchi MG, Spinelli M, Bizzoco E, Beneforti P, Turini D, Faussone-Pellegrini MS. Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 (TRPV1) Expression Changes from Normal Urothelium to Transitional Cell Carcinoma of Human Bladder. Eur Urol 2005; 48:691-8. [PMID: 15992990 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2005.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2005] [Accepted: 05/25/2005] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate possible changes in the expression of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) from normal urothelium to transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of human bladder. METHODS Specimens from normal bladder (n=13, mean age 62 yrs), superficial TCC (n=16, mean age 62,4 yrs) and muscle invasive bladder cancer (n=12, mean age 67 yrs), were obtained by multiple cold cup and full-thickness biopsy during open surgery. All the specimens were processed for H&E staining, immunohistochemistry and Western Blot analysis. RESULTS In controls, the urothelium showed a labelling whose intensity was higher in the superficial cells than in the basal and club-shaped ones. In the superficial TCC, the urothelium showed a reduced labelling intensity. In the muscle invasive TCC, a very light labelling was occasionally detected in scattered superficial cells and no labelling was present in the basal cells and in those that had invaded the muscle. In controls, Western Blot analysis recognized two thick, intensely stained bands, with a molecular weight of approximately 100 and 95 kDa. In all superficial TCC there were two bands similar to control ones and in the muscle invasive two very thin, lightly stained bands. No band was detected in the patients staged as pT4. CONCLUSION These data demonstrated a progressive loss of TRPV1 expression in the urothelium as TCC stage increased and cell differentiation was lower. Future studies will establish the importance of this loss for TCC differentiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Lazzeri
- Department of Urology, Ospedale Santa Chiara Firenze, Firenze, Italy.
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