The adrenergic innervation of the urinary bladder in the cat and man in the normal state and after parasympathetic denervation

The adrenergic innervation of the feline and human urinary bladder was studied with the histochemical fluorescence method of Hillarp and Falck. In the normal bladder of both species the trigone area was densely innervated by thick and strongly green-fluorescent adrenergic terminals while the detrusor muscle contained a sparse innervation of very thin and weakly fluorescent nerve terminals. After parasympathetic denervation (lower motor neuron lesion in patients) the adrenergic innervation of the detrusor muscle was altered. In the cat, the first signs of altered adrenergic innervation were observed 6 weeks after parasympathetic denervation, when thick, strongly fluorescent adrenergic fibres appeared between and in the smooth muscle bundles. These fibres had the characteristics of growth cones and indicated an outgrowth of new adrenergic fibres into the detrusor muscle. Later on, the muscle bundles were densely innervated by thick and strongly fluorescent terminals, reminiscent of trigone terminals. In the patients with lower motor neuron lesions, thick, strongly fluorescent adrenergic terminals were seen in the detrusor. In both cat and man the appearance of this "new" type of adrenergic nerve terminal in the detrusor muscle coincided with the presence of alpha-adrenoceptor function (rather than the normal beta-adrenoceptor activity of the feline and human detrusor).

Axonal transport of zinc transporter 3 and zinc containing organelles in the rodent adrenergic system

Zinc is the second most abundant trace metal (after iron) in mammalian tissues, and it is an essential element for growth, development, DNA synthesis, immunity, and other important cellular processes. A considerable amount of zinc in the brain exists as a pool of free or loosely bound zinc ions in synaptic vesicles with zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) in their membranes. Here we demonstrate that also in the peripheral sympathetic nervous system zinc handling neurons exist. In autonomic ganglia of rats and mice a subset of neuronal cell bodies contain zinc, visualized by the autometallographic (AMG) and TSQ histochemical methods. The Zn-transporter 3 is, as shown by immunofluorescence, also present in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons, but rarely in cell bodies with neuropeptide Y (NPY)-immunoreactivity (IR). In axons of crush-operated sciatic nerves a rapid bidirectional accumulation of AMG granules occurred. Also ZnT3-IR was found to accumulate rapidly in anterograde as well as retrograde direction, colocalized with TH-IR. So far nerve terminals with ZnT3-IR have not been observed. The functional significance of zinc ions in the sympathetic system is not known.

Peripheral projections of NESP55 containing neurons in the rat sympathetic ganglia

The peripheral projections of neurons expressing neuroendocrine secretory protein 55 (NESP55), a novel member of the chromogranin family, were studied by retrograde tracing technique. It was found that NESP55 positive neurons in the rat superior cervical ganglion projected to a number of targets including the submandibular gland, the cervical lymph nodes, the forehead skin, the iris, but not to the thyroid. Among these NESP55 positive target-projecting neurons, a subpopulation contained neuropeptide Y (NPY), a vasoconstrictor. Forepaw pad projecting neurons were found exclusively in the stellate ganglion, almost all of which (approximately 90%) were immunoreactive to NESP55. Colocalization of NESP55 and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a peptide involved in sudomotor effects, was observed in a subpopulation of these paw pad projecting neurons, as was colocalization of NESP55 and NPY. The data suggest that NESP55 may have a functional role in some populations of sympathetic neurons.

Studies of the central nervous system-derived CAD cell line, a suitable model for intraneuronal transport studies?

The CAD cell line is a variant of a CNS-derived Cath.a cell line established by targeted oncogenesis in transgenic mice. Cell differentiation of the cell line can be induced by "starvation," i.e., removal of serum from the culture medium (protein-free medium). The differentiated CAD cells extend long processes, which ultrastructurally contain abundant microtubules, intermediate filaments, and various synaptic vesicles/organelles in the varicose enlargements, thus resembling neurites. Histochemical studies demonstrated that the differentiated cells express a number of synaptic vesicle proteins, cytoskeletons, different neurotransmitter enzymes, neuropeptides, and glia proteins. The data suggest that the differentiated CAD cells may be a suitable model for studies of intraneuronal transport, recycling of receptors, and pharmacological investigations.

From the Golgi–Cajal mapping to the transmitter-based characterization of the neuronal networks leading to two modes of brain communication: Wiring and volume transmission

After Golgi-Cajal mapped neural circuits, the discovery and mapping of the central monoamine neurons opened up for a new understanding of interneuronal communication by indicating that another form of communication exists. For instance, it was found that dopamine may be released as a prolactin inhibitory factor from the median eminence, indicating an alternative mode of dopamine communication in the brain. Subsequently, the analysis of the locus coeruleus noradrenaline neurons demonstrated a novel type of lower brainstem neuron that monosynaptically and globally innervated the entire CNS. Furthermore, the ascending raphe serotonin neuron systems were found to globally innervate the forebrain with few synapses, and where deficits in serotonergic function appeared to play a major role in depression. We propose that serotonin reuptake inhibitors may produce antidepressant effects through increasing serotonergic neurotrophism in serotonin nerve cells and their targets by transactivation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), involving direct or indirect receptor/RTK interactions. Early chemical neuroanatomical work on the monoamine neurons, involving primitive nervous systems and analysis of peptide neurons, indicated the existence of alternative modes of communication apart from synaptic transmission. In 1986, Agnati and Fuxe introduced the theory of two main types of intercellular communication in the brain: wiring and volume transmission (WT and VT). Synchronization of phasic activity in the monoamine cell clusters through electrotonic coupling and synaptic transmission (WT) enables optimal VT of monoamines in the target regions. Experimental work suggests an integration of WT and VT signals via receptor-receptor interactions, and a new theory of receptor-connexin interactions in electrical and mixed synapses is introduced. Consequently, a new model of brain function must be built, in which communication includes both WT and VT and receptor-receptor interactions in the integration of signals. This will lead to the unified execution of information handling and trophism for optimal brain function and survival.

Neuroendocrine secretory protein 55 (NESP55) immunoreactivity in male and female rat superior cervical ganglion and other sympathetic ganglia

Neuroendocrine secretory protein 55 (NESP55) is a soluble, acidic and heat-stable protein, belonging to the class of chromogranins. It is expressed specifically in endocrine cells and the nervous system, and is probably involved in both constitutive and regulated secretion. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of NESP55 in various rat sympathetic ganglia by immunohistochemistry. The expression of NESP55-IR was detected in a subpopulation of principal neurons in the rat SCG, which was also TH positive, and, thus, adrenergic. In the rat stellate ganglion, more than two thirds of NESP55 positive neurons were adrenergic. Colocalization of NESP55 and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in cholinergic neurons was also observed. In the rat thoracic chain, however, the majority of NESP55 positive neurons appeared to lack TH. No detectable NESP55-IR was found in the mouse SCG. Furthermore, in the sexually dimorphic SCG, it was demonstrated that, 80% of the NESP55 positive principal neurons were also NPY positive in the male rat, while a slightly higher, but statistically significant proportion, 87%, was found in the female. Whether or not this small difference is physiologically significant is unknown. The present data provide basic knowledge about the expression of NESP55 in the sympathetic autonomic nervous system of rat, which may further our understanding of the functional significance of NESP55.

Glial fibrillary acidic protein-expressing cells in the neurogenic regions in normal and injured adult brains

In the adult brain, neurogenic stem cells are prevalent in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle wall and the subgranular zone (SGZ) in the dentate gyrus. Cells that have structural and molecular characteristics of astrocytes function as neurogenic stem cells in these regions, in which these cells also participate in the creation of the microenvironment that stimulates neurogenesis. In the present paper, we review the phenotypic properties, subpopulations, and proliferation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing cells in these two neurogenic regions and their responses to different brain injuries. Cells fulfilling the criteria for astrocytes, i.e., expressing GFAP, in the SVZ and SGZ respond differently to brain injuries or neurogenic stimuli. The importance of guidance by astrocytes of newly formed neuronal cells is emphasized. The assessment of GFAP-expressing cells in the neurogenic regions is of great importance for understanding the mechanism underlying the response of neural stem cells to brain injury.

Axonal transport of neuropeptides: Retrograde tracing study in live cell cultures of rat sympathetic cervical ganglia

Previous studies demonstrated that neuropeptides are transported with fast axonal transport. Considerable amounts (30-40%) of anterogradely transported peptides accumulated distal to a crush, apparently recycling to the cell bodies. In the present study, we used primary and compartmented cultures of sympathetic cervical ganglia (SCG) to address questions on the origin of the recycling peptides. In primary cultures, distinct labeling of neuropeptide Y (NPY) or secretoneurin (SN) immunoreactivities was detected in varicosities and in cell bodies, after administration of NPY or SN antibodies to the living cultures. Simultaneous addition to the medium with antibody against the N-terminal (lumen) domain of synaptotagmin, resulted in a partial overlapping between synaptotagmin and NPY/SN. In compartmented chamber cultures, in which cell body and proximal segments of the processes are restricted to the central chamber and the distal processes are present in peripheral compartments, antibody administration was performed in the peripheral compartment. KCl (60-120 mM) was added to the central chamber for 10 sec, followed by washing, and 30-60 min later clear labeling was detected in the cell bodies, suggesting that the antibodies were now present in structures that were transported from the distal segments in the peripheral compartment to the cell body. The results indicate 1) that peptide release from large dense cored vesicles is incomplete; 2) that the remaining peptides, together with the membrane, are retrogradely transported to cell bodies; and 3) that the recycling peptides accumulating distal to a crush of a peripheral nerve are most likely to be recycled from the nerve terminals.

Deletion of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor affects pain sensitivity, neuropeptide transport and expression, and dorsal root ganglion neuron numbers

Neuropeptide Y has been implicated in pain modulation and is substantially up-regulated in dorsal root ganglia after peripheral nerve injury. To identify the role of neuropeptide Y after axotomy, we investigated the behavioral and neurochemical phenotype of neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor knockout mice with focus on dorsal root ganglion neurons and spinal cord. Using a specific antibody Y1 receptor immunoreactivity was found in dorsal root ganglia and in dorsal horn neurons of wild-type, but not knockout mice. The Y1 receptor knockout mice exhibited a pronounced mechanical hypersensitivity. After sciatic nerve axotomy, the deletion of Y1 receptor protected knockout mice from the axotomy-induced loss of dorsal root ganglion neurons seen in wild-type mice. Lower levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P were identified by immunohistochemistry in dorsal root ganglia and dorsal horn of knockout mice, and the axotomy-induced down-regulation of both calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P was accentuated in Y1 receptor knockout. However, the transcript levels for calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P were significantly higher in knockout than in wild-type dorsal root ganglia ipsilateral to the axotomy, while more calcitonin gene-related peptide- and substance P-like immunoreactivity accumulated proximal and distal to a crush of the sciatic nerve. These results indicate that the deletion of the Y1 receptor causes increased release and compensatory increased synthesis of calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Together, these findings suggest that, after peripheral nerve injury, neuropeptide Y, via its Y1 receptor receptor, plays a key role in cell survival as well as in transport and synthesis of the excitatory dorsal horn messengers calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P and thus may contribute to pain hypersensitivity.

Immunohistochemical characterisation of differentiated CAD cells: expression of peptides and chromogranins

The CNS-derived cell line, CAD cell line, when grown in a protein free medium (PFM), differentiates to neuron-like cells with very long processes. It was previously studied biochemically and found to express TH activity, some neurospecific proteins, but no glial proteins. We have now further studied the CAD cells and focused on the expression of various neuropeptides, GAP-43 and GFAP. All peptides studied were present, including TH, but also GFAP, in contrast to earlier studies. A different kind of processes, short, slender and distributed like a "fringe" around cell body and along processes was observed, NESP55 but not other chromogranins was present in these "fringes", GAP43 showed some degree of overlapping with NESP55. The results show that even after differentiation in PFM, the CAD cells express a palette of neuropeptides and chromogranins, catecholaminergic markers as well as the glia-specific GFAP. Our efforts to induce exocytosis/endocytosis from the peptide granules by high K+ were, however, unsuccessful. Due to long processes, the CAD cells may represent a good model for studying intracellular transport, and, since the cells express both neuronal and glial characteristics, it may be useful for investigating the influence of different trophic/growth factors on the expression of various neuronal characteristics.

Characterization of cell proliferation in the adult dentate under normal conditions and after kainate induced seizures using ribonucleotide reductase and BrdU

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), an enzyme for DNA synthesis, was recently used as a marker of proliferating cells in the dentate gyrus and subventricular zone in normal adult mammalian brains. However, the duration of RNR expression in normal adult brain and the expression pattern of RNR in the adult dentate gyrus following brain injury have not been explored. In this study, we examined the duration of the RNR expression in newborn cells in the normal adult rat brain by analysis of RNR and BrdU double-labeled specimens at different time intervals after BrdU application. Secondly, we induced, in adult rats, seizures by kainic acid and investigated the changes in expression of RNR following seizures, and characterized the phenotype of RNR-positive cells using a variety of other markers. Our results revealed that RNR was detectable in proliferating cells from 2 h to at least 1 day. At 7 and 28 days after seizures, there was a fivefold increase in number of clusters of RNR-positive cells in the dentate gyrus, and a doubling of the number of BrdU-labeled cells in each cluster. Proliferating astrocytes and neuronal precursors were recognized in each RNR-positive cell cluster, and both types increased in number after seizures. Colocalization of RNR and activated caspase-3 was observed at 7 days, indicating that proliferating cells were susceptible to status epilepticus induced damage. RNR immunohistochemistry provides a useful approach in experiments investigating a change in cell proliferation, revealing the location, number, morphology and fate of newly formed cells after, e.g., brain injury.

Abundant expression of zinc transporters in Bergman glia of mouse cerebellum

Zinc transporters (ZnTs) are membrane proteins involved in zinc ion transportation in mammalian cells. Seven members of ZnT family, ZnT1-7, have been cloned and characterized. These transporter proteins have different cellular and sub-cellular locations, suggesting that they may play different roles in zinc homeostasis in normal and pathological conditions in different tissues. Cerebellum is one of the most zinc-enriched regions in the central nervous system, but little is known about zinc metabolism in the cerebellum. In the present study, we investigated the detailed distributions of four members (ZnT1, ZnT3, ZnT4 and ZnT6) of the ZnT family, in the mouse cerebellum. Immunostaining and confocal microscopic observations revealed a similar staining pattern of ZnTs in the molecular layer and the Purkinje cell layer. Double labeling with anti-S-100beta or anti-MAP2 and anti-ZnTs clearly showed that the Bergman glial cell bodies in the Purkinje cell layer and their radial processes in the molecular layer exhibited strong immunofluorescence of all the tested ZnTs. However, the somata of the Purkinje cells contained a moderate immunostaining for ZnT1, but virtually lack of other three ZnTs. In the granular layer, ZnTs appeared with different immunostaining patterns. ZnT1 was expressed in a small number of neuronal cell bodies and their primary dendrites, whereas ZnT3 and ZnT4 were present in nerve terminals but not in the neuronal somata. ZnT6 was undetectable in either the cell bodies or processes in the granular layer. The present results indicate that the Bergman glial cells may play an important role in zinc metabolism in the mouse cerebellar cortex.

Dynamic zinc pools in mouse choroid plexus

We examined the presence of Zn-transporters (ZnT1, ZnT3, ZnT4, and ZnT6) proteins and zinc ions in rat choroid epithelium with immunohistochemistry and zinc selenide autometallography (ZnSe(AMG)). The four ZnT proteins were all expressed in the choroid epithelial cells. ZnT3 immunostaining was found in vesicle membranes in the apical part of the cells, associated to the microvillus membrane. Correspondingly, the ZnSe(AMG) technique revealed zinc ions in small vesicles, in microvilli, and multivesicular bodies in the epithelial cells. Traceable zinc ions were also found in lysosome-like organelles of fenestrated endothelial cells, but here no corresponding ZnT3 immunostaining was seen. The observations suggests that the choroid plexus is instrumental to regulation of the level of zinc ions in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Nicotine exposure in breastfed infants

AIM

To study exposure to nicotine in breastfed infants in relation to parental smoking habits.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty mother-infant pairs were studied. Twenty non-smoking mothers, 18 smoking (2-20 cigarettes per day) and two snuff-taking mothers were included. All infants were healthy, exclusively breastfed and their postnatal age was 6 wk. During a home visit, parental smoking habits were recorded, and the time of mothers' last smoke or taking of snuff and breastfeeding were recorded. Breast milk and infant urine samples were collected. Concentrations of nicotine and cotinine were analysed with gas chromatography. The amount of milk ingested during the home visit was calculated by weighing the infants.

RESULTS

Two non-smoking and non-snuff-taking women had milk containing nicotine (28 and 13 microg/l, respectively). Both had smoking spouses. In the smoking and snuff-taking group, the mean (SD) milk nicotine concentration was 44 (38) microg/l (n = 36). When milk samples taken 7 h and 0.6 h after smoking were compared, the concentration of milk nicotine increased from 21 to 51 microg/l (p < 0.01). The two snuff-taking mothers exposed their children to higher milk nicotine concentrations than all but two of the smokers. The concentrations of the metabolite cotinine in infant urine correlated with the dose of nicotine ingested during the home visit (r = 0.84, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Breastfed infants with a smoking or snuff-taking mother are exposed to nicotine in breast milk. The mean intake of nicotine via milk is 7 microg/kg/d. With a shorter time between the mothers' smoking and breastfeeding, the milk nicotine concentration will increase. Both passive smoking at home and snuff-taking were associated with measurable nicotine levels in milk. Healthcare personnel promoting breastfeeding should be aware of these factors influencing exposure to nicotine in the breastfed infant.

Zinc transporter 3 and zinc ions in the rodent superior cervical ganglion neurons

Previous studies have revealed that zinc-enriched (ZEN) terminals are present in all parts of the CNS though with great differences in intensity. The densest populations of both ZEN terminals and ZEN somata are found in telencephalic structures, but also structures like the spinal cord demonstrate impressive ZEN systems spreading terminals several segments around the respective ZEN somata. The present study evaluates whether sympathetic neurons in the superior cervical ganglia (SCG) are ZEN neurons, i.e. contain vesicles that have zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) proteins in their membranes and contain zinc ions. ZnT3 immunoreactivity (IR) was found in the somata and processes in the postganglionic neurons of mouse SCG. Only a small fraction of neurons (less than 5%), expressed varying degrees of ZnT3. Colchicine treatment, however, increased the number of ZnT3-positive neurons three-fold, suggesting an accumulation of ZnT3 protein in the somata. A small proportion of the postganglionic axons revealed dotted accumulations of ZnT3 IR along their courses. Double labeling showed that all ZnT3-positive neurons and axons were also tyrosine hydroxylase-positive with strong immunofluorescence, while no colocalization was found between ZnT3 and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) or neuropeptide Y IR. VAChT-positive preganglionic neurons were found to terminate on ZnT3 neuronal somata. 6-Methoxy 8-para toluene sulfonamide quinoline fluorescence and zinc selenium autometallography (ZnSe(AMG)) revealed that a subgroup of SCG cells contained free or loosely bound zinc ions. It is therefore concluded that ZnT3 and zinc ions are present in a subpopulation of TH-positive, NPY-negative neurons in the rodent SCG, supporting the notion that vesicular zinc ions may play a special role in the peripheral sympathetic adrenergic system.

SSR2(a) receptor expression and adrenergic/cholinergic characteristics in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells

Somatostatin (SS) is an inhibitory regulator of secretory and proliferative responses that activates a group of receptors in the plasma membrane termed SSR1-5. SSR2 is one of the most abundant SSR, which also is expressed in high numbers in many neuroendocrine tumor types. Here, we describe a study of the presence and intracellular localization of the spliced variant SSR2(a) and its endogenous ligand SS in the cultured human neuroblastoma (NB) cell line, SH-SY5Y, by immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning. The integral neuronal synaptic vesicle membrane proteins synaptophysin (p38) and SV2 were studied, as well as the IR of catecholaminergic and cholinergic markers. RA treatment was used as an inducer of neuronal-like differentiation in our SH-SY5Y cell line. After the treatment, the presence of catecholaminergic markers (including NPY) decreased while the cholinergic markers (including VIP) increased. p38 and SV2 as well as VIP were shifted into the rather long neuritic processes, indicating efficient intracellular transport. The SSR2(a) protein was significantly increased by RA treatment, but only minor increases in mRNA for this receptor protein could be seen. No subcellular co-localization between p38/SV2 and the cytoplasmic granular receptor material was demonstrated. The SSR2(a) receptor ligand SS was found to be present not only in the cytoplasm but also in the nucleus, and more strongly so after RA treatment. The possible reason for this may be that this peptide, like other small peptides, may serve as transcription factor, or cofactor.

Adrenergic differentiation and SSR2a receptor expression in CAD-cells cultured in serum-free medium

The CAD cell line originates from catecholaminergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) of a simian virus large T antigen transgenic mouse. In the present study, we have immunohistochemically characterized the cell line after differentiation in serum-free medium, using immunofluorescence in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), immunoblot, and ribonuclease protection assay (RPA). Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-, phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-, neuropeptide Y (NPY)-, vesicular monoamine transporter subtype 2-, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-, somatostatin (SS)-, synaptophysin-, synaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2)-, and growth-associated protein of 43 (GAP-43)-immunoreactivities (IRs) were present in the cells but not choline acetyltransferase and vesicular acetylcholine transporter. The immunoreactive substances were present in cell bodies in serum-containing medium (SCM), but after serum withdrawal (protein-free medium, PFM) these proteins and peptides were partially shifted into the long process and their varicosities. A few cells cultured in PFM were occasionally found with extremely high TH-immunoreactivity (IR) in cell bodies and processes. Growth-associated protein of 43-immunoreactivity was weak in SCM but was up-regulated (verified with immunoblot) in PFM and concentrated in varicosities along the processes and the distal tips of neurites. The somatostatin receptor subtype 2a (SSR(2(a))) was found in the cytoplasm and the plasma membrane of the CAD-cells. After serum deprivation, all three methods showed that SSR(2(a)) was up-regulated in the cells. Thus, the CAD cell line after differentiation may be suitable for studying dynamics of SSR(2(a)).

Differential localization of alpha-, beta- and gamma-synucleins in the rat CNS

Alpha-synuclein is a presynaptic protein that normally participates in the homeostasis of synaptic vesicles. Missense mutations in its gene cause the protein to participate actively in the development of heritable forms of Parkinson's disease. Moreover, its metabolism is perturbed in all cases of Parkinson's disease where alpha-synuclein accumulates in a filamentous form in the Lewy body nerve cell lesion. Lewy bodies also develop in other common neurodegenerative disorders, like dementia with Lewy bodies and Lewy body variant of Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we have studied the detailed distribution of alpha-, beta- and gamma-synuclein in the rat CNS. Alpha-synuclein was not observed in perikarya, but was distributed with high intensity in nerve terminals in the caudate and putamen and ventral pallidum, where beta-synuclein was much weaker and less densely distributed in the caudate and putamen. Gamma-synuclein was not found in the caudate and putamen. Alpha-synuclein was robustly distributed in the substantia nigra pars reticulata, but was very weak or virtually absent from the perikarya of the neurons in the pars compacta. In contrast, beta-synuclein was very weak or absent from the substantia nigra. gamma-Synuclein was absent from the terminals of substantia nigra pars reticulata, but sparsely distributed gamma-synuclein-containing neurons were detected in the substantia nigra pars compacta. In the brainstem, alpha-synuclein as well as gamma-synuclein were present in the locus coeruleus with high intensity, while beta-synuclein was very weak. In addition, alpha-synuclein was intense in the vagus nucleus, but weak in the oculomotor, facial, hypoglossal, accessory and ambiguous nuclei, where beta-synuclein was very intensely present. Furthermore, gamma-synuclein was localized in the terminals and in cell bodies of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus, the red nucleus, locus coeruleus, and most cranial nerve-related nuclei. In the spinal cord, alpha- and gamma-synucleins were intensely present in laminae I and II and in the preganglionic sympathetic nuclei, whereas beta-synuclein was very weak. These results indicate that alpha-synuclein is abundant in central catecholaminergic regions. Beta-synuclein is more localized in the somatic cholinergic components, while it is particularly weak or absent from catecholaminergic neurons. Gamma-synuclein appears to be present in both cholinergic and catecholaminergic regions, but very weak in the forebrain.

Distribution and intraneuronal trafficking of a novel member of the chromogranin family, NESP55, in the rat peripheral nervous system

NESP55 (neuroendocrine secretory protein of M(r) 55000) is a novel member of the chromogranin family. In the present study, we have investigated the distribution, axonal transport and proteolytic processing of NESP55 in the peripheral nervous system. The amount of NESP55 immunoreactivity in adrenal gland was more than 240 times higher than that in the vas deferens. Double or triple immunostaining demonstrated that NESP55 immunoreactivity was highly co-localized with tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in bundles of thin axons and postganglionic sympathetic neurons; that NESP55 immunoreactivity also co-existed with vesicular acetylcholine transporter immunoreactivity in large-sized axons in sciatic nerves, and that NESP55 immunoreactivity overlapped with calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity in some large-sized axons, but NESP55 immunoreactivity was not detected in sensory neurons. Strong NESP55 immunoreactivity was found in cell bodies and axons, but it was not detectable in any terminal region by immunohistochemistry. In crush-operated sciatic nerves, NESP55 immunoreactivity could be found as early as 1 h after operation, and accumulated amounts increased substantially with time. However, NESP55 immunoreactivity was only observed in axons proximal to the crush, but none or very little distal to the crush, which was consistent with the data from radioimmunoassay. Finally, extracts of the normal and crushed sciatic nerve and vas deferens were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography followed by radioimmunoassay. The results indicate that NESP55 is processed slowly to small peptides (GAIPIRRH) during axonal transport. NESP55 immunoreactivity was only detected in axons proximal to the crush. The data in the present study indicate that NESP55 immunoreactivity is widely distributed in adrenergic, cholinergic, and peptidergic neurons, but not in sensory neurons, and that this peptide is anterogradely, but not retrogradely, transported with fast axonal transport and slowly processed to smaller peptides during axonal transport in the peripheral nervous system.

Treatment of distal colitis with local anaesthetic agents

The results of clinical and experimental studies on topical treatment of distal colitis with local anaesthetic agents are summarized. The original observation was an adrenergic hyperinnervation of the inflamed mucosa (hyperinnervation hypothesis). In order to silence local nervous reflexes, the mucosa was treated topically with 2% lidocaine gel. The clinical results are promising and no side effects have been observed. The relapse rate is relatively high and related to the duration of treatment. In studies of experimental colitis a potential antagonism between harmful adrenergic nerves (vasoconstrictor substances and proinflammatory cytokines) and mucosa-protective visceral afferents (antiinflammatory cytokines) in the pathogenesis of colitis is intriguing. Other studies have emphasized the importance of neutrophils for causing damage to the colon epithelium (neutrophil hypothesis) and local anaesthetics have potent effects on several steps of the inflammatory response in addition to the nervous blockade.

Localization of zinc-enriched neurons in the mouse peripheral sympathetic system

Growing evidence supports the notion that zinc ions located in the synaptic vesicles of zinc-enriched neurons (ZEN) play important physiological roles and are involved in certain pathological changes in the central nervous system. Here we present data revealing the distribution of zinc ions and the co-localization of zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in crush-operated sciatic nerves and lumbar sympathetic ganglia of mice, using zinc selenide autometallography (ZnSe(AMG)) and ZnT3 immunofluorescence combined with confocal scanning microscopy, respectively. Six hours after the crush operation, ZnSe(AMG) grains and ZnT3 immunoreactivity were predominantly present in a subpopulation of thin unmyelinated sciatic nerve axons. In order to identify the type(s) of ZEN axons involved, double labeling with ZnT3 and (1) TH, (2) vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), (3) calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and (4) neuropeptide Y (NPY) was performed. Confocal microscopic observations showed that ZnT3 was located in a subpopulation of sciatic axons in distended parts proximal and distal to the crush site. Most, if not all, ZnT3-positive axons contained TH immunofluorescence, a few showed co-localization of ZnT3 and VAChT with very weak immunostaining, while no congruence was observed between ZnT3 and CGRP or NPY. Studies of the lumbar sympathetic ganglia showed that not more than 5% of the neurons were ZnT3-positive and that almost all of these were TH-positive. Furthermore, approximately 5% of total lumbar sympathetic ganglionic cells were ZnSe(AMG) positive, 48 h after a local injection of sodium selenide into the sciatic nerve. The present data support the notion that a subgroup of mouse sympathetic postganglionic neurons are ZEN neurons.

Zinc-enriched GABAergic terminals in mouse spinal cord

Electrophysiological experiments have shown that zinc ions modulate glutamate and GABA receptors in brain slices. All the zinc-enriched neuronal pathways in the brain analyzed up until now have been found to be glutaminergic. Many years ago, zinc-enriched terminals with flat vesicles and symmetric synapses were found to be present in rat spinal cord by Henrik Daa Schrøder, and recently these findings have been supported by immunohistochemical and electron microscopical data in lamprey, mouse and rat. In the present study we expanded these observations by revealing a colocalization of zinc ions, zinc transporter-3 (ZnT3) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in synaptic vesicles of zinc-enriched terminals throughout the mouse spinal cord. Confocal analysis of ZnT3 and GAD immunofluorescence was used at light microscopical levels, and a combination of zinc selenium autometallography and GAD immunocytochemistry at electron microscopic levels. Zinc-enriched/GABAergic terminals were observed in all laminae of the spinal gray matter, but most densely populated were laminae I and III in the dorsal horn. In the lateral and ventral funiculi of the white matter, rows of inhibitory zinc-enriched boutons were seen radiating from the gray matter. Ultrastructurally, colocalization of zinc ions and GAD immunoreactivity was seen in a pool of presynaptic terminals in the above locations. Some zinc-enriched terminals were not GAD-positive and some GAD-positive terminals were void of zinc ions. The majority of the zinc-enriched, not GABAergic terminals could be classified as excitatory based on their morphology, i.e. round clear vesicles and symmetric synapses. We conclude that a majority of the spinal cord zinc-enriched terminals are GABAergic. The zinc-enriched terminals with excitatory morphology are most likely glutaminergic, a few have an inhibitory morphology but are not GABAergic. These are most likely glycinergic.

Is the postganglionic sympathetic neuron zinc-enriched? A stop-flow nerve crush study on rat sciatic nerve

Axonal transport of endogenous zinc ions in the rat sciatic nerve was studied by a stop-flow/nerve crush technique combined with zinc selenide autometallography (ZnSeAMG) at light and electron microscopic levels. Distinct accumulations of ZnSeAMG grains were detected, in particular proximal but also distal to the crushes, 1.5 h after the operation, and the amounts of zinc ions increased further in the following 3-8 h. Ultrastructurally, ZnSeAMG grains were located predominantly in unmyelinated axons. The data suggest that a subpopulation of sciatic nerve axons contains and transports zinc ions both antero- and retrogradely, indicating that the second neuron in the sympathetic nervous system is zinc enriched (ZEN).

Presence of sst2(a) receptor immunoreactivity in rat ependyma and tanycytes

Somatostatin sst2(a) receptor was observed, by immunofluorescence, in ependymal cells and in tanycytes of the wall of the ventricle and the hypothalamic recess of the male rat median eminence. Strong immunoreactivity for the receptor protein was observed in lateral tanycytes (alpha-type) while a moderate signal was seen in medial tanycytes (beta-type). In high magnification the immunoreactive material, of moderate intensity, had a coarse granular appearance. Only few of the alpha-tanycytes also displayed immunoreactive GFAP. The apical portion of the ependymal cells as well as of tanycytes contained immunoreactive S-100 (alphabeta). Since rather high levels of somatostatin are demonstrated to occur in the cerebrospinal fluid of the third ventricle, it is suggested that somatostatin via the sst2(a) receptor may regulate the physiology of tanycytes.

Synaptic vesicle proteins and neuronal plasticity in adrenergic neurons

The neurons in the superior cervical ganglion are active in plasticity and re-modelling in order to adapt to requirements. However, so far, only a few studies dealing with synaptic vesicle related proteins during adaptive processes have been published. In the present paper, changes in content and expression of the synaptic vesicle related proteins in the neurons after decentralization (cutting the cervical sympathetic trunk) or axotomy (cutting the internal and external carotid nerves) were studied. Immunofluorescence studies were carried out using antibodies and antisera against integral membrane proteins, vesicle associated proteins, NPY, and the enzymes TH and PNMT. For colocalization studies, the sections were simultaneously double labelled. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used for colocalization studies as well as for semi-quantification analysis, using the computer software. Westen blot analysis, in situ 3'-end DNA labelling, and in situ hybridization were also employed. After decentralization of the ganglia several of the synaptic vesicle proteins (synaptotagmin I, synaptophysin, SNAP-25, CLC and GAP-43) were increased in the iris nerve terminal network, but with different time patterns, while TH-immunoreactivity had clearly decreased. In the ganglia, these proteins had decreased at 1 day after decentralization, probably due to degeneration of the pre-ganglionic nerve fibres and terminals. At later intervals, these proteins, except SNAP-25, had increased in the nerve fibre bundles and re-appeared in nerve fibres outlining the principal neurons.

Cytoplasmic dynein conversion at a crush injury in rat peripheral axons

Cytoplasmic dynein is a motor for retrograde axonal transport for movement of membranous organelles toward the neuronal cell body. However, cytoplasmic dynein is synthesized in the cell body and conveyed along the axon to nerve terminals. To characterize the axonal transport of cytoplasmic dynein in relation to synaptic vesicles and other membrane compartments, immunocytochemical and cytofluorimetric scanning analyses of crush-operated rat sciatic nerves were performed. Distal to the crush, the kinetics of dynein accumulation were consistent with its role in the retrograde transport of membranous organelles. During the initial 3 hr after crush, only small amounts of dynein-immunoreactive material accumulated proximal to the crush. This is consistent with metabolic labeling studies showing that most of the dynein moving in the anterograde direction is in the slow component of axonal transport. Thereafter, the rate of proximal accumulation of dynein increased, and by 8 hr postcrush a large amount of dynein immunoreactivity was observed. This accelerated accumulation may be due to recruitment of dynein from slow component b onto organelles proximal to the crush. Double labeling demonstrated that dynein immunoreactivity colocalized with synaptophysin, a transmembrane protein found in small, clear synaptic vesicles. In contrast, dynein immunoreactivity did not colocalize well with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a peptide matrix marker for some large dense-cored vesicles. Finally, dynein immunoreactivity colocalized with the anterograde transport motor kinesin both proximal and distal to a crush, suggesting that kinesin may carry some dynein-containing membrane compartments during fast anterograde axonal transport.

Increased tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in bladder tissue from patients with classic and nonulcer interstitial cystitis

PURPOSE

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic debilitating condition which mainly affects women. Accumulated evidence indicates that interstitial cystitis is a heterogeneous syndrome. The nonulcer subtype appears different than classic interstitial cystitis in regard to symptoms, and endoscopic and histological findings as well as response to various treatments. We further explore the neurogenic nature of this disease using indirect immunofluorescence to evaluate the presence and density of various autonomic and sensory nerve fibers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specimens from the bladder wall of 6 patients with classic interstitial cystitis, 7 with nonulcer interstitial cystitis and 6 controls were evaluated to determine the presence and density of nerve fibers containing tyrosine hydroxylase, calcitonin gene-related peptide, neuropeptide Y and substance P using specific antibodies, and the general presence of nerve fibers using a mixture of antibodies against nerve filament, neuron specific enolase and S-100 protein.

RESULTS

Increased density and number of nerve fibers immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase were noted in interstitial cystitis cases compared to controls. Furthermore, there was a difference between classic and nonulcer disease in the overall density of nerves using the antibody mixture.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate an altered peripheral sympathetic innervation in interstitial cystitis cases, which may be an indication of primary neurogenic etiology. The difference in nerve density observed after incubation with the antibody mixture between classic and nonulcer interstitial cystitis supports the hypothesis that the 2 forms represent separate entities.

Axonal transport and distribution of immunologically distinct kinesin heavy chains in rat neurons

The functional significance of biochemical and immunochemical heterogeneity in neuronal kinesin remains uncertain. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, cytofluorimetric scanning, and immunoblots were used for quantitative analyses of axonal transport and cellular distribution of immunochemically distinct kinesin heavy chain isoforms (H1 and H2) in rat peripheral nerve and spinal cord. H1 and H2 immunoreactivities (IR) were observed in axons proximal to a crush as early as 1 hr after the crush operation and increased linearly with time, consistent with fast axonal transport of both. Only approximately 10% of the proximal accumulations of H1-IR and H2-IR accumulated distal to the crush, in contrast to synaptophysin-IR (approximately 70%). H2-IR was widely present in peripheral nervous system and virtually colocalized with synaptic vesicle proteins synaptophysin, synaptobrevin I, and SNAP-25 and two neuropeptides [calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP)], although H2-IR was weaker in spinal cord terminals. In contrast, H1-IR appeared preferentially enriched in large axons, probably motor and large sensory neurons, which contained synaptophysin-IR, synaptobrevin I-IR, SNAP-25-IR, and CGRP-IR. However, H1-IR was weak or absent from SP-containing thin and medium-sized axons. In addition, H1-IR appeared to be absent from spinal cord nerve terminals. H1- and H2-IR kinesins are both transported with fast axonal transport, and comparatively small amounts of kinesins are retrogradely transported. H2 was widely distributed in motor, sensory, and sympathetic neurons, whereas H1 was enriched in large motor and sensory neurons.

Axonal transport of synucleins is mediated by all rate components

Synucleins are abundant nerve terminal proteins of hitherto unknown function. In diseases with Lewy bodies, human alpha-synuclein concentrates in these lesions in the cell body and mutations in alpha-synuclein lead to heritable Parkinson's disease with Lewy bodies. This indicates that changes in the normal metabolism and axonal transport of alpha-synuclein is perturbed in these diseases. To investigate the normal axonal transport of synucleins we studied the rat visual system by nerve crush operations and metabolic labelling of the retinal ganglion cells followed by immunoprecipitation of nerve segments. We found by immunofluorescence microscopy of the crush-operated nerves that synucleins are transported by fast antero- and retrograde transport and colocalize with synaptophysin and SNAP-25 around the lesion. The metabolic labelling studies demonstrated that synucleins were moved through the nerve with all the rate components, the fast component and the slow components a and b, with component b predominating. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that both alpha- and beta-synuclein migrate through the nerve by slow component b in a ratio of 2:1.

[Lung function in premature infants can be improved. Surfactant therapy and CPAP reduce the need of respiratory support]

Randomised trials have shown exogenous surfactant therapy to reduce mortality and morbidity among very low birthweight (VLBW) infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Surfactant therapy is normally given to infants on mechanical ventilation. In the Stockholm area, 12 VLBW infants born after 27-30 gestational weeks and suffering from RDS were recently treated using the INSURE (Intubation-SURfactant-Extubation) approach--i.e., surfactant therapy during brief intubation, immediately followed by extubation and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. The treatment was successful in all 12 cases, the mean (+/- SD) a/A ratio increasing significantly from 0.17 +/- 0.04 before the INSURE procedure to 0.46 (0.12 after (P < 0.001). Only one infant later needed mechanical ventilation for RDS.

The processing of secretogranin II in the peripheral nervous system: release of secretoneurin from porcine sympathetic nerve terminals

The distribution of secretoneurin (SN), a peptide derived from secretogranin II (SgII), in the coeliac ganglion, the splenic nerve and the spleen was examined by immunohistochemistry. In the ganglion, SN immunoreactivity (IR) was unevenly distributed. Positive nerve terminals densely surrounded some postganglionic perikarya in which also intense SN-IR was present. In the crushed splenic nerves, intense immunoreactivities appeared proximal (but to a less extent also distal) to the crush of the nerve. Analysis by cytofluorimetric scanning (CFS) demonstrated that SN-IR and neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity (NPY-IR) were predominant in the axons proximal to the crush representing anterogradely transported components. Using radioimmunoassay (RIA) we demonstrated that upon electrical stimulation (10 Hz, 1 min) of the splenic nerve, significant amounts of SN-IR (64.2+/-2.3 fmol) were released together with NA (4. 1x106+/-0.2 fmol) and NPY (330.0+/-7.2 fmol) from the isolated perfused porcine spleen. To evaluate the processing of SgII in sympathetic neurons, boiled tissue extracts (coeliac ganglia and splenic nerve) and boiled spleen perfusate (used as a suitable source for vesicle derived peptides) were analysed by gel filtration chromatography followed by SN-RIA. In all cases immunoreactivity was present solely as SN, indicating that SgII was fully processed to the free peptide. The evidence that SN is transported to the nerve terminals and is released from the porcine spleen upon nerve stimulation, suggests that it may modulate adrenergic neurotransmission and may also play a role in the neuroimmune communication.

Proteolytic processing, axonal transport and differential distribution of chromogranins A and B, and secretogranin II (secretoneurin) in rat sciatic nerve and spinal cord

The chromogranin family comprises chromogranin A and B, and secretogranin II. The present study has focused on the axonal transport of chromogranins/secretogranin II and their detailed distribution in peripheral nerves and the spinal cord. With radioimmunoassay (RIA) and column chromatography, we first studied the processing of chromogranin B and secretogranin II during axonal transport. No larger precursors of these peptides were detected in the sciatic nerves, indicating that they are already processed to a high degree early during axonal transport. We also analysed nerve segments above and below a crush, using RIA, in order to compare these accumulation data with those obtained by the cytofluorimetric-scanning (CFS) technique. For the latter technique, the amounts of accumulation distal to the crush (presumably representing recycling and retrogradely transported peptides) were 30-40% of the amounts in the proximal accumulation for chromogranin A and secretoneurin, in contrast to chromogranin B, which showed 15% recycling. With the RIA, the corresponding values for secretoneurin and PE-11 (antibody against chromogranin B) were 42% and 14%, respectively. Therefore, the data obtained by CFS were in excellent agreement with those obtained by RIA. In crushed sciatic nerves, chromogranin A was present in large axons as well as in small- and medium-sized axons. Chromogranin B was mainly restricted to large axons, while secretoneurin was localized to bundles of small axons. This differential distribution was also found in the spinal roots and in the peripheral terminals. Chromogranin A was present in both ventral and dorsal roots, and chromogranin B was detected in ventral roots and in large sensory axons in the dorsal roots. Secretoneurin was dominant in the dorsal root. Double-labelling studies with antibodies against choline acetyltransferase/vesicular acetylcholine transporter, or against tyrosine hydroxylase, confirmed that chromogranin A was distributed in cholinergic, sensory, as well as adrenergic neurons. Chromogranin B was mainly present in cholinergic motor neurons and large sensory neurons, and secretoneurin was restricted to adrenergic and sensory neurons. The present study demonstrates that chromogranins A and B, and secretoneurin are transported with fast axonal transport in the peripheral nerves, with different amounts of recycling, and that they are differentially distributed in different types of neurons in the peripheral nervous system and the spinal cord, suggesting that each of them may play a special role in subsets of neurons.

Quantitative analysis of synaptophysin immunoreactivity in human neocortex after cardiac arrest: confocal laser scanning microscopy study

Transient global ischaemia caused by cardiac arrest results in lesions that involve all brain structures. The aim of this study was to investigate the condition of synapses in patients surviving, but remaining in a persistent vegetative state, following resuscitation after cardiac arrest. We performed a quantitative analysis of the distribution and density of elements containing a synaptic vesicle protein--synaptophysin (p38)--in human neocortex in cases which survived for 1 week, 2 months, and 1 year after the cardiac arrest. Neurologically healthy cases that died following an accident served as control. Dual-channel confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to image p38-immunoreactivity (IR) and lipofuscin autofluorescence. In control cases no statistically significant differences were found for p38-IR between layers II-III and V-VII. However, the temporal cortex had a higher density of p38-immunoreactive structures than the motor cortex. In postischaemic cases a reduction in the density of p38-IR elements was apparent, mainly in the frontal and motor cortices and less pronounced in the temporal cortex. The least decrease compared with controls was observed in the visual cortex. In the 1 week survival case, a maximal decrease in p38-IR (35% below control) was found. In this case, the number of p38-IR elements per visual field was decreased, and big aggregates of p38-IR structures were observed. In general, the amounts of p38-IR structures were higher in all of the control cases compared with the postischaemic cases.

Growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43) mRNA is upregulated in the rat superior cervical ganglia after preganglionic transection

Growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) is a growth-associated protein which is synthesised in high amounts in neurons during neuronal outgrowth. In a previous study we have shown that GAP-43 immunoreactivity is increased in neurons in superior cervical ganglia (SCG) and in nerve terminals in the irides after preganglionic denervation. We have now examined changes in GAP-43 mRNA using in situ hybridisation. GAP-43 mRNA was seen to be constitutively expressed by principal neurons of the rat superior cervical ganglion. Expression was increased further by section of the cervical sympathetic trunk, reaching a maximum (increased by about 30%) 3 days after decentralisation. The increased GAP-43 protein seen after decentralisation thus appears to be due to an upregulation of GAP-43 mRNA in the adrenergic neurons. The results imply that GAP-43 expression in the SCG is under presynaptic control, acting at least partly by control of mRNA levels.

Distribution of chromogranins A and B and secretogranin II (secretoneurin) in rat pelvic neurons and vas deferens

The family of chromogranins/secretogranin peptides comprises three major subtypes: chromogranin A, chromogranin B and secretogranin II. We have characterized these proteins in rat vas deferens and pelvic ganglia by using two approaches. Firstly, extracts of rat vas deferens were subjected to molecular sieve chromatography followed by radioimmunoassay. The results indicate that, in the peripheral nerves of this organ, chromogranin B and secretogranin II are processed to small peptides, i.e. PE-11 and secretoneuron, respectively. Secondly, we investigated the localization of each of these peptides in the rat pelvic ganglia and vas deferens. Comparisons with the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase, choline acetyltransferase, vesicular acetylcholine transporter and SV2 were carried out in double labelling studies. All tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons contained neuropeptide Y, but many neuropeptide Y-containing neurons were negative for tyrosine hydroxylase. In the pelvic ganglia, chromogranin A was widely localized in the neuropeptide-positive neurons and 65% of chromogranin A-containing neurons were positive for tyrosine hydroxylase, suggesting their adrenergic nature. However, in nerve terminals of the vas deferens, chromogranin A was present at very low, or undetectable, levels. The chromogranin B-derived peptide PE-11, on the other hand, was absent from the large-sized, tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons, but present in some small-sized neurons that were choline acetyltransferase/vesicular acetylcholine transporter-positive and tyrosine hydroxylase-negative. In the vas deferens, PE-11 was present with intense immunoreactivity in nerve terminals of the lamina propria beneath the epithelium, but it was very sparse in the muscular layer and co-localized with vesicular acetylcholine transporter-like immunoreactivity, suggesting a cholinergic nature. The secretogranin II-derived peptide secretoneurin was distributed with strong immunoreactivity in the somata of pelvic ganglion neurons, 72% of which also contained tyrosine hydroxylase, as well as in nerve terminals in the muscular layer and the lamina propria of the vas deferens. Most, if not all, secretoneurin-positive terminals in the pelvic ganglia and the vas deferens were positive for choline acetyltransferase/vesicular acetylcholine transporter-like immunoreactivity. Retrograde tracing with FluoroGold demonstrated that the majority of FluoroGold-labelled neurons in the pelvic ganglia were positive for either chromogranin A or secretoneurin. The present study indicates that chromogranins A and B and secretogranin II are proteolytically processed to a high degree in the nerves of the rat vas deferens. Furthermore, they are heterogeneously localized in subsets of neurons of the pelvic ganglia and in different sets of nerve terminals in the vas deferens, suggesting that each of these peptides may play distinct roles in neurons of the autonomic nervous system to the vas deferens.

Fast axonal transport of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) in cholinergic neurons in the rat sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve, as a part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), has been used to study axonal transport for decades. It contains motor, sensory as well as autonomic axons. The present study has concentrated on the axonal transport of the synaptic vesicle acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), using the "stop-flow/nerve crush" method. After blocking fast axonal transport by means of a crush, distinct accumulations of various synaptic vesicle proteins, including VAChT, and peptides developed during the first hour after crush-operation and marked increases were observed up to 8 h post-operative. Semiquantitative analysis, using cytofluorimetric scanning (CFS) of immuno-incubated sections, revealed a rapid rate of accumulation proximal to the crush, and that the ratio between distal accumulations (organelles in retrograde transport) and proximal accumulations (organelles in anterograde transport) was about 40%. Most synaptic vesicle proteins were colocalized in the axons proximal to the crush. VAChT-immunoreactive axons were also immunoreactive for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Autonomic axons with VAChT also contained VIP-LI. The results demonstrate (1) that VAChT, as well as other synaptic vesicle proteins, is transported with fast axonal transport in motor axons as well as in autonomic post-ganglionic neurons in this nerve, (2) VAChT colocalized in motor axons with SV2 as well as with synaptophysin, indicating storage in the same axonal particle, (3) in the autonomic postganglionic sympathetic cholinergic fibres, VAChT colocalized with VIP, but VIP-LI was present in rather large granular structures while VAChT-LI was present mostly as small granular elements, (4) in motor as well as in autonomic axons ChAT-LI was present in VAChT-positive axons, and (5) the ratio of recycling (retrogradely accumulated) VAChT-IR was about 40%, in contrast to the recycling fraction of synaptophysin that was about 70%.

Structural and functional association between substance P- and calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive nerves and accessory cells in the rat dental pulp

Defense mechanisms of the dentin/pulp complex involve a variety of biological systems in which immunocompetent cells, the nervous system, and the vascular supply play important roles. In the present study, pulpal accessory cells were examined regarding (i) their structural relationship to nerves and (ii) how the functional capacities of these cells were affected by neuropeptides. Micro-anatomic association was investigated in the normal rat molar pulp with the use of double-immunofluorescence staining and dual-channel confocal laser scanning microscopy. Examinations of confocal laser scanning microscopic images from single focal planes revealed the presence of apparent contacts between thin, varicose nerve fibers and immunocompetent cells, indicating proximity between these two structures. The close associations were most frequently observed in the para-odontoblastic region of the coronal pulp, where more than 70% of class II antigen-expressing (OX6+) cells showed proximity to nerve fibers immunoreactive to calcitonin gene-related peptide. The corresponding figure for substance P was about 50%. ED2+ macrophages closely associated with nerves were less frequently observed. Functional studies conducted in vitro demonstrated that 10(-9) to 10(-7) mol/L of substance P significantly increased (p < 0.05), while 10(-7) to 10(-6) mol/L of calcitonin gene-related peptide suppressed (p < 0.01) proliferation of purified T-lymphocytes stimulated with sub-optimal concentrations of concanavalin A in the presence of rat incisor pulpal cells as accessory cells. These data suggest that pulpal sensory nerve fibers and their products may have an influence upon the immune defense of the dental pulp.

A confocal and electron microscopic study of contacts between 5-HT fibres and feline dorsal horn interneurons in pathways from muscle afferents

Morphological substrates of actions of serotonin upon dorsal horn interneurons with input from group II muscle afferents were investigated by using two experimental approaches. Twelve interneurons were intracellularly labelled with rhodamine-dextran, and serotoninergic fibres were identified by immunofluorescence. Appositions between the serotoninergic axons and these interneurons were examined with a dual-channel confocal microscope. A further four interneurons were intracellularly labelled with horseradish peroxidase, and serotoninergic axons were identified by immunocytochemistry; these neurons were prepared for combined light and electron microscopy. Confocal microscopy revealed serotoninergic varicosities in apposition to both cell bodies and dendrites. Similar total numbers of appositions were found on the soma, and on dendrites within 100 microm from the soma, on the most completely labelled neurons. The number of appositions on 100-microm segments of dendrites decreased with increasing distances from the soma (from 14.6 within 100 microm, to 3.8 and 2.4 at 100-300 microm, and more than 300 microm distances, respectively). Electron microscopic analysis of two neurons revealed that few of the apparent contacts on cell bodies were synaptic, but, in contrast, many varicosities apposed to proximal dendrites formed synapses. The evidence suggests that serotonin may have more powerful synaptic effects upon the dendrites of this class of dorsal horn interneurons than on their cell bodies.

Intraneuronal trafficking and distribution of amphiphysin and synaptojanin in the rat peripheral nervous system and the spinal cord

Amphiphysin and synaptojanin are two nerve terminal proteins with a putative role in synaptic vesicle endocytosis and recycling. We have investigated the intraneuronal dynamics and distribution of these two proteins, using nerve crush techniques in combination with immunofluorescence, cytofluorimetric scanning (CFS), confocal laser scanning microscopy and immuno-electron microscopy (EM). Accumulations of amphiphysin and synaptojanin immunoreactivities at the crush site were detected as short as 1 h after the lesion, indicating that a pool of these two partially cytosolic proteins moves along the axon by fast axoplasmic transport. The amount of proximal accumulation increased linearly between 1 and 8 h. CFS analysis demonstrated that only 30% of fast anterogradely transported amphiphysin and synaptojanin was returned by fast retrograde transport, in contrast to the 70% value observed for synaptophysin, a transmembrane protein. This indicates that the majority of amphiphysin and synaptojanin is degraded/metabolized in the nerve terminals. Immuno-EM showed that both amphiphysin and synaptojanin are primarily associated with heterogeneous membrane profiles in the crushed sciatic nerve and the immunoperoxidase reaction product is concentrated in the nerve terminal cytomatrix of the spinal cord. Both proteins were differentially distributed in subsets of nerve terminals, indicating heterogeneous expression in neurons.

Influence of topical rectal application of drugs on dextran sulfate-induced colitis in rats

A rat model of colitis [dextran sulfate (DSS)] was used to study the permeation of Evans blue (EB) from the lumen into the wall of proximal and distal colonic loops after exposure to the dye for 2 hr. Topical application of drugs used in human ulcerative colitis (lidocaine, mesalazine, prednisolone, or sucralfate) was given daily during induction of colitis to protect the mucosa. The mucosal changes were evaluated with special regard to peptidergic innervation [substance P (SP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY)], invasion of antigen-presenting polydendritic cells, and mucin-containing goblet cells. DSS-treatment caused a significantly increased permeation of EB. In the proximal loops a significant inhibition was obtained after treatment with lidocaine, prednisolone, or sucralfate. In the distal loops only treatment with lidocaine had a preventive effect. Immunocytochemically there was a clear hyperplasia of both mucosal SP- and NPY-immunoreactive nerve fibers in regions with crypt abnormalities. In these regions also most of the goblet cells were devoid of mucus. Like the changes in permeation, these morphological changes were most prominent in the distal loops. With induction of colitis, the mucosa and lamina propria were invaded by polydendritic cells; the visual score was markedly decreased in the proximal loops treated with lidocaine, prednisolone, or sucralfate. In the distal loops similar effects were obtained after treatment with lidocaine or prednisolone. Prevention of the influx of antigens in both loops after lidocaine treatment with reduced recruitment of polydendritic cells into the lamina propria is suggested. The nerve hyperplasia may thus be secondary to luminal challenge with antigens during induction of colitis. The discrepancy between increased permeation and absence of polydendritic cell response in the distal loops after prednisolone may reflect separate actions of steroids on the intestinal epithelium and the immune cells.

Axonal transport of synaptic vesicle proteins in the rat optic nerve

The optic nerve, as a part of the central nervous system (CNS), has been used to study axonal transport for decades. The present study has concentrated on the axonal transport of synaptic vesicle proteins in the optic nerve, using the "stop-flow/nerve crush" method. After blocking fast axonal transport, distinct accumulations of synaptic vesicle proteins developed during the first hour after crush-operation and marked increases were observed up to 8 h postoperative. Semiquantitative analysis, using cytofluorimetric scanning (CFS) of immunoincubated sections, revealed that the ratio between distal accumulations (organelles in retrograde transport) and proximal accumulations (organelles in anterograde transport) was much higher (up to 80-90%) for the transmembrane proteins than that for surface adsorbed proteins (only 10-20%). The pattern of axonal transport in the optic nerve was comparable to that in the sciatic nerve. However, clathrin and Rab3a immunoreactivities were accumulated in much lower amounts than that in the sciatic nerve. Most synaptic vesicle proteins were colocalized in the axons proximal to the crush. A differential distribution of synaptobrevin I and II, however, was observed in the optic nerve axons; synaptobrevin I was present in large-sized axons, while synaptobrevin II immunoreactivity was present in most axons, including the large ones. The two isoforms were, thus, partially colocalized. The results demonstrate that (1) cytofluorimetric scanning techniques could be successfully used to study axonal transport not only in peripheral nerves, but also in the CNS; (2) synaptic vesicles are transported with fast axonal transport in this nerve; and (3) some differences were noted compared with the sciatic nerve, especially for Rab3a and clathrin.