A Distinct Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in Modulating the Function of Lymphatic Vessels under Physiological and Tumor-Draining Conditions.
Cell Rep 2020;
27:3305-3314.e13. [PMID:
31189113 PMCID:
PMC6581737 DOI:
10.1016/j.celrep.2019.05.050]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels (LVs) are important in the regulation of tissue fluid homeostasis and the pathogenesis of tumor progression. We investigated the innervation of LVs and the response to agonists and antagonists of the autonomic nervous system in vivo. While skin-draining collecting LVs express muscarinic, α1- and β2-adrenergic receptors on lymphatic endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, intestinal lacteals express only β-adrenergic receptors and muscarinic receptors on their smooth muscle cells. Quantitative in vivo near-infrared imaging of the exposed flank-collecting LV revealed that muscarinic and α1-adrenergic agonists increased LV contractility, whereas activation of β2-adrenergic receptors inhibited contractility and initiated nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilation. Tumor-draining LVs were expanded and showed a higher innervation density and contractility that was reduced by treatment with atropine, phentolamine, and, most potently, isoproterenol. These findings likely have clinical implications given the impact of lymphatic fluid drainage on intratumoral fluid pressure and thus drug delivery.
Murine lymphatic vessels are innervated in an organ-specific manner
α1-adrenergic and muscarinic agents enhance lymphatic contractility in vivo
β2-adrenergic agents reduce lymphatic contractility
Tumor-draining lymphatic vessels have increased innervation and contractility
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