Wilmarie Morales-Soto, Jacques Gonzales, William F. Jackson, Brian D. Gulbransen
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Inflammation in the intestines causes abdominal pain that is challenging to manage. The terminals of sensory neurons innervating the gut are surrounded by glia. Here, using a mouse model of acute colitis, we found that enteric glia contribute to visceral pain by secreting factors that sensitized sensory nerves innervating the gut in response to inflammation. Acute colitis induced a transient increase in the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the intestines of male and female mice. Of these, IL-1β was produced in part by glia and augmented the opening of the intercellular communication hemichannel connexin-43 in glia, which made normally innocuous stimuli painful in female mice. Chemogenetic glial activation paired with calcium imaging in nerve terminals demonstrated that glia sensitized gut-innervating nociceptors only under inflammatory conditions. This inflammatory, glial-driven visceral hypersensitivity involved an increased abundance of the enzyme COX-2 in glia, resulting in greater production and release of prostaglandin E2 that activated EP4 receptors on sensory nerve terminals. Blocking EP4 receptors reduced nociceptor sensitivity in response to glial stimulation in tissue samples from colitis-model mice, and impairing glial connexin-43 reduced visceral hypersensitivity induced by IL-1β in female mice. The findings suggest that therapies targeting enteric glial–neuron signaling might alleviate visceral pain caused by inflammatory disorders.
期刊介绍:
"Science Signaling" is a reputable, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the exploration of cell communication mechanisms, offering a comprehensive view of the intricate processes that govern cellular regulation. This journal, published weekly online by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), is a go-to resource for the latest research in cell signaling and its various facets.
The journal's scope encompasses a broad range of topics, including the study of signaling networks, synthetic biology, systems biology, and the application of these findings in drug discovery. It also delves into the computational and modeling aspects of regulatory pathways, providing insights into how cells communicate and respond to their environment.
In addition to publishing full-length articles that report on groundbreaking research, "Science Signaling" also features reviews that synthesize current knowledge in the field, focus articles that highlight specific areas of interest, and editor-written highlights that draw attention to particularly significant studies. This mix of content ensures that the journal serves as a valuable resource for both researchers and professionals looking to stay abreast of the latest advancements in cell communication science.