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Localization of neurokinin B receptor in mouse gastrointestinal tract
Hong Wang1, Yuan-Qiang Zhang, Yu-Qiang Ding
1Department of Histology and Embryology,the Fourth Military Medical University,Xi'an,710032,China.
Aim:
To observe the location of neurokinin receptor (NK3r) in the mouse gastrointestinal tract.
Methods:
The abdomens of 8 male Kunming mice were opened under anaesthesia with sodium pentobarbital. The exposed gut organs were kept moisture and temperature at the same time. Then the esophagus,jejulum, ileum, and colon, etc were respectively cut and the segments from the stomach to the distal colon were opened along the mesenteric border. A circular 4mm-6mm enteric part(pieces of 1 cm(2) were to be prepared) and mucosa and submucosa were removed, then the longitudinal muscle layer was pulled off from the circular muscle layer under microphotograph. They were rinsed in 50 nmol x L(-1) potassium phosphate-buffered saline(PBS). Immunohistochemistry and immunoreactive fluorescence were used in the staining procedures.
Results:
There was NK3r-Like(-Li) positive material on the smooth muscle cells of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines and other regions. The nerve cell bodies with immunoreactivity for NK3r were mainly distributed in the submucousal nerve plexus or myenteric nerve plexus of the gastrointestinal tract except for the esophagus, stomach and rectum. The reaction product was located on the surface of the nerve cell plasma. It was occasionally observed in the cell plasma endosomes, but was very weakly stained. Among the NK3-like positive neurons in the plexus,the morphological type in many neurons appeared like Dogiel II type cells. Some neuron cell bodies were big, having many profiles, some were long ones or having grading structure. Cell body diameter was about 10 microm-46 microm and 8 microm-42 microm in myenteric plexus and submucous plexus.
Conclusion:
This study not only described the distribution of neurokinin B receptor in the mouse gut, but also provided a morphological basis for deducing the functional identity of the NK3r-LI immunoreactivity neurons, suggesting the possibility that these neurons were closely related to gastrointestinal tract contraction and relaxing activity.
Insights
Neurokinin receptor 3 (NK3r) is found in mouse gastrointestinal smooth muscle and nerve plexuses. This distribution suggests NK3r-LI neurons may regulate gut motility, impacting contraction and relaxation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neurokinin receptor 3 (NK3r) plays a role in physiological processes.
- Understanding NK3r distribution in the gastrointestinal tract is crucial for elucidating its function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the precise localization of NK3r in the mouse gastrointestinal tract.
- To correlate receptor distribution with potential functional roles in gut motility.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were employed.
- Mouse gastrointestinal tissues (esophagus to colon) were dissected and processed.
- Smooth muscle layers and enteric nerve plexuses (myenteric and submucosal) were analyzed for NK3r-like immunoreactivity.
Main Results:
- NK3r-like immunoreactivity was detected in smooth muscle cells throughout the mouse esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
- NK3r-positive nerve cell bodies were predominantly found in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses, excluding the esophagus, stomach, and rectum.
- Positive neurons often exhibited Dogiel II morphology, with varying cell body sizes.
Conclusions:
- This study maps the distribution of NK3r in the mouse gut.
- The findings provide a morphological basis for understanding the function of NK3r-expressing neurons.
- These neurons are likely involved in regulating gastrointestinal contraction and relaxation.