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Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide gene expression in the developing human gastrointestinal tract.
P Facer1, A E Bishop, G Moscoso
1Department of Histochemistry, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, England.
Gastroenterology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) gene expression in the developing human gut begins early, preceding the detection of VIP-producing nerve cells. This early expression in the upper gut aligns with craniocaudal neural development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) expression in the mammalian gut follows neural colonization.
- Previous studies utilized immunocytochemistry and biochemical assays to track VIP expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatiotemporal pattern of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) gene expression in the developing human gut.
- To compare VIP gene expression with neuronal colonization using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization to detect VIP messenger RNA (mRNA).
- Immunocytochemistry for VIP and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) to visualize total innervation.
- Analysis of human gut samples from 8 to 20 weeks of gestation.
Main Results:
- Protein gene product 9.5-immunoreactive neurons colonized the gut lengthwise by 8 weeks gestation.
- VIP immunoreactivity was first detected at 9 weeks gestation in upper gut nerve fibers.
- VIP mRNA was detected in upper gut ganglion cells at 9 weeks gestation, preceding the appearance of immunoreactive ganglion cells at 18 weeks.
- An adult-like pattern of VIP gene product expression was observed by 20 weeks gestation.
Conclusions:
- The human VIP gene is expressed in the upper gut by 9 weeks gestation.
- Early VIP gene expression precedes the formation of VIP-immunoreactive ganglion cells.
- Findings support the craniocaudal pattern of neuronal colonization and maturation in the developing human gut.