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The effects of field stimulation on bovine mesenteric lymph node contractility
1School of Biomedical Science (Physiology), Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Intrinsic nerves in bovine lymph node capsules influence contractile activity. Field stimulation activates these nerves, primarily via alpha-adrenoceptors, modulating capsule contractions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Lymph nodes play a crucial role in immune responses.
- The contractile properties of lymph node capsules are not fully understood.
- The potential role of intrinsic innervation in modulating lymph node capsule function requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of intrinsic nerves on the contractile activity of isolated bovine mesenteric lymph node capsule.
- To characterize the pharmacological mechanisms underlying nerve-mediated contractions.
Main Methods:
- Isometric tension recordings from isolated bovine mesenteric lymph node capsule strips.
- Field stimulation to activate intrinsic nerves.
- Pharmacological blockade using tetrodotoxin, phentolamine, and propranolol.
Main Results:
- Over 75% of tissues exhibited spontaneous contractile activity.
- Field stimulation induced frequency-dependent increases in contraction rate and baseline tension.
- Responses were significantly reduced by tetrodotoxin and phentolamine, but not propranolol, indicating nerve activation and alpha-adrenoceptor involvement.
Conclusions:
- Intrinsic nerves modulate bovine lymph node capsule contractility.
- Excitatory alpha-adrenoceptors are implicated in mediating these nerve-induced responses.
- These findings suggest a potential physiological role for neuro-modulation in lymph node function.