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Expression of Pattern Recognition Receptors by Nociceptive Metasympathetic Neurons
L V Filippova1, E Yu Bystrova, F S Malyshev
1I. P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia, lvfil@yandex.ru.
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
|June 19, 2015
Summary
Innate immunity receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nociceptive receptor TRPV1 are found in different enteric neurons. Coexpression in rat colon suggests potential functional interactions between these key receptors at the neuronal level.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The enteric nervous system (ENS) regulates gut function and interacts with immune signals.
- Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an innate immunity receptor.
- Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a nociceptive receptor involved in pain and sensory signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the localization and potential coexpression of TLR4 and TRPV1 within the ENS.
- To explore the cellular basis for potential interactions between innate immunity and sensory pathways in the gut.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical assays utilizing double and triple labeling techniques.
- Confocal laser scanning microscopy for high-resolution imaging of neuronal markers.
Main Results:
- TLR4 was predominantly expressed in neurons of the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus).
- TRPV1 was primarily expressed in neurons of the submucous plexus (Meissner's plexus).
- Coexpression of TLR4 and TRPV1 was observed in enteric neurons of the rat colon.
Conclusions:
- TLR4 and TRPV1 are differentially localized within distinct neuronal populations in the ENS.
- The coexpression of TLR4 and TRPV1 in enteric neurons suggests a potential for functional interaction.
- These findings provide a cellular basis for interplay between innate immunity and sensory signaling in the gut.
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