Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
11:17
Sensing of Barrier Tissue Disruption with an Organic Electrochemical Transistor
Published on: February 10, 2014
12.3K
Catecholamine-Directed Epithelial Cell Interactions with Bacteria in the Intestinal Mucosa
1Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA. brown013@umn.edu.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|November 22, 2015
Summary
Catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine influence how the body
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Microbiology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Mucosal surfaces (digestive, respiratory, genitourinary) are primary sites for microbial colonization and infection.
- Epithelial cells at mucosal surfaces interact with microbes and possess receptors for microbe-associated molecular patterns and catecholamines.
- The role of catecholamines in modulating host-microbe interactions at mucosal sites is an under-investigated but potentially significant area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging research on catecholaminergic modulation of mucosal epithelium-microbe interactions.
- To highlight the potential biomedical importance of this neuro-immune axis in host defense.
- To focus on the implications for intestinal host defense and microbial communities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on catecholamines, mucosal immunity, and host-microbe interactions.
- Synthesis of findings related to catecholamine receptors on epithelial cells and their functional consequences.
- Discussion of the impact of sympathetic nervous system activation on mucosal microbiology and infection.
Main Results:
- Catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) are present at mucosal sites and can interact with epithelial cells.
- These interactions can modulate the host's response to microbial colonization and infection.
- Conditions like psychological stress, which activate the sympathetic nervous system, may alter mucosal microbial communities and infection outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Catecholaminergic signaling represents a critical, yet understudied, pathway influencing mucosal immunity and host-microbe dynamics.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting mucosal infections and dysbiosis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and clinical relevance of catecholamine modulation in mucosal defense.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Adherens Junctions
7.7K
Strong contact points between adjacent cells anchor them to each other, forming tissues. Such anchoring junctions are of two types – adherens junctions and desmosomes. Adherens junctions are abundant in tissues such as epithelium and endothelium, forming a continuous zone of adhesion called the adhesion belt. In other tissues, such as heart muscle, they appear as clusters, linking the cells to produce coordinated heart muscle contraction.
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
7.7K
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
2.8K
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
2.8K
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
3.6K
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the...
3.6K
01:29Tight Junctions
8.8K
Tight junctions are molecular seals between cells that prevent the leaking of fluids, ions, and other small solutes across cavities and compartments in multicellular organisms. They are mainly composed of claudin and occludin transmembrane proteins, and other proteins such as tricellulin and JAM (junctional adhesion molecule). All these proteins are 4-pass transmembrane proteins, except JAM, which is a single-pass transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The...
8.8K
01:25Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach
2.8K
The gastric glands contain parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. The cells secrete HCl because it is highly corrosive and essential for breaking down food. To achieve this, they secrete hydrogen and chloride ions into the lumen of the gastric glands, which combine to form HCl.
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
2.8K
01:27Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine
33
The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
33