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Microbiota regulates visceral pain in the mouse
Pauline Luczynski1, Monica Tramullas1, Maria Viola1
1APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Elife
|June 21, 2017
Summary
The gut microbiota is essential for normal visceral pain sensation. Germ-free mice showed hypersensitivity, which normalized after microbial colonization, indicating a crucial role for gut bacteria in pain processing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Visceral pain perception involves the spinal cord and brain.
- The gut microbiota influences brain function and behavior.
- The role of gut bacteria in visceral sensitivity is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of gut microbiota in visceral sensitivity.
- To examine spinal cord gene expression and brain structure in germ-free mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized germ-free mice to assess visceral sensitivity.
- Analyzed spinal cord gene expression (Toll-like receptors, cytokines).
- Examined pain-processing brain structures (ACC, periaqueductal grey) and neuronal morphology.
Main Results:
- Germ-free mice exhibited visceral hypersensitivity.
- Spinal cord gene expression showed increased TLRs and cytokines, normalized by microbiota colonization.
- Reduced anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) volume and enlarged periaqueductal grey were observed in germ-free mice, with dendritic changes in the ACC.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota is required for normal visceral pain sensation.
- Microbiota colonization normalizes hypersensitivity and associated molecular/structural changes.
- This highlights a critical link between gut bacteria and visceral pain processing.
