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Mechanical stimulation increases intracellular calcium concentration in nodose sensory neurons
R V Sharma1, M W Chapleau, G Hajduczok
1Department of Anatomy, University of Iowa, College of Medicine, Iowa City, USA.
Neuroscience
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Mechanical stimulation increases intracellular calcium in visceral sensory neurons. This response relies on calcium influx and is blocked by gadolinium, suggesting stretch-activated ion channel involvement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Mechanosensitive visceral sensory nerve activation mechanisms are not well understood.
- Nodose sensory neurons play a crucial role in visceral sensation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of mechanical stimulation on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured nodose sensory neurons.
- To elucidate the role of stretch-activated ion channels in this process.
Main Methods:
- Primary cultures of rat nodose sensory neurons were established.
- Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) was measured using fura-2 and digital image analysis.
- Mechanical stimulation was applied using a glass micropipette.
Main Results:
- Mechanical stimulation increased [Ca2+]i in 62% of tested neurons.
- The rise in [Ca2+]i was dependent on extracellular calcium influx.
- Gadolinium, a stretch-activated ion channel blocker, reversibly inhibited the mechanically-induced [Ca2+]i increase.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical stretch activates a subpopulation of nodose sensory neurons.
- This activation involves the opening of stretch-activated ion channels, leading to calcium influx.
- Gadolinium provides a reversible blockade of this mechanotransduction pathway.