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Inducible preprotachykinin mRNA expression in mucosal lymphoid organs following oral immunization with Salmonella
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Abstract:
Using a sensitive and specific reverse transcribed-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), it was possible to quantify relative increases in preprotachykinin (PPT) mRNA expression in vivo following oral administration of Salmonella. Despite the presence of constitutive levels of PPT mRNA expression in the Peyer's patches, expression of this mRNA increased within 20 h following oral administration of Salmonella. Increases in PPT mRNA expression were also detected in both the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens following Salmonella administration despite the lack of constitutive PPT mRNA expression in these lymphoid organs. Furthermore, mononuclear leukocytes contributed to this increased expression of PPT mRNA, suggesting that the initial immune response against Salmonella occurs in the presence of increased tachykinin expression.
Insights
Oral Salmonella administration increases preprotachykinin (PPT) mRNA expression in immune tissues like Peyer's patches, lymph nodes, and spleens within 20 hours. This suggests tachykinin expression is part of the early immune response to Salmonella infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Peyer's patches normally express preprotachykinin (PPT) mRNA.
- The role of tachykinins in the immune response to bacterial infections is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in PPT mRNA expression in lymphoid tissues after oral Salmonella administration.
- To determine if mononuclear leukocytes contribute to increased PPT mRNA expression.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of Salmonella to a model system.
- Quantification of PPT mRNA expression using sensitive and specific reverse transcribed-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Main Results:
- PPT mRNA expression increased in Peyer's patches within 20 hours of Salmonella administration.
- Increased PPT mRNA expression was observed in mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens, organs without constitutive PPT mRNA.
- Mononuclear leukocytes were identified as a source of increased PPT mRNA.
Conclusions:
- Salmonella infection triggers an increase in PPT mRNA expression in key immune organs.
- The immune response to Salmonella involves elevated tachykinin expression, with mononuclear leukocytes playing a role.
