The superior mesenteric ganglion (SMG) provides sympathetic input to areas of the small intestine, colon, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Interactions between the nervous and immune systems in the SMG influence sympathetic regulation of gastrointestinal (GI) and immune function. Previous work in our laboratory has demonstrated changes in SMG neuron activity resulting from exposure to inflammatory mediators such as tumour necrosis factor α
(TNFα). The current project focused on interactions between mast cells and sympathetic neurons.
Mast cells within the SMG release mediators, including histamine, that can act on neurons and alter their activity. We tested the hypothesis that histamine influences signaling in SMG neurons by inhibiting calcium ion influx during cell depolarization using immunohistochemistry and calcium imaging.
Immunohistochemistry revealed H3R on the majority of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive
sympathetic neurons in the ganglia. Dissociated neurons were incubated in the ratiometric fluorescent calcium indicator dye Fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester, then superfused with extracellular solution containing histamine receptor agonists (histamine, HTMT, imetit) and antagonists
(thioperamide) before being depolarized with a KCL solution (70 mM). Application of both
histamine (10 μM) and the H3 receptor agonist imetit (100 nM) caused a decrease in
depolarization-induced calcium ion influx. However, the inhibition of calcium ion influx became smaller as the concentration of histamine was increased (100 μM, 1 mM) until the inhibition was no longer
statistically significant. Application of H3R antagonist thioperamine (300nM) reversed the inhibition of calcium ion influx caused by histamine (10 μM). Application of H1R & H2R agonist histamine trifluoromethyl toluidide (HTMT) (10 μM) caused an increase in calcium ion influx during depolarization. We conclude that activation of H3R decreases calcium ion influx through voltage-gated
calcium ion channels, while activation of H1R / H2R increases calcium ion influx. H3R has a higher affinity for histamine, and therefore is preferentially activated at lower concentrations. Increases in histamine receptor activation may alter SMG input to the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, small
intestine, and colon, resulting in changes in immune and gut function, such as those described in irritable bowel syndrome. / Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2011-08-29 11:15:09.484
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OKQ.1974/6708 |
| Date | 08 September 2011 |
| Creators | STEINHART, Lauren |
| Contributors | Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.). Theses (Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.)) |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner. |
| Relation | Canadian theses |
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