Distribution Patterns of Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript- and/or Galanin-Containing Neurons and Nerve Fibers Located in the Human Stomach Wall Affected by Tumor.

Anna Kozłowska,Janusz Godlewski,Mariusz Majewski

doi:10.3390/ijms19113357

Anna Kozłowska, Janusz Godlewski + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19113357

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Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution patterns of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript- (CART-) and galanin-immunoreactive (GAL-IR) neuronal structures in the human stomach wall, focusing on differences observed in regions directly affected by the cancer process, and those from the surgical margin. Samples from the stomach wall were collected from 10 patients (3 women and 7 men, the mean age 67.0 ± 11.9). Next, triple-immunofluorescence staining was used to visualize the changes in the frequency of neurons inside myenteric plexi and intramural fibers containing CART and/or GAL, as well as protein gene product 9.5 (as panneuronal marker). Tumor into the stomach wall caused a decrease in the number of CART-positive (+) nerve fibers in the longitudinal (LML) and circular muscle layers (CML). Notable changes in the dense network of CART+/GAL+ nerve fibers (an increase) were observed in the LML and lamina muscularis mucosae (LMM) within carcinoma-affected areas of the human stomach. Additionally, an elevated number of these nerve fibers from LMM were accompanied by an increase in the number of fibers containing GAL in the vicinity of the neoplastic proliferation. Obtained results suggest that a carcinoma invasion may affect the innervation pattern of the human stomach wall and their function(s).

Highlights

The digestive system is controlled and coordinated by the enteric nervous system (ENS) together with the central nervous system (CNS)
Considering the findings described above, as well as a lack of data regarding the distribution of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) with GAL in ENS of the cancer-affected human stomach, this study aimed to investigate the presence of these peptides inside (a) myenteric plexi (MP) and the muscle layers of a cancer-affected stomach wall, and (b) control tissue derived from the operative margin
The results of the present study showed that the distribution pattern of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript- (CART-)IR neurons within MP did not differ significantly between tissue in proximity to cancer invasion, compared to unchanged parts of the stomach

Summary

Introduction

The digestive system is controlled and coordinated by the enteric nervous system (ENS) together with the central nervous system (CNS). The connections between the ENS and CNS are carried by the vagus and pelvic nerves, and sympathetic pathways. It was reported that role of the ENS and CNS differ considerably along the digestive tract. In the case of the ENS, it was shown that, in the small intestine and colon, it controlled, e.g., muscle activity, transmucosal fluid fluxes, and local blood flow [1,2]. CNS has a major role in monitoring the state of the stomach and, in turn, controlling its contractile activity and acid secretion, through vagovagal reflexes, as well as control of defecation [1,2]

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