José A Vega - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by José A Vega
The International journal of developmental biology, 1996
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
The Anatomical Record, 1998
Human skin, including nerves and sensory corpuscles, displays immunoreactivity (IR) for low- (p75... more Human skin, including nerves and sensory corpuscles, displays immunoreactivity (IR) for low- (p75) and high-affinity (TrkA-like) receptors for nerve growth factor (NGF), the best characterized member of the family of neurotrophins. This study was designed to analyze the changes induced by spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries in the expression of neurotrophin receptors in digital skin, with special reference to nerves and sensory corpuscles. Skin biopsy samples were obtained from 1) the hand and toes of normal subjects, 2) below the level of the lesion of patients with spinal cord injury affecting dorsal and lateral funiculi, 3) the cutaneous territory of entrapped peripheral nerves (median and ulnar nerves), and 4) the cutaneous territory of sectioned and grafted nerves (median nerve). The pieces were formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded, cut in serial sections, and processed for immunohistochemistry using antibodies against human p75 and TrkA proteins. The percentage of sensory corpuscles displaying IR for p75 and TrkA-like, as well as the intensity of IR developed within them, was assessed using quantitative image analysis. Spinal cord severance causes a decrease in p75 IR in Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles, whereas TrkA-like IR did not vary. In other nonnervous tissues (i.e., epidermis, sweat glands), both p75 and TrkA-like IR was diminished or even absent. Similar but more severe changes were encountered in the skin from the territory of entrapped nerves. Finally, in subjects with sectioned-grafted nerves, p75 IR was found close to controls in nerves, reduced in Meissner corpuscles, and absent in the inner core of the Pacinian ones; TrkA-like IR was in the perineurium, a small percentage of Meissner corpuscles (about 7%), and the outer core and capsule of the Pacinan corpuscles. In the nonnervous tissues, p75 IR was practically absent, whereas TrkA-like IR did not change. No changes in the expression of neurotrophin receptors were observed in Merkel cells of the different groups. Present results show the following: 1) expression of nerve p75 IR in human cutaneous sensory corpuscles is sensitive to central deafferentation, to blockade or difficulty in axonal transport, and to disruption of axonal continuity independently of possible restoration of axonal integrity due to grafts; 2) expression of TrkA-like IR in nerves and sensory corpuscles is sensitive only to nerve transection; 3) the corpuscular Schwann-related cells are the only cells involved in the above modifications, the perineurial cells remaining unchanged; 4) the expression of p75 and TrkA-like IR by Merkel cells is independent of normal innervation; 5) an adequate innervation of the skin seems to be necessary for the expression of p75 but not TrkA-like in nonneuronal cells, especially in the epidermis. A role for NGF in the maintenance of epidermis integrity is discussed.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
The Anatomical Record, 2000
The development of Meissner-like and Pacinian corpuscles was studied in mice [from postnatal day ... more The development of Meissner-like and Pacinian corpuscles was studied in mice [from postnatal day (Pd) 0 to 42] by using immunohistochemistry for specific corpuscular constituents. The battery of antigens investigated included PGP 9.5 protein and neurofilaments, as markers for the central axon; S100 protein, vimentin, and p75(LNGFR) protein, to show Schwann-related cells; and epithelial membrane antigen to identify perineurial-related cells. In Meissner-like corpuscles immunoreactivity (IR) for neuronal markers was found by Pd7 and later. The lamellar cells of these corpuscles expressed first S100 protein IR (Pd7 to Pd42), then vimentin IR (Pd12 to Pd42), and transitory p75(LNGFR) IR (Pd7 to Pd19-20). Vimentin IR, but not epithelial membrane antigen, was detected in the capsule-like cells of the Meissner-like corpuscles. On the other hand, the density of Meissner-like corpuscles progressively increased from Pd0 to Pd19-20. Pacinian corpuscles were identified by Pd7. From this time to Pd42 the central axon showed IR for neuronal markers, and the inner core cells were immunoreactive for S100 protein. Moreover, vimentin IR was detected in the inner core cells by Pd19 and later. Unexpectedly, the central axons displayed S100 protein IR (from Pd7 to P28), while p75(LNGFR) protein IR or epithelial membrane antigen IR were never detected. Taken together, and based on the expression of the assessed antigens alone, the present results suggest that the Meissner-like and the Pacinian corpuscles in mice become mature around Pd19-Pd28 and Pd20, respectively. Furthermore, these results provide a baseline timetable for future studies in the normal or altered development of sensory corpuscles in mice since specific sensory corpuscles are functionally associated with different subtypes of sensory neurons the development of which is selectively disturbed in genetically manipulated mice.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
European journal of morphology, 1990
The presence of met-enkephalin like immunoreactivity (MEL IR) was investigated immunohisto-chemic... more The presence of met-enkephalin like immunoreactivity (MEL IR) was investigated immunohisto-chemically in the glabrous skin of the cat rhinarium using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase Sternberger's method. Neither sensory corpuscles nor nerve bundles show MEL IR. MEL IR was found in the epidermal Merkel cells, as well as in Langerhans cells and/or melanocytes. In dermal papillae the reaction results positive in a number of cells which could be identified as Schwann or pigmentary cells.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Histochemistry and Cell Biology, 2014
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is produced in target tissues of sympathetic and neural-crest derived s... more Nerve growth factor (NGF) is produced in target tissues of sympathetic and neural-crest derived sensory neurons, including skin, to provide them trophic support. The biological effects of NGF on responsive cells are mediated by specific high-affinity receptors. Recently, a protein tyrosine kinase of congruent to 140 kDa molecular weight, encoded by the proto-oncogene trkA, has been identified as the high-affinity NGF receptor (gp140-trkA). The present work was undertaken to study the localization of gp140-trkA-like immunoreactivity (IR) in human peripheral ganglia (sympathetic and dorsal root ganglia), and in glabrous skin. Lumbar dorsal root ganglia, para- and prevertebral sympathetic ganglia, and digital glabrous skin were studied immunohistochemically using a rabbit anti-gp140-trkA polyclonal antibody. In order to accurately establish the localization of gp140-trkA IR, the neurofilament proteins and S-100 protein were studied in parallel in: (1) sensory and sympathetic ganglia, to label neuron cell bodies and satellite or supporting cells, respectively; (2) human skin, to label axons, Schwann and related cells within nerves and sensory corpuscles. Moreover, a quantitative study (neuron size, intensity of immunostaining) was carried out on sympathetic and dorsal root ganglia neuron cell bodies. A specific gp140-trkA-like IR was found in: (1) a subpopulation (65%) of primary sensory neuron cell bodies, including most of the large-sized ones but also small- and intermediate-sized ones; (2) most of sympathetic neuron cell bodies (82%); (3) the perineurial cell, Schwann cells, and large axons of the nerve trunks supplying digital skin; (4) the lamellar cells of Meissner corpuscles; (5) the central axon, inner-core, outer-core, and capsule of Pacinian corpuscles. In addition, the occurrence of gp140-trkA-like IR was observed in some non-nervous tissues of the skin, including epidermis (mainly in the basal layer), sweat glands, and arterial blood vessels. Present results provide evidence for the localization of gp140-trkA-like IR in: (1) nerve cells which are known to be NGF-responsive, and (2) non-nervous cutaneous tissues which are innervated by NGF-dependent peripheral neurons. These findings suggest that, in addition to the well-established role of NGF on sensory and sympathetic neurons, this neurotrophin may be able to regulate some other functions on non-nervous cells which are targets for NGF-dependent peripheral neurons.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
The Anatomical Record, 2000
Neurocalcin (NC) is a recently characterized EF-hand calcium-binding protein present in a discret... more Neurocalcin (NC) is a recently characterized EF-hand calcium-binding protein present in a discrete population of sensory neurons and their peripheral mechanoreceptors, but its presence in peripheral nervous system neurons other than in the rat is still unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the occurrence of NC in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of several mammalian species (horse, buffalo, cow, sheep, pig, dog, and rat), including humans. DRG were fixed, embedded in paraffin, and processed for immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal antibody against NC. The size of the immunoreactive neurons was measured. In all species examined, NC immunoreactivity (IR) was restricted to neurons but the percentage, as well as the size of the immunoreactive neurons, varied among different species. As a rule, small neurons (diameter <20 microm) lack NC IR. In some species (pig, dog, buffalo, cow), only the largest neurons showed IR, whereas in others (sheep, horse, rat, and humans) they covered the entire range of neuron sizes. The pattern of immunostaining was cytoplasmic, although in some species (cow and buffalo), it formed a peripheral "ring." The present results demonstrate that mammalian DRG contain a subpopulation of NC-positive neurons, which varies from one species to another. Based on the neuron size, the possible function of the NC-containing neurons is discussed.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 1998
Neurotrophins are growth factors which bind to signal-transducing receptors called Trk proteins. ... more Neurotrophins are growth factors which bind to signal-transducing receptors called Trk proteins. The neurotrophins and their receptor proteins are present in the mammalian and avian lymphoid organs, thus suggesting that these factors could act upon cells of the immune system. Nevertheless, little is known about the cellular distribution of neurotrophins and their receptor proteins in avian lymphoid tissues. In this study we use immunohistochemistry to detect the cellular localisation of neurotrophins and their receptor proteins in the pigeon caecal tonsil, used as a model for avian secondary lymphoid organs. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies against neurotrophins (nerve growth factor -NGF-, brain-derived neurotrophic factor -BDNF- and neurotrophin -3 NT-3-) and against specific epitopes of TrkA, TrkB and TrkC proteins were used. Cytokeratins, vimentin, S-100 protein and chromogranin A were studied in parallel to identify cells which seemed to express neurotrophins and Trk proteins. TrkA-like protein was seen in the intestinal epithelium, whereas TrkB-like and TrkC-like proteins was found in cells which we identified as dendritic cells and macrophages. BDNF-like and NT-3-like reactivity was localised in intestinal epithelial cells, especially endocrine cells. Present results add further evidence to the presumptive immune role of neurotrophins and their receptors and the possible functions of these peptides in the caecal tonsil are discussed.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Neuroscience Letters, 2011
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in mammals monitor acid sensing and mechanoreception. They have... more Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in mammals monitor acid sensing and mechanoreception. They have a widespread expression in the central and peripheral nervous system, including the gut. The distribution of ASICs in zebrafish is known only in larvae and at the mRNA level. Here we have investigated the expression and cell distribution of ASIC2 in the gut of adult zebrafish using PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. ASIC2 mRNA was detected in the gut, and a protein consistent with predicted ASIC2 (64kDa molecular mass) was detected by Western blot. ASIC2 positivity was found in a subpopulation of myenteric neurons in the enteric nervous system, as well in enteroendocrine epithelial cells. These data demonstrate for the first time the occurrence of ASIC2 in the gut of adult zebrafish where it presumably acts as a chemosensor and a mechanosensor.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Neuroscience Letters, 2002
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Microscopy Research and Technique, 2012
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Microscopy Research and Technique, 2008
S100 proteins are EF-hand calcium-binding protein highly preserved during evolution present in bo... more S100 proteins are EF-hand calcium-binding protein highly preserved during evolution present in both neuronal and non-neuronal tissues of the higher vertebrates. Data about the expression of S100 protein in fishes are scarce, and no data are available on zebrafish, a common model used in biology to study development but also human diseases. In this study, we have investigated the expression of S100 protein in the central nervous system of adult zebrafish using PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The central nervous system of the adult zebrafish express S100 protein mRNA, and contain a protein of approximately 10 kDa identified as S100 protein. S100 protein immunoreactivity was detected widespread distributed in the central nervous system, labeling the cytoplasm of both neuronal and non-neuronal cells. In fact, S100 protein immunoreactivity was primarily found in glial and ependymal cells, whereas the only neurons displaying S100 immunoreactivity were the Purkinje's neurons of the cerebellar cortex and those forming the deep cerebellar nuclei. Outside the central nervous system, S100 protein immunoreactivity was observed in a subpopulation of sensory and sympathetic neurons, and it was absent from the enteric nervous system. The functional role of S100 protein in both neurons and non-neuronal cells of the zebrafish central nervous system remains to be elucidated, but present results might serve as baseline for future experimental studies using this teleost as a model.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 1991
The influence of ageing and of 3 months choline alfoscerate treatment on age-related microstructu... more The influence of ageing and of 3 months choline alfoscerate treatment on age-related microstructural changes in cerebellar cortex was studied in 3-, 12- and 24-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. The number of Purkinje and granule neurons, the density of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm of Purkinje and granule neurons and the density of silver-gold impregnated fibres within molecular and granule cells layers were assessed by neurohistological and neurohistochemical techniques associated with microdensitometry and quantitative image analysis. The number of Purkinje and granule neurons was approximately the same in rats of 3 and 12 months and significantly decreased in 24-month-old animals. The density of Nissl bodies and of fine processes of silver-gold impregnated fibres were greatest in the cerebellar cortex of rats of 12 months of age, followed in descending order by 3- and 24-month-old rats. Both the density of Nissl bodies and of silver-gold impregnated fibres were significantly lower in the cerebellar cortex of the oldest age group considered in comparison with the young and middle age groups. Treatment with choline alfoscerate, a precursor in the biosynthesis of brain phospholipids which increases bioavailability of choline in the nervous tissue, noticeably reduced the loss of Purkinje and granule neurons in rats of 24 months. Moreover, it restored the density of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm of Purkinje and granule neurons as well as the density of silver-gold stained fibres in the molecular and in the granule cells layers to values not significantly different from those found in rats of 3 months. These findings suggest that choline alfoscerate treatment may be effective in counteracting the age-dependent disarrangement of rat cerebellar cortex. The possible mechanisms of action of the compound on the microstructural changes of cerebellar cortex occurring with age are discussed.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Journal of Neuroimmunology, 1996
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Journal of Neuroimmunology, 2000
Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its signal-transducing receptor TrkA are expressed in the thymus. H... more Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its signal-transducing receptor TrkA are expressed in the thymus. However, their possible role during thymic organogenesis is unknown. Here we analyze the thymus of trkA-kinase deficient 2-week-old mice. trkA-kinase +/+ and +/- mice had a normal thymus, whereas the thymus of trkA-kinase -/- mice showed lack of delimitation between the cortex and medulla, lower thymocyte density, and the presence of epithelial cell islands and numerous cysts lined with endodermal epithelium. The present results indicate that TrkA is necessary for the normal development of the thymus, and that its absence causes an arrest in the differentiation of endodermal epithelial cells. Whether this lack of differentiation has functional implication has yet to be determined.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Journal of Anatomy, 2005
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Journal of anatomy, 2008
Calretinin is a calcium-binding protein found widely distributed in the central nervous system an... more Calretinin is a calcium-binding protein found widely distributed in the central nervous system and chemosensory cells of the teleosts, but its presence in the peripheral nervous system of fishes is unknown. In this study we used Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry to investigate the occurrence and distribution of calretinin in the cranial nerve ganglia, dorsal root ganglia, sympathetic ganglia, and enteric nervous system of the adult zebrafish. By Western blotting a unique and specific protein band with an estimated molecular weight of around 30 kDa was detected, and it was identified as calretinin. Immunohistochemistry revealed that calretinin is selectively present in the cytoplasm of the neurons and never in the satellite glial cells. In both sensory and sympathetic ganglia the density of neurons that were immunolabelled, their size and morphology, as well as the intensity of immunostaining developed within the cytoplasm, were heterogeneous. In the enteric nervous syst...
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Neuroscience letters, Jan 2, 2009
Pacinian corpuscles are innervated by large myelinated Aalpha-beta axons from the large- and inte... more Pacinian corpuscles are innervated by large myelinated Aalpha-beta axons from the large- and intermediate-sized sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglia. These neurons express different members of the degenerin/epithelial Na(+) channel (DEG/ENa(+)C) superfamily of proteins with putative mechanosensory properties, whose expression is regulated by the TrkB-BDNF system. Thus, we hypothesized that BDNF and/or NT-4 signalling through activation of TrkB may regulate the expression of molecules supposed to be necessary for the mechanosensory function of Pacinian corpuscles. To test this hypothesis we analyzed the expression and distribution of ENa(+)C subunits and acid-sensing ion channel 2 (ASIC2) in Pacinian corpuscles from 25 days old mice deficient in TrkB, BDNF and NT-4. Pacinian corpuscles in these animals are normal in number, structure, and expression of several immunohistochemical markers. Using immunohistochemistry we observed that the beta-ENa(+)C and gamma-ENa(+)C subunits, but n...
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Neuroscience letters, Jan 4, 2010
Cutaneous Meissner corpuscles depend for development and survival exclusively on the NT system Tr... more Cutaneous Meissner corpuscles depend for development and survival exclusively on the NT system TrkB/BDNF/NT-4 unlike other types of sensory corpuscles and nerve endings, which have very complex neuronal and growth factor dependence. However, the pattern of expression of TrkB in human Meissner corpuscles is not known. The experiments in these studies were designed to pursue further findings that suggest that BDNF and NT-4 have critical roles in the development and maintenance of Meissner corpuscles by analyzing the pattern of expression of TrkB, their high-affinity receptor, in human glabrous skin. These experiments showed that TrkB is expressed in different patterns by the lamellar cells of Meissner corpuscles and not by the axon. The studies also show that while the percentage of Meissner corpuscles that express TrkB remains constant from birth till 50-year old cases, it decreases approximately 3-fold in subjects older than 50 years. These results are important since the study of M...
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets, 2012
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
The International journal of developmental biology, 1996
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
The Anatomical Record, 1998
Human skin, including nerves and sensory corpuscles, displays immunoreactivity (IR) for low- (p75... more Human skin, including nerves and sensory corpuscles, displays immunoreactivity (IR) for low- (p75) and high-affinity (TrkA-like) receptors for nerve growth factor (NGF), the best characterized member of the family of neurotrophins. This study was designed to analyze the changes induced by spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries in the expression of neurotrophin receptors in digital skin, with special reference to nerves and sensory corpuscles. Skin biopsy samples were obtained from 1) the hand and toes of normal subjects, 2) below the level of the lesion of patients with spinal cord injury affecting dorsal and lateral funiculi, 3) the cutaneous territory of entrapped peripheral nerves (median and ulnar nerves), and 4) the cutaneous territory of sectioned and grafted nerves (median nerve). The pieces were formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded, cut in serial sections, and processed for immunohistochemistry using antibodies against human p75 and TrkA proteins. The percentage of sensory corpuscles displaying IR for p75 and TrkA-like, as well as the intensity of IR developed within them, was assessed using quantitative image analysis. Spinal cord severance causes a decrease in p75 IR in Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles, whereas TrkA-like IR did not vary. In other nonnervous tissues (i.e., epidermis, sweat glands), both p75 and TrkA-like IR was diminished or even absent. Similar but more severe changes were encountered in the skin from the territory of entrapped nerves. Finally, in subjects with sectioned-grafted nerves, p75 IR was found close to controls in nerves, reduced in Meissner corpuscles, and absent in the inner core of the Pacinian ones; TrkA-like IR was in the perineurium, a small percentage of Meissner corpuscles (about 7%), and the outer core and capsule of the Pacinan corpuscles. In the nonnervous tissues, p75 IR was practically absent, whereas TrkA-like IR did not change. No changes in the expression of neurotrophin receptors were observed in Merkel cells of the different groups. Present results show the following: 1) expression of nerve p75 IR in human cutaneous sensory corpuscles is sensitive to central deafferentation, to blockade or difficulty in axonal transport, and to disruption of axonal continuity independently of possible restoration of axonal integrity due to grafts; 2) expression of TrkA-like IR in nerves and sensory corpuscles is sensitive only to nerve transection; 3) the corpuscular Schwann-related cells are the only cells involved in the above modifications, the perineurial cells remaining unchanged; 4) the expression of p75 and TrkA-like IR by Merkel cells is independent of normal innervation; 5) an adequate innervation of the skin seems to be necessary for the expression of p75 but not TrkA-like in nonneuronal cells, especially in the epidermis. A role for NGF in the maintenance of epidermis integrity is discussed.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
The Anatomical Record, 2000
The development of Meissner-like and Pacinian corpuscles was studied in mice [from postnatal day ... more The development of Meissner-like and Pacinian corpuscles was studied in mice [from postnatal day (Pd) 0 to 42] by using immunohistochemistry for specific corpuscular constituents. The battery of antigens investigated included PGP 9.5 protein and neurofilaments, as markers for the central axon; S100 protein, vimentin, and p75(LNGFR) protein, to show Schwann-related cells; and epithelial membrane antigen to identify perineurial-related cells. In Meissner-like corpuscles immunoreactivity (IR) for neuronal markers was found by Pd7 and later. The lamellar cells of these corpuscles expressed first S100 protein IR (Pd7 to Pd42), then vimentin IR (Pd12 to Pd42), and transitory p75(LNGFR) IR (Pd7 to Pd19-20). Vimentin IR, but not epithelial membrane antigen, was detected in the capsule-like cells of the Meissner-like corpuscles. On the other hand, the density of Meissner-like corpuscles progressively increased from Pd0 to Pd19-20. Pacinian corpuscles were identified by Pd7. From this time to Pd42 the central axon showed IR for neuronal markers, and the inner core cells were immunoreactive for S100 protein. Moreover, vimentin IR was detected in the inner core cells by Pd19 and later. Unexpectedly, the central axons displayed S100 protein IR (from Pd7 to P28), while p75(LNGFR) protein IR or epithelial membrane antigen IR were never detected. Taken together, and based on the expression of the assessed antigens alone, the present results suggest that the Meissner-like and the Pacinian corpuscles in mice become mature around Pd19-Pd28 and Pd20, respectively. Furthermore, these results provide a baseline timetable for future studies in the normal or altered development of sensory corpuscles in mice since specific sensory corpuscles are functionally associated with different subtypes of sensory neurons the development of which is selectively disturbed in genetically manipulated mice.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
European journal of morphology, 1990
The presence of met-enkephalin like immunoreactivity (MEL IR) was investigated immunohisto-chemic... more The presence of met-enkephalin like immunoreactivity (MEL IR) was investigated immunohisto-chemically in the glabrous skin of the cat rhinarium using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase Sternberger's method. Neither sensory corpuscles nor nerve bundles show MEL IR. MEL IR was found in the epidermal Merkel cells, as well as in Langerhans cells and/or melanocytes. In dermal papillae the reaction results positive in a number of cells which could be identified as Schwann or pigmentary cells.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Histochemistry and Cell Biology, 2014
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is produced in target tissues of sympathetic and neural-crest derived s... more Nerve growth factor (NGF) is produced in target tissues of sympathetic and neural-crest derived sensory neurons, including skin, to provide them trophic support. The biological effects of NGF on responsive cells are mediated by specific high-affinity receptors. Recently, a protein tyrosine kinase of congruent to 140 kDa molecular weight, encoded by the proto-oncogene trkA, has been identified as the high-affinity NGF receptor (gp140-trkA). The present work was undertaken to study the localization of gp140-trkA-like immunoreactivity (IR) in human peripheral ganglia (sympathetic and dorsal root ganglia), and in glabrous skin. Lumbar dorsal root ganglia, para- and prevertebral sympathetic ganglia, and digital glabrous skin were studied immunohistochemically using a rabbit anti-gp140-trkA polyclonal antibody. In order to accurately establish the localization of gp140-trkA IR, the neurofilament proteins and S-100 protein were studied in parallel in: (1) sensory and sympathetic ganglia, to label neuron cell bodies and satellite or supporting cells, respectively; (2) human skin, to label axons, Schwann and related cells within nerves and sensory corpuscles. Moreover, a quantitative study (neuron size, intensity of immunostaining) was carried out on sympathetic and dorsal root ganglia neuron cell bodies. A specific gp140-trkA-like IR was found in: (1) a subpopulation (65%) of primary sensory neuron cell bodies, including most of the large-sized ones but also small- and intermediate-sized ones; (2) most of sympathetic neuron cell bodies (82%); (3) the perineurial cell, Schwann cells, and large axons of the nerve trunks supplying digital skin; (4) the lamellar cells of Meissner corpuscles; (5) the central axon, inner-core, outer-core, and capsule of Pacinian corpuscles. In addition, the occurrence of gp140-trkA-like IR was observed in some non-nervous tissues of the skin, including epidermis (mainly in the basal layer), sweat glands, and arterial blood vessels. Present results provide evidence for the localization of gp140-trkA-like IR in: (1) nerve cells which are known to be NGF-responsive, and (2) non-nervous cutaneous tissues which are innervated by NGF-dependent peripheral neurons. These findings suggest that, in addition to the well-established role of NGF on sensory and sympathetic neurons, this neurotrophin may be able to regulate some other functions on non-nervous cells which are targets for NGF-dependent peripheral neurons.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
The Anatomical Record, 2000
Neurocalcin (NC) is a recently characterized EF-hand calcium-binding protein present in a discret... more Neurocalcin (NC) is a recently characterized EF-hand calcium-binding protein present in a discrete population of sensory neurons and their peripheral mechanoreceptors, but its presence in peripheral nervous system neurons other than in the rat is still unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the occurrence of NC in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of several mammalian species (horse, buffalo, cow, sheep, pig, dog, and rat), including humans. DRG were fixed, embedded in paraffin, and processed for immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal antibody against NC. The size of the immunoreactive neurons was measured. In all species examined, NC immunoreactivity (IR) was restricted to neurons but the percentage, as well as the size of the immunoreactive neurons, varied among different species. As a rule, small neurons (diameter <20 microm) lack NC IR. In some species (pig, dog, buffalo, cow), only the largest neurons showed IR, whereas in others (sheep, horse, rat, and humans) they covered the entire range of neuron sizes. The pattern of immunostaining was cytoplasmic, although in some species (cow and buffalo), it formed a peripheral "ring." The present results demonstrate that mammalian DRG contain a subpopulation of NC-positive neurons, which varies from one species to another. Based on the neuron size, the possible function of the NC-containing neurons is discussed.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 1998
Neurotrophins are growth factors which bind to signal-transducing receptors called Trk proteins. ... more Neurotrophins are growth factors which bind to signal-transducing receptors called Trk proteins. The neurotrophins and their receptor proteins are present in the mammalian and avian lymphoid organs, thus suggesting that these factors could act upon cells of the immune system. Nevertheless, little is known about the cellular distribution of neurotrophins and their receptor proteins in avian lymphoid tissues. In this study we use immunohistochemistry to detect the cellular localisation of neurotrophins and their receptor proteins in the pigeon caecal tonsil, used as a model for avian secondary lymphoid organs. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies against neurotrophins (nerve growth factor -NGF-, brain-derived neurotrophic factor -BDNF- and neurotrophin -3 NT-3-) and against specific epitopes of TrkA, TrkB and TrkC proteins were used. Cytokeratins, vimentin, S-100 protein and chromogranin A were studied in parallel to identify cells which seemed to express neurotrophins and Trk proteins. TrkA-like protein was seen in the intestinal epithelium, whereas TrkB-like and TrkC-like proteins was found in cells which we identified as dendritic cells and macrophages. BDNF-like and NT-3-like reactivity was localised in intestinal epithelial cells, especially endocrine cells. Present results add further evidence to the presumptive immune role of neurotrophins and their receptors and the possible functions of these peptides in the caecal tonsil are discussed.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Neuroscience Letters, 2011
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in mammals monitor acid sensing and mechanoreception. They have... more Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in mammals monitor acid sensing and mechanoreception. They have a widespread expression in the central and peripheral nervous system, including the gut. The distribution of ASICs in zebrafish is known only in larvae and at the mRNA level. Here we have investigated the expression and cell distribution of ASIC2 in the gut of adult zebrafish using PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. ASIC2 mRNA was detected in the gut, and a protein consistent with predicted ASIC2 (64kDa molecular mass) was detected by Western blot. ASIC2 positivity was found in a subpopulation of myenteric neurons in the enteric nervous system, as well in enteroendocrine epithelial cells. These data demonstrate for the first time the occurrence of ASIC2 in the gut of adult zebrafish where it presumably acts as a chemosensor and a mechanosensor.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Neuroscience Letters, 2002
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Microscopy Research and Technique, 2012
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Microscopy Research and Technique, 2008
S100 proteins are EF-hand calcium-binding protein highly preserved during evolution present in bo... more S100 proteins are EF-hand calcium-binding protein highly preserved during evolution present in both neuronal and non-neuronal tissues of the higher vertebrates. Data about the expression of S100 protein in fishes are scarce, and no data are available on zebrafish, a common model used in biology to study development but also human diseases. In this study, we have investigated the expression of S100 protein in the central nervous system of adult zebrafish using PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The central nervous system of the adult zebrafish express S100 protein mRNA, and contain a protein of approximately 10 kDa identified as S100 protein. S100 protein immunoreactivity was detected widespread distributed in the central nervous system, labeling the cytoplasm of both neuronal and non-neuronal cells. In fact, S100 protein immunoreactivity was primarily found in glial and ependymal cells, whereas the only neurons displaying S100 immunoreactivity were the Purkinje's neurons of the cerebellar cortex and those forming the deep cerebellar nuclei. Outside the central nervous system, S100 protein immunoreactivity was observed in a subpopulation of sensory and sympathetic neurons, and it was absent from the enteric nervous system. The functional role of S100 protein in both neurons and non-neuronal cells of the zebrafish central nervous system remains to be elucidated, but present results might serve as baseline for future experimental studies using this teleost as a model.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 1991
The influence of ageing and of 3 months choline alfoscerate treatment on age-related microstructu... more The influence of ageing and of 3 months choline alfoscerate treatment on age-related microstructural changes in cerebellar cortex was studied in 3-, 12- and 24-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. The number of Purkinje and granule neurons, the density of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm of Purkinje and granule neurons and the density of silver-gold impregnated fibres within molecular and granule cells layers were assessed by neurohistological and neurohistochemical techniques associated with microdensitometry and quantitative image analysis. The number of Purkinje and granule neurons was approximately the same in rats of 3 and 12 months and significantly decreased in 24-month-old animals. The density of Nissl bodies and of fine processes of silver-gold impregnated fibres were greatest in the cerebellar cortex of rats of 12 months of age, followed in descending order by 3- and 24-month-old rats. Both the density of Nissl bodies and of silver-gold impregnated fibres were significantly lower in the cerebellar cortex of the oldest age group considered in comparison with the young and middle age groups. Treatment with choline alfoscerate, a precursor in the biosynthesis of brain phospholipids which increases bioavailability of choline in the nervous tissue, noticeably reduced the loss of Purkinje and granule neurons in rats of 24 months. Moreover, it restored the density of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm of Purkinje and granule neurons as well as the density of silver-gold stained fibres in the molecular and in the granule cells layers to values not significantly different from those found in rats of 3 months. These findings suggest that choline alfoscerate treatment may be effective in counteracting the age-dependent disarrangement of rat cerebellar cortex. The possible mechanisms of action of the compound on the microstructural changes of cerebellar cortex occurring with age are discussed.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Journal of Neuroimmunology, 1996
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Journal of Neuroimmunology, 2000
Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its signal-transducing receptor TrkA are expressed in the thymus. H... more Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its signal-transducing receptor TrkA are expressed in the thymus. However, their possible role during thymic organogenesis is unknown. Here we analyze the thymus of trkA-kinase deficient 2-week-old mice. trkA-kinase +/+ and +/- mice had a normal thymus, whereas the thymus of trkA-kinase -/- mice showed lack of delimitation between the cortex and medulla, lower thymocyte density, and the presence of epithelial cell islands and numerous cysts lined with endodermal epithelium. The present results indicate that TrkA is necessary for the normal development of the thymus, and that its absence causes an arrest in the differentiation of endodermal epithelial cells. Whether this lack of differentiation has functional implication has yet to be determined.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Journal of Anatomy, 2005
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Journal of anatomy, 2008
Calretinin is a calcium-binding protein found widely distributed in the central nervous system an... more Calretinin is a calcium-binding protein found widely distributed in the central nervous system and chemosensory cells of the teleosts, but its presence in the peripheral nervous system of fishes is unknown. In this study we used Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry to investigate the occurrence and distribution of calretinin in the cranial nerve ganglia, dorsal root ganglia, sympathetic ganglia, and enteric nervous system of the adult zebrafish. By Western blotting a unique and specific protein band with an estimated molecular weight of around 30 kDa was detected, and it was identified as calretinin. Immunohistochemistry revealed that calretinin is selectively present in the cytoplasm of the neurons and never in the satellite glial cells. In both sensory and sympathetic ganglia the density of neurons that were immunolabelled, their size and morphology, as well as the intensity of immunostaining developed within the cytoplasm, were heterogeneous. In the enteric nervous syst...
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Neuroscience letters, Jan 2, 2009
Pacinian corpuscles are innervated by large myelinated Aalpha-beta axons from the large- and inte... more Pacinian corpuscles are innervated by large myelinated Aalpha-beta axons from the large- and intermediate-sized sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglia. These neurons express different members of the degenerin/epithelial Na(+) channel (DEG/ENa(+)C) superfamily of proteins with putative mechanosensory properties, whose expression is regulated by the TrkB-BDNF system. Thus, we hypothesized that BDNF and/or NT-4 signalling through activation of TrkB may regulate the expression of molecules supposed to be necessary for the mechanosensory function of Pacinian corpuscles. To test this hypothesis we analyzed the expression and distribution of ENa(+)C subunits and acid-sensing ion channel 2 (ASIC2) in Pacinian corpuscles from 25 days old mice deficient in TrkB, BDNF and NT-4. Pacinian corpuscles in these animals are normal in number, structure, and expression of several immunohistochemical markers. Using immunohistochemistry we observed that the beta-ENa(+)C and gamma-ENa(+)C subunits, but n...
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Neuroscience letters, Jan 4, 2010
Cutaneous Meissner corpuscles depend for development and survival exclusively on the NT system Tr... more Cutaneous Meissner corpuscles depend for development and survival exclusively on the NT system TrkB/BDNF/NT-4 unlike other types of sensory corpuscles and nerve endings, which have very complex neuronal and growth factor dependence. However, the pattern of expression of TrkB in human Meissner corpuscles is not known. The experiments in these studies were designed to pursue further findings that suggest that BDNF and NT-4 have critical roles in the development and maintenance of Meissner corpuscles by analyzing the pattern of expression of TrkB, their high-affinity receptor, in human glabrous skin. These experiments showed that TrkB is expressed in different patterns by the lamellar cells of Meissner corpuscles and not by the axon. The studies also show that while the percentage of Meissner corpuscles that express TrkB remains constant from birth till 50-year old cases, it decreases approximately 3-fold in subjects older than 50 years. These results are important since the study of M...
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets, 2012
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact