ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Key words: Myenteric plexus
;
Benzalkonium chloride
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Lymphocytes
;
Macrophages
;
Glia
;
Oncoproteins
;
Guinea pig (Rodentia)
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract. Ablation of rat myenteric plexus with benzalkonium chloride has provided a model of intestinal aganglionosis, but the degenerative responses are not well understood. We examined the effects of this detergent on neurons and glia, including expression of c-Myc, c-Jun, JunB, and c-Fos, and on immunocytes in the guinea-pig ileum. Benzalkonium chloride (0.1%) or saline was applied to the serosal surface of distal ileum. Tissues were analyzed 2, 3, or 7 days later and compared with cyclosporine-treated and untreated animals. More than 90% of myenteric neurons were destroyed in ileal segments 3–7 days after benzalkonium-chloride treatment. Glia withdrew processes from around neurons after 2 days and were mostly gone after 3 days. Neuronal c-Myc began to disappear while c-Fos, c-Jun, and JunB were evident in some neuronal nuclei after 2 or 3 days. After 3 days, widespread apoptosis was evident in the myenteric plexus. Populations of T cells, B cells, and macrophage-like cells in untreated and saline-treated myenteric plexuses were substantially increased 3 and 7 days after benzalkonium-chloride treatment. Cyclosporine delayed significant neuronal loss. We conclude that a variety of degenerative mechanisms may be active in this model, including an immune response which may actively contribute to tissue destruction.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004410050872
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