Changes in pulmonary calcitonin gene-related peptide and protein gene product 9.5 innervation in rats infected with Mycoplasma pulmonis.
Changes in the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and polyneural protein gene product 9.5 (PGP) in hilar peribronchial innervation was investigated by immunohistochemistry in specific pathogen-free rats chronically infected with Mycoplasma pulmonis. Image analysis of immunostained sections revealed a reduction of approximately 62% in the amount of CGRP- and PGP-immunoreactive innervation of the peribronchial area in the infected animals. The portion of the total bronchial perimeter occupied by bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue was increased six-fold. The decrease in the CGRP-immunoreactive area could be the result either of an enhanced CGRP release or of a loss of nerve fibres. The decrease in the PGP-immunoreactive fibres indicates a degenerative loss of nerves. Increased bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue and decreased bronchial innervation by neurons releasing the immunomodulatory neuropeptide CGRP might both contribute to the pathophysiology and symptoms of mycoplasmosis in the rat.
Nohr
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Anatomisches Institut, Johannes-Gutenberg Universität Mainz, Becherweg 13, D-55099 Mainz, Germany.
Buob
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A
Gärtner
K
K
Weihe
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E
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D001980:Bronchi / Q000473:pathology*; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000032:analysis*; D008168:Lung / Q000294:innervation*; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009175:Mycoplasma Infections / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D009410:Nerve Degeneration; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012376:Rodent Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D013047:Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; D013869:Thiolester Hydrolases / Q000032:analysis*; D043222:Ubiquitin Thiolesterase
D015415:Biomarkers; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D013869:Thiolester Hydrolases; D043222:Ubiquitin Thiolesterase; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide