Fast acting nervous regulation of immunoglobulin A secretion from isolated perfused porcine ileum.
BACKGROUND
The intestinal mucosa harbours a large number of nerve fibres and also plasma cells, providing the anatomical basis for studies of neuroimmune interactions.


OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of different neurotransmitters and electrical stimulation of the extrinsic intestinal nerves on secretion of immunoglobulin A (IgA).


METHODS
IgA was measured, using a specific ELISA, in the luminal and venous effluent from isolated vascularly perfused porcine ileal segments with preserved extrinsic nerve supply.


RESULTS
Infusion of several neuropeptides stimulated IgA output. Somatostatin (10(-8) M) stimulated IgA secretion in the luminal effluent from 46.6 (14.3) to 79.3 (19.0) microg/5 min and increased the venous output to 148.3 (23.0)% (n=6) of basal output, whereas noradrenaline (10(-6) M) inhibited the secretion (to 49.2 (6.5)% of basal output, n=6). Electrical stimulation of the mixed extrinsic nerves supplying the intestinal segment had no effect by itself. However, electrical stimulation during infusion of alpha adrenergic blockers or coinfusion of both alpha adrenergic and muscarinic blockers resulted in an immediate and significant increase in IgA, an effect that was abolished by nicotinic blockade.


CONCLUSIONS
The extrinsic nerve supply to the intestine could be involved in fast acting regulation of mucosal immune functions.
Schmidt
P T
PT
Department of Medical Physiology, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Eriksen
L
L
Loftager
M
M
Rasmussen
T N
TN
Holst
J J
JJ
D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D007082:Ileum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000032:analysis*; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010477:Perfusion; D013552:Swine
D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents