title: Expression of serotonin, chromogranin-A, serotonin receptor-2B, tryptophan hydroxylase-1, and serotonin reuptake transporter in the intestine of dogs with chronic enteropathy.
abstract: Serotonin regulates many intestinal motor and sensory functions. Altered serotonergic metabolism has been described in human gastrointestinal diseases. The objective of our study was to compare expression of several components of the serotonergic system [serotonin (5-HT), serotonin reuptake transporter protein (SERT), tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH-1), 5-HT receptor2B (5-HT2B)] and the enterochromaffin cell marker chromogranin-A (CgA) in the intestinal mucosa between dogs with chronic enteropathy and healthy controls. Serotonin and CgA expression were determined by immunohistochemistry using banked and prospectively obtained, paraffin-embedded canine gastrointestinal biopsies (n = 11), and compared to a control group of canine small intestinal sections (n = 10). Expression of SERT, TPH-1, and 5-HT2B were determined via real-time reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR using prospectively collected endoscopic duodenal biopsies (n = 10) and compared to an additional control group of control duodenal biopsies (n = 8, control group 2) showing no evidence of intestinal inflammation. Dogs with chronic enteropathies showed strong staining for both 5-HT and CgA. Mean positive cells per high power field (HPF) were significantly increased for both compounds in dogs with chronic enteropathies (p < 0.001 for 5-HT; p < 0.05 for CgA). The number of 5-HT-positive and CgA-positive cells/HPF showed significant correlation in the entire group of dogs, including both diseased and healthy individuals (Pearson r(2) = 0.2433, p = 0.016). No significant differences were observed for SERT, TPH-1, or 5-HT2B expression; however, dogs with chronic enteropathy showed greater variability in expression of TPH-1 and 5-HT2B We conclude that components of the neuroendocrine system show altered expression in the intestinal mucosa of dogs with chronic enteropathy. These changes may contribute to nociception and clinical signs in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Clinical Sciences (Bailey, Ruaux, Stang), School of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, ORBiomedical Sciences (Valentine), School of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
authors.forename: Candice
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.affiliation: Departments of Clinical Sciences (Bailey, Ruaux, Stang), School of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, ORBiomedical Sciences (Valentine), School of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR craig.ruaux@oregonstate.edu.
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ruaux
authors.affiliation: Departments of Clinical Sciences (Bailey, Ruaux, Stang), School of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, ORBiomedical Sciences (Valentine), School of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
authors.forename: Bernadette V
authors.initials: BV
authors.lastname: Stang
authors.affiliation: Departments of Clinical Sciences (Bailey, Ruaux, Stang), School of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, ORBiomedical Sciences (Valentine), School of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
authors.forename: Beth A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Valentine
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D044403:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2B / Q000378:metabolism; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D014365:Tryptophan Hydroxylase / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D044403:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2B; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D012701:Serotonin; D014365:Tryptophan Hydroxylase
keywords: Chronic enteropathy; dogs; enterochromaffin cells; immunohistochemistry; inflammatory bowel disease; neuroendocrine