We present an endomicroscope apparatus that exhibits out-of-focus background rejection based on wide-field illumination through a flexible imaging fiber bundle. Our technique, called HiLo microscopy, involves acquiring two images, one with grid-pattern illumination and another with standard uniform illumination. An evaluation of the image contrast with grid-pattern illumination provides an optically sectioned image with low resolution. This is complemented with high-resolution information from the uniform illumination image, leading to a full-resolution image that is optically sectioned. HiLo endomicroscope movies are presented of fluorescently labeled rat colonic mucosa.

Objective: Food

The expression and distribution of TTX-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) alpha subunits in the enteric nervous system (ENS) has not been described. Using RT-PCR, expression of Na(v)1.2, Na(v)1.3, Na(v)1.6, and Na(v)1.7 mRNA was detected in small and large intestinal preparations from guinea pigs. Expression of Na(v)1.1 mRNA as well as Na(v)1.1-like immunoreactivity (-li) were not observed in any intestinal region investigated. Na(v)1.2-li was primarily observed within the soma of the majority of myenteric and submucosal neurons, although faint immunoreactivity was occasionally observed in ganglionic and internodal fibers. Na(v)1.3-li was observed in dendrites, soma, and axons in a small group of myenteric neurons, as well as in numerous myenteric internodal fibers; immunoreactivity was rarely observed in the submucosal plexus. Na(v)1.6-li was primarily observed in the initial axonal segment of colonic myenteric neurons. Na(v)1.7-li was observed in dorsal root ganglia neurons but not in the myenteric plexus of the small and large intestine. In the ileum, 37% of Na(v)1.2-li cell bodies colocalized with calbindin-li while colocalization with calretinin-li was rare. In contrast, 22% of Na(v)1.3-li cell bodies colocalized with calretinin-li but colocalization with calbindin-li was not observed. In the colon, both Na(v)1.2-li and Na(v)1.3-li cell bodies frequently colocalized with either calretinin-li or calbindin-li. Na(v)1.2-li cell bodies also colocalized with the majority of NeuN-li cells in the small and large intestine. These data suggest that Na(v)1.1 may not be highly expressed in the ENS, but that Na(v)1.2, Na(v)1.3, and Na(v)1.6, and possibly Na(v)1.7, have broadly important and distinct functions in the ENS.

Background Decreased gallbladder smooth muscle (GBSM) contractility is a hallmark of cholesterol gallstone disease, but the interrelationship between lithogenicity, biliary stasis and inflammation are poorly understood. We studied a mouse model of gallstone disease to evaluate the development of GBSM dysfunction relative to changes in bile composition and the onset of sterile cholecystitis. Methods BALB/cJ mice were fed a lithogenic diet for up to 8 weeks, and tension generated by gallbladder muscle strips was measured. Smooth muscle Ca2+ transients were imaged in intact gallbladder. Key Results Lipid composition of bile was altered lithogenically as early as one week, with increased hydrophobicity and cholesterol saturation indexes; however, inflammation was not detectable until the fourth week. Agonist-induced contractility was reduced from weeks 2 through 8. GBSM normally exhibits rhythmic synchronized Ca2+ flashes, and their frequency is increased by carbachol (3μM). After one week, lithogenic diet-fed mice exhibited disrupted Ca2+ flash activity, manifesting as clustered flashes, asynchronous flashes or prolonged quiescent periods. These changes could lead to a depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores, which are required for agonist-induced contraction, and diminished basal tone of the organ. Responsiveness of Ca2+ transients to carbachol was reduced in mice on the lithogenic diet, particularly after 4-8 weeks, concomitant with appearance of mucosal inflammatory changes. Conclusions & Inferences These observations demonstrate that GBSM dysfunction is an early event in the progression of cholesterol gallstone disease and that it precedes mucosal inflammation.

Balemba OB, Bartoo AC, Nelson MT, Mawe GM. Role of mitochondria in spontaneous rhythmic activity and intracellular calcium waves in the guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle.