Neurochemical characterization of the enteric neurons within the porcine jejunum in physiological conditions and under the influence of bisphenol A (BPA)

Abstract

Background Bisphenol A (BPA) is commonly used in the production of plastics and has multidirectional, negative effects on the living organisms. It may also affect the enteric nervous system (ENS) located in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. Enteric neurons express many active substances, which regulate majority of intestinal activities not only in physiological conditions but also under the impact of pathological factors. Methods The influence of various doses of BPA on the ENS of jejunum has been investigated using the double immunofluorescence technique. The commercial antibodies against substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), galanin (GAL), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), and cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript peptide (CART) were used. Key Results Both doses of BPA studied changed the number of the enteric neurons immunoreactive to SP, VIP, GAL, VAChT, and CART, and the intensity of fluctuations depended on the BPA dose and on the type of the enteric plexus. Bisphenol A causes the increase in the number of neurons immunoreactive to the majority of substances studied. The only exception was VAChT‐positive neurons, the number of which was lower under the impact of BPA in the comparison with physiological conditions. Conclusions & Inferences Even low doses of BPA cause the changes in neurochemical characterization of the enteric neurons in the jejunum. These changes may be the first sign of subclinical BPA intoxication. The mechanisms of observed changes are probably connected with neurotoxic and/or pro‐inflammatory activity of BPA, but their exact mechanisms are not fully explained.

Neurochemical Plasticity of nNOS-, VIP- and CART-Immunoreactive Neurons Following Prolonged Acetylsalicylic Acid Supplementation in the Porcine Jejunum

“…The large population of CART-IR neurons in the MP may suggest that this active substance is involved in the regulation of intestinal motility. Other authors have also observed a high number of myenteric CART-positive nerve cells in the porcine small intestine, which is consistent with results obtained in our experiment [23,70]. Possible motor functions of CART were also studied in vitro in rats (stomach, ileum and colon) and a similar dependence was found [69].…”

The T2 Toxin Produced by Fusarium spp. Impacts Porcine Duodenal Nitric Oxide Synthase (nNOS)-Positive Nervous Structures—The Preliminary Study

“…Moreover, it has been noted that NO acts as a cytoprotective agent during some intestinal injuries and endotoxicities, mainly via the regulation of the mucosal blood flow [ 37 , 38 ]. It has also been reported that the endogenous release of this gaseous neurotransmitter induces protective effects of other active substances in the nervous system within the GI tract [ 39 , 40 , 41 ].…”

Mycotoxins and the Enteric Nervous System

“…Changes in enteric neurons are a sign of the adaptive and protective reactions and contribute to homeostasis maintenance in the GI tract [ 164 , 165 ]. Moreover, such changes appearing under the impact of disease or toxic substances may be the first signs of subclinical pathological processes or toxicity [ 166 ]. Some studies have indicated that mycotoxins may affect the morphology and neurochemical character of the enteric neurons.…”

“…The regulation of intestinal activity through the gut–brain axis is more likely since CART is known as an important factor regulating the feeding behavior in the central nervous system [ 185 ]. Moreover, numerous studies in which an increase in CART levels in the ENS has been observed strongly suggest that this peptide also takes part in protective and adaptive reactions in response to pathological, toxicological and physiological factors [ 46 , 166 , 184 ].…”