scholarly journals Neural reflexes in inflammation and immunity

2012 ◽  
Vol 209 (6) ◽  
pp. 1057-1068 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulf Andersson ◽  
Kevin J. Tracey
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Therapeutic Benefit ◽  
Systems Development ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Organ Function ◽  
Pharmacological Agents ◽  
Immunological Homeostasis ◽  
Mammalian Immune System ◽  
Systems Failure

The mammalian immune system and the nervous system coevolved under the influence of infection and sterile injury. Knowledge of homeostatic mechanisms by which the nervous system controls organ function was originally applied to the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and other body systems. Development of advanced neurophysiological and immunological techniques recently enabled the study of reflex neural circuits that maintain immunological homeostasis, and are essential for health in mammals. Such reflexes are evolutionarily ancient, dating back to invertebrate nematode worms that possess primitive immune and nervous systems. Failure of these reflex mechanisms in mammals contributes to nonresolving inflammation and disease. It is also possible to target these neural pathways using electrical nerve stimulators and pharmacological agents to hasten the resolution of inflammation and provide therapeutic benefit.

scholarly journals Whole integration of neural connectomics, dynamics and bio-mechanics for identification of behavioral sensorimotor pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jimin Kim ◽  
Julia A. Santos ◽  
Mark J. Alkema ◽  
Eli Shlizerman
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
The Body ◽  
Neural Dynamics ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Computational Approaches ◽  
External Forces

AbstractThe ability to fully discern how the brain orchestrates behavior requires the development of successful computational approaches to integrate and inform in-vivo investigations of the nervous system. To effectively assist with such investigations, computational approaches must be generic, scalable and unbiased. We propose such a comprehensive framework to investigate the interaction between the nervous system and the body for the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Specifically, we introduce a model that computationally emulates the activity of the complete somatic nervous system and its response to stimuli. The model builds upon the full anatomical wiring diagram, the connectome, and integrates it with additional layers including intra-cellular and extra-cellular bio-physically relevant neural dynamics, layers translating neural activity to muscle forces and muscle impulses to body postures. In addition, it implements inverse integration which modulates neural dynamics according to external forces on the body. We validate the model by in-silico injection of currents into sensory- and inter-neurons known to play a role in locomotion behaviors (e.g. posterior/anterior touch) and by applying external forces on the body. We are able to generate characteristic baseline locomotion behaviors (forward and backward movements). Inclusion of proprioceptive feedback, implemented through inverse integration, shows that feedback can entrain and sustain movements initiated by neural or mechanical triggers. We further apply neural stimuli, experimentally known to modulate locomotion, and show that our model supports natural behavioral responses such as turns, reversals and avoidance. The proposed model can be utilized to infer neural circuits involved in sensorimotor behavior. For this purpose, we develop large-scale computational ablation approaches such as (i) ablation survey and (ii) conditional ablation. Our results show how an ablation survey can identify neurons required for a ventral turning behavior. We also show how conditional ablation can identify alternative novel neural pathways, e.g. propose neurons which facilitate steering behavior towards olfactory attractants. The outcomes of our study show that the framework can be utilized to identify neural circuits, which control, mediate and generate natural behavior.

scholarly journals Neurons interact with the microbiome: an evolutionary-informed perspective

Neuroforum ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Giez ◽  
Alexander Klimovich ◽  
Thomas C. G. Bosch
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
System Development ◽  
Nervous System Development ◽  
Comprehensive Understanding ◽  
Strategic Model ◽  
Microbe Interactions ◽  
Host Microbe Interactions ◽  
And Function

Abstract Animals have evolved within the framework of microbes and are constantly exposed to diverse microbiota. Microbes colonize most, if not all, animal epithelia and influence the activity of many organs, including the nervous system. Therefore, any consideration on nervous system development and function in the absence of the recognition of microbes will be incomplete. Here, we review the current knowledge on the nervous systems of Hydra and its role in the host–microbiome communication. We show that recent advances in molecular and imaging methods are allowing a comprehensive understanding of the capacity of such a seemingly simple nervous system in the context of the metaorganism. We propose that the development, function and evolution of neural circuits must be considered in the context of host–microbe interactions and present Hydra as a strategic model system with great basic and translational relevance for neuroscience.

scholarly journals Neural Changes Underlying Rapid Fly Song Evolution

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Ding ◽  
Joshua L. Lillvis ◽  
Jessica Cande ◽  
Gordon J. Berman ◽  
Benjamin J. Arthur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Neural Circuitry ◽  
Courtship Song ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Electrophysiological Properties ◽  
Song Types ◽  
Behavioural Diversity

AbstractThe neural basis for behavioural evolution is poorly understood. Functional comparisons of homologous neurons may reveal how neural circuitry contributes to behavioural evolution, but homologous neurons cannot be identified and manipulated in most taxa. Here, we compare the function of homologous courtship song neurons by exporting neurogenetic reagents that label identified neurons in Drosophila melanogaster to D. yakuba. We found a conserved role for a cluster of brain neurons that establish a persistent courtship state. In contrast, a descending neuron with conserved electrophysiological properties drives different song types in each species. Our results suggest that song evolved, in part, due to changes in the neural circuitry downstream of this descending neuron. This experimental approach can be generalized to other neural circuits and therefore provides an experimental framework for studying how the nervous system has evolved to generate behavioural diversity.

Advances in bioelectronic medicine: noninvasive electrical, ultrasound and magnetic nerve stimulation

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 143-150
Author(s):  
Jason R Fritz ◽  
Jared M Huston
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Peripheral Nerves ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Acute Onset ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Pulse Generators ◽  
Bioelectronic Medicine ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Electrical Signaling

The mammalian nervous system has evolved over millions of years to protect the host. Harnessing neural pathways for therapeutic purposes is postulated to enhance treatment specificity and minimize adverse reactions. Bioelectronic medicine aims to diagnose and treat diseases through devices that regulate electrical signaling within the nervous system. Traditionally, this was accomplished via surgical implantation of electrical pulse generators directly onto peripheral nerves. While efficacious, this approach has significant limitations, including complications and associated costs of surgical procedures, and practical issues with treating acute onset and/or short-lived diseases with invasive approaches. Novel stimulation paradigms are currently under development to overcome these clinical challenges and ultimately expand the therapeutic potential of bioelectronic medicine. Here we review noninvasive electrical, ultrasound and magnetic nerve stimulation strategies in the context of more invasive electrical therapies, and discuss their potential impact on the field of bioelectronic medicine.

scholarly journals Serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor affects cell–matrix adhesion and the formation and maintenance of stress fibers in HEK293 cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe Anand Kumar John Jayakumar ◽  
Mitradas. M. Panicker ◽  
Basudha Basu
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Stress Fibers ◽  
Hek293 Cells ◽  
Matrix Adhesion ◽  
Cell Matrix ◽  
Cell Matrix Adhesion ◽  
G Protein Coupled ◽  
Serotonin 2A ◽  
Stimulation Of

Abstract5-HT2A, a G-protein coupled receptor, is widely expressed in the human body, including in the gastrointestinal tract, platelets and the nervous system. It mediates various functions, for e.g. learning, memory, mood regulation, platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction, but its involvement in cell-adhesion remains largely unknown. Here we report a novel role for 5-HT2A in cell–matrix adhesion.In HEK293 cells, which are loosely adherent, expression and stimulation of human or rat 5-HT2A receptor by agonists such as serotonin or 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) led to a significant increase in adhesion, while inhibition of 5-HT2A by antipsychotics, such as risperidone, olanzapine or chlorpromazine prevented it. 5-HT2A activation gave rise to stress fibers in these cells and was also required for their maintenance. Mechanistically, the 5-HT2A-mediated adhesion was mediated by downstream PKC and Rho signaling. Since 5-HT2A is associated with many disorders such as dementia, depression and schizophrenia, its role in cell–matrix adhesion could have implications for neural circuits.

scholarly journals Odorant Receptors Signaling Instructs the Development and Plasticity of the Glomerular Map

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Valle-Leija
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Olfactory System ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Odorant Receptors ◽  
Great Opportunity ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Olfactory Information ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
And Function

The olfactory system provides a great opportunity to explore the mechanisms that underlie the formation and function of neural circuits because of the simplicity of its structure. Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) located in the peripheral olfactory epithelium (OE) take part in the initial formation and function of glomeruli in the olfactory bulb (OB) inside the central nervous system. Glomeruli are key in the process of transduction of olfactory information, as they constitute a map in the OB that sorts the different types of odorant inputs. This odorant categorization allows proper olfactory perception, and it is achieved through the anatomical organization and function of the different glomerular circuits. Once formed, glomeruli keep the capacity to undergo diverse plasticity processes, which is unique among the different neural circuits of the central nervous system. In this context, through the expression and function of the odorant receptors (ORs), OSNs perform two of the most important roles in the olfactory system: transducing odorant information to the nervous system and initiating the development of the glomerular map to organize olfactory information. This review addresses essential information that has emerged in recent years about the molecular basis of these processes.

Differential Innervation of Tissues Located at Traditional Acupuncture Points in the Rat Forehead and Face

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 408-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Wang ◽  
Jingjing Cui ◽  
Chen She ◽  
Dongsheng Xu ◽  
Zhiyun Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Sensory Neurons ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Acupuncture Point ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Motor Nucleus ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Trigeminal Motor Nucleus ◽  
Facial Motor Nucleus ◽  
Neural Tracing

Objectives To compare the neural pathways associated with the tissues located at different traditional acupuncture points in the rat forehead and face using the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) neural tracing technique. Methods After injection of CTB into the tissues at GB14, ST2 and ST6 in the rat, the neural labelling associated with each acupuncture point was revealed by fluorescent immunohistochemistry of the nervous system, including the trigeminal ganglion (TRG), cervical dorsal root ganglia (DRG), spinal cord and brain. Results The CTB labelling included sensory neurons and their transganglionic axonal terminals, as well as motor neurons. The labelled sensory neurons associated with GB14, ST2 and ST6 were distributed in both the TRG and cervical DRG, and their centrally projected axons terminated in an orderly fashion at their corresponding targets in the spinal trigeminal nucleus and cervical spinal dorsal horn. In addition, labelled motor neurons were observed in the facial motor nucleus, trigeminal motor nucleus and cervical spinal ventral horn, in which facial motor neurons projected to the tissues located at all three acupuncture points. Trigeminal motor neurons innervated both ST2 and ST6, while spinal motor neurons only correlated with ST6. Conclusions These results indicate that the tissues located at each of these three traditional acupuncture points in the rat forehead and face has its own sensory and motor connection with the nervous system in a region-specific pattern through distinct neural pathways. Understanding the neuroanatomical characteristics of acupuncture points from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system should help inform acupuncture point selection according to the demands of the clinical situation.

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