NEUROCHEMISTRY OF THE NODOSE GANGLION

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-0082(97)00003-8Get rights and content

Abstract

Placode-derived general visceral afferent neurons of the nodose ganglion transmit visceral sensory information from specialized sensory endings of the vagus nerve and its branches to the nucleus of the solitary tract. These neurons are critical in relaying information such as elevations in blood pressure, changes in blood oxygenation, passage of contents through the esophagus and intestines, and distention of the heart, stomach, and lungs to the CNS for reflex maintenance of visceral functions. Multiple neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, calcium binding proteins, and other neuroactive substances are associated with neurons of the nodose ganglion. Many neurons colocalize 2 or more neuroactive substances creating the potential for complex interactions of neurochemical signals in the NTS. Neurons of the nodose ganglion also contain a variety of receptors which respond to transmitters, inflammatory mediators, and neurotrophic factors. The contents of these neurochemicals and receptors are not static as alterations in their expression are noted in response to epigenetic influences. Although not yet well understood, potential factors and mechanisms regulating neurochemical events in the nodose ganglion neurons are discussed. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

Section snippets

INTRODUCTION

General visceral sensory neurons of the nodose ganglion innervate many of the organs of the thorax and abdomen. The pseudounipolar neurons of the nodose ganglion have peripheral axons in the vagus nerve and its branches (e.g. superior laryngeal nerve, aortic depressor nerve) and innervate a broad spectrum of receptors in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory organs. They have central axons which transmit information concerning such diverse stimuli as heart rate, blood pressure,

Embryonic Origins of the Nodose and Related Ganglia

Vertebrate cranial sensory ganglia are derived from two distinct embryonic sources, the neural crest and the epidermal placodes. In general, sensory neurons may originate from either the neural crest or ectodermal placodes, whereas glial cells of the cranial sensory ganglia and nerves are derived from neural crest (Le Douarin et al., 1986). During embryonic development, a series of epidermal placodes become visible (thickenings of the ectoderm) in the cephalic region by the time the neural tube

NEUROCHEMISTRY OF THE NODOSE GANGLION

Visceral sensory neurons of the nodose and petrosal ganglia appear to utilize numerous putative transmitter substances, including amino acids, monoamines, and neuropeptides, for synaptic transmission. A variety of transmitters (and their related enzymes), peptides, calcium-binding proteins (parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin), and other neuroactive substances and their mRNAs are localized to neurons of the nodose and petrosal ganglion by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization

METABOLIC MARKERS AND THEIR COEXISTENCE WITH PUTATIVE TRANSMITTERS

Several markers for metabolic activity have been demonstrated in primary sensory neurons. One of these is cytochrome oxidase, an integral transmembrane protein found in mitochondria which is coupled to the electrical activity and energy demands of a neuron and is considered to be an endogenous metabolic marker. Cytochrome oxidase activity is distributed abundantly in various kinds of neurons (Horton, 1984; Wong-Riley and Carroll, 1984; Mawe et al., 1990). In the nodose and petrosal ganglia,

Developmental Plasticity

In development, survival of nodose or petrosal ganglion neurons maintained in vitro is dependent on the actions of the neurotrophins, BNDF or NT-3, but not NT-4 (Lindsay et al., 1985; Lindsay and Rohrer, 1985; Hohn et al., 1990; Maisonpierre et al., 1990; Rosenthal et al., 1990; Katz et al., 1990; Hallbook et al., 1991; Berkemeier et al., 1991; Davies et al., 1993; Buj-Bello et al., 1994). The presence of NT-3 supports the survival of 30% of embryologic nodose ganglion neurons, NT-3 and BDNF

CONCLUSIONS

Studies discussed in this review article reveal that a broad variety of transmitters and neuroactive substances are present in the visceral sensory neurons of the nodose and petrosal ganglia. In addition, many neurons colocalize two or more neuroactive substances, creating the potential for complex interactions of neurochemical signals in the NTS. Moreover, the synaptic actions of these cotransmitters may be variable as the content and/or release of colocalized neurochemicals may be frequency

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by NIH grant RO1-NS20991.

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