Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: As the importance of gut-brain interactions increases, understanding how specific gut microbes interact with the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is the first point of neuronal exposure becomes critical. Our aim was to understand how the dominant human gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (Bt) regulates anatomical and functional characteristics of the ENS.
METHODS: Neuronal cell populations, as well as enteroendocrine cells, were assessed in proximal colonic sections using fluorescent immunohistochemistry in specific pathogen-free (SPF), germ-free (GF) and Bt conventionalized-germ-free mice (Bt-CONV). RNA expression of tight junction proteins and toll-like receptors (TLR) were measured using qPCR. Colonic motility was analyzed using in vitro colonic manometry.
RESULTS: Decreased neuronal and vagal afferent innervation observed in GF mice was normalized by Bt-CONV with increased neuronal staining in mucosa and myenteric plexus. Bt-CONV also restored expression of nitric oxide synthase expressing inhibitory neurons and of choline acetyltransferase and substance P expressing excitatory motor neurons comparable to those of SPF mice. Neurite outgrowth and glial cells were upregulated by Bt-CONV. RNA expression of tight junction protein claudin 3 was downregulated while TLR2 was upregulated by Bt-CONV. The enteroendocrine cell subtypes L-cells and enterochromaffin cells were reduced in GF mice, with Bt-CONV restoring L-cell numbers. Motility as measured by colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) increased in GF and Bt-CONV.
CONCLUSION: Bt, common gut bacteria, is critical in regulating enteric neuronal and enteroendocrine cell populations, and neurogenic colonic activity. This highlights the potential use of this resident gut bacteria for maintaining healthy gut function.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1745-1757 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Gut Microbes |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 6 |
Early online date | 9 Jun 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2020 |
Keywords
- Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
- colonic motility
- enteric nervous system
- gut microbiome
- neuronal plasticity
Profiles
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Simon Carding
- Norwich Medical School - Research Leader
- Norwich Institute for Healthy Aging - Member
- Gastroenterology and Gut Biology - Member
Person: Research Group Member, Research Centre Member, Academic, Teaching & Research