PUBLICATION

Expression of neuropeptides and anoctamin 1 in the embryonic and adult zebrafish intestine, revealing neuronal subpopulations and ICC-like cells

Authors
Uyttebroek, L., Shepherd, I.T., Hubens, G., Timmermans, J.P., and Van Nassauw, L.
ID
ZDB-PUB-130806-11
Date
2013
Source
Cell and tissue research   354(2): 355-70 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Shepherd, Iain T., Uyttebroek, Leen
Keywords
zebrafish, enteric nervous system, neuropeptides, Anoctamin 1, interstitial cells of Cajal
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide/analysis
  • Calcium Channels/analysis*
  • Calcium Channels/genetics
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Interstitial Cells of Cajal/cytology*
  • Interstitial Cells of Cajal/metabolism
  • Intestines/cytology
  • Intestines/growth & development*
  • Intestines/metabolism*
  • Neurons/cytology*
  • Neurons/metabolism
  • Neuropeptides/analysis*
  • Neuropeptides/genetics
  • Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide/analysis
  • Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/analysis
  • Zebrafish/embryology
  • Zebrafish/growth & development*
  • Zebrafish Proteins/analysis*
  • Zebrafish Proteins/genetics
PubMed
23881406 Full text @ Cell Tissue Res.
Abstract

This immunohistochemical study in zebrafish aims to extend the neurochemical characterization of enteric neuronal subpopulations and to validate a marker for identification of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). The expression of neuropeptides and anoctamin 1 (Ano1), a selective ICC marker in mammals, was analyzed in both embryonic and adult intestine. Neuropeptides were present from 3 days postfertilization (dpf). At 3 dpf, galanin-positive nerve fibers were found in the proximal intestine, while calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)- and substance P-expressing fibers appeared in the distal intestine. At 5 dpf, immunoreactive fibers were present along the entire intestinal length, indicating a well-developed peptidergic innervation at the onset of feeding. In the adult intestine, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), galanin, CGRP and substance P were detected in nerve fibers. Colchicine pretreatment enhanced only VIP and PACAP immunoreactivity. VIP and PACAP were coexpressed in enteric neurons. Colocalization stainings revealed three neuronal subpopulations expressing VIP and PACAP: a nitrergic noncholinergic subpopulation, a serotonergic subpopulation and a subpopulation expressing no other markers. Ano1-immunostaining revealed a 3-dimensional network in the adult intestine containing multipolar cells at the myenteric plexus and bipolar cells interspersed between circular smooth muscle cells. Ano1 immunoreactivity first appeared at 3 dpf, indicative of the onset of proliferation of ICC-like cells. It is shown that the Ano1 antiserum is a selective marker of ICC-like cells in the zebrafish intestine. Finally, it is hypothesized that ICC-like cells mediate the spontaneous regular activity of the embryonic intestine.

Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping