ABSTRACT
The number of the different neuropeptides-containing nerve fibres and immunocompetent cells was changed in diabetes mellitus (DM) in different organs. In this work we investigated the effect of DM on quantitation of the nerve fibres using immunhistochemistry. After two weeks of the DM the quantitiy of the different nerve fibres increased significantly both in the mucous membrane and glands of the tongue. The number of the immunocompetent cells (lymphocytes, plasma cells, mast cells) increased as well significantly. Some of these cells showed also immunoreactivity for substance P and neuropeptide Y. A few substance P cells were in very close relation to the SP immunoreactive nerve fibres. After four weeks of DM the number of the nerve fibres was decreased compared to the 2 weeks treatment, however, the number of them was higher compared to the control. The close correlation between the nerve fibres and immune cells might play a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis in the mucous membrane and glands of the tongue as well as in the increasing inflammation and elimination of it.
Subject(s)
Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic/immunology , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology , Mouth Mucosa/immunology , Mouth Mucosa/innervation , Salivary Glands/immunology , Salivary Glands/innervation , Tongue , Animals , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/immunology , Inflammation/immunology , Lymphocytes/immunology , Male , Mast Cells/immunology , Neuropeptide Y/immunology , Neurotransmitter Agents/immunology , Plasma Cells/immunology , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Streptozocin , Substance P/immunology , Time FactorsSubject(s)
Autonomic Nervous System Diseases/etiology , Guillain-Barre Syndrome/complications , Guillain-Barre Syndrome/diagnosis , Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction/diagnostic imaging , Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction/etiology , Aged , Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic/immunology , Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic/physiopathology , Autonomic Nervous System Diseases/physiopathology , Disease Progression , Early Diagnosis , Enteric Nervous System/immunology , Enteric Nervous System/physiopathology , Guillain-Barre Syndrome/physiopathology , Humans , Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use , Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction/physiopathology , Intestines/diagnostic imaging , Intestines/innervation , Intestines/physiopathology , Male , Paraparesis/etiology , Paraparesis/physiopathology , Radiography , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
A 9-year-old boy presented with symptoms and signs of marked postganglionic cholinergic autonomic dysfunction manifested by bilateral internal ophthalmoplegia, impaired secretion of tears and saliva, lack of gastrointestinal motility, atony of the bladder, generalized absence of sweating, and hypertension. Clinical and pharmacological studies confirmed that the abnormalities were restricted mainly to the postganglionic cholinergic autonomic system and showed evidence of postdenervation supersensitivity to parasympathomimetic drugs. The patient was treated in the early phase of his illness by the administration of carbachol, and eventually he made a slow and partial spontaneous recovery. Histoimmunofluorescent studies on a skin biopsy specimen suggested an autoimmune origin for his disease, with IgG antibodies being produced against postganglionic cholinergic autonomic fibers.
