Abstract
Background/purpose:
Ncx (Enx, Hox11L.1)-deficient (Ncx-/-) mice develop mega-ileo-ceco-colon with a larger number of neuronal cells in the enteric ganglia. We investigated mechanisms related to this abnormality and directed our attention to the effects on gastrointestinal tract functions.
Methods:
The number of NADPH diaphorase or cuprolinic blue-positive neuronal cells in the enteric ganglia was examined during growth of the mice. Neuronal cell death of enteric ganglia was assayed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling. Function of the gastrointestinal tract was determined by measuring excretion time of the barium chloride given into the stomach.
Results:
The number of neuronal cells decreased in control mice older than 2 weeks, and neuronal cell death was evident in the ganglia. However, the number of neuronal cells did not decrease in Ncx-/- mice, and cell death was rare. Excretion time of barium chloride was prolonged in all Ncx-/- mice examined and was improved by the administration of an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase.
Conclusions:
Ncx participates in cell death of enteric neurons. Motor abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract in Ncx-/- mice may be attributed to the large number of neuronal cells.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Animals, Newborn
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Animals, Suckling
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Apoptosis / genetics*
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Barium Compounds / pharmacokinetics
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Caspase 3 / biosynthesis
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Caspase 3 / genetics
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Cell Count
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Cell Lineage
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Cell Movement
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Chlorides / pharmacokinetics
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Coloring Agents / analysis
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Disease Models, Animal
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Enteric Nervous System / growth & development
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Enteric Nervous System / pathology*
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Enzyme Induction
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Gastrointestinal Transit / drug effects
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / drug effects
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Genes, bcl-2
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Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
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Homeodomain Proteins / physiology*
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In Situ Nick-End Labeling
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Indoles / analysis
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Intestine, Small / growth & development
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Intestine, Small / innervation
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Megacolon / genetics*
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Megacolon / pathology
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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NADPH Dehydrogenase / analysis
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NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / pharmacology
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NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / therapeutic use
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Neural Crest / cytology
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Neurons / pathology*
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Organometallic Compounds / analysis
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / biosynthesis
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Staining and Labeling
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Stomach / growth & development
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Stomach / innervation
Substances
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Barium Compounds
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Chlorides
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Coloring Agents
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Homeodomain Proteins
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Indoles
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Organometallic Compounds
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
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Tlx2 protein, mouse
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barium chloride
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copper phthalocyanine
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NADPH Dehydrogenase
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Caspase 3
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NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester