Do enteric neurons make hypocretin?

Regul Pept. 2008 Apr 10;147(1-3):1-3. doi: 10.1016/j.regpep.2007.11.006. Epub 2007 Dec 14.

Abstract

Hypocretins (orexins) are wake-promoting neuropeptides produced by hypothalamic neurons. These hypocretin-producing cells are lost in people with narcolepsy, possibly due to an autoimmune attack. Prior studies described hypocretin neurons in the enteric nervous system, and these cells could be an additional target of an autoimmune process. We sought to determine whether enteric hypocretin neurons are lost in narcoleptic subjects. Even though we tried several methods (including whole mounts, sectioned tissue, pre-treatment of mice with colchicine, and the use of various primary antisera), we could not identify hypocretin-producing cells in enteric nervous tissue collected from mice or normal human subjects. These results raise doubts about whether enteric neurons produce hypocretin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Enteric Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neuropeptides / biosynthesis*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / biosynthesis*
  • Orexins

Substances

  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Neuropeptides
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Orexins