[Neuroimmuno-modulation in gastric mucosa].

UNLABELLED: Several neuropeptides were supposed to take place in the protection of gastric mucosa and play role in the development of gastritis.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate morphological relationship between nerve fibres and immunocytes, to find out if these cells synthetize some neuropeptides and if there is there any co-existence with TNF-α and NFκ-B.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical, confocal laser microscopic methods were used to investigate nerve fibres, immunocompetent cells in control and gastritis mucosa.

RESULTS

The number of neuropeptide-containing nerve fibres increased significantly. In control stomach the number of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and mast cells was low and showed no immunoreactivity for neuropeptide antibodies. However, in gastritis, some of the immunocompetent cells were immunoreactive for SP and for NPY. Some of the SP immunoreactive cells showed also positive reaction for TNF-α and NFκ-B. The distance between nerve fibres and immunocytes was 1 µm or less.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase of neuropeptides released from nerve fibres and immunocompetent cells can take part in neurogenic inflammation and generate chronic gastritis.