Genetic tracing of Nav1.8-expressing vagal afferents in the mouse.

摘要: Nav1.8 is a tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel present in large subsets of peripheral sensory neurons, including both spinal and vagal afferents. In afferents, plays key role signaling different types pain. Little known, however, about the exact identity Nav1.8-expressing neurons. Here we generated mice with restricted expression tdTomato fluorescent protein all afferent As result, intense fluorescence was visible cell bodies, central relays, endings these revealing full extent their innervation sites thoracic abdominal viscera. For instance, were seen clearly within gastrointestinal mucosa myenteric plexus, respectively. muscle wall, labeled included small subset tension receptors but not any stretch receptors. We also examined detailed metabolic tissues such as liver pancreas evaluated anatomical relationship afferents select enteroendocrine cells (i.e., ghrelin, glucagon, GLP-1). Specifically, our data revealed presence several varying degrees proximity between mucosal cells, apparent neuroendocrine apposition. summary, this study demonstrates power versatility Cre-LoxP technology to trace identified visceral suggest previously unrecognized for neurons functions.