Image_1_AMPA Receptor-Mediated Ca2+ Transients in Mouse Olfactory Ensheathing Cells.TIF

Ca2+ signaling in glial cells is primarily triggered by metabotropic pathways and the subsequent Ca2+ release from internal Ca2+ stores. However, there is upcoming evidence that various ion channels might also initiate Ca2+ rises in glial cells by Ca2+ influx. We investigated AMPA receptor-mediated inward currents and Ca2+ transients in olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), a specialized glial cell population in the olfactory bulb (OB), using whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings and confocal Ca2+ imaging. By immunohistochemistry we showed immunoreactivity to the AMPA receptor subunits GluA1, GluA2 and GluA4 in OECs, suggesting the presence of AMPA receptors in OECs. Kainate-induced inward currents were mediated exclusively by AMPA receptors, as they were sensitive to the specific AMPA receptor antagonist, GYKI53655. Moreover, kainate-induced inward currents were reduced by the selective Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptor inhibitor, NASPM, suggesting the presence of functional Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors in OECs. Additionally, kainate application evoked Ca2+ transients in OECs which were abolished in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, indicating that Ca2+ influx via Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors contribute to kainate-induced Ca2+ transients. However, kainate-induced Ca2+ transients were partly reduced upon Ca2+ store depletion, leading to the conclusion that Ca2+ influx via AMPA receptor channels is essential to trigger Ca2+ transients in OECs, whereas Ca2+ release from internal stores contributes in part to the kainate-evoked Ca2+ response. Endogenous glutamate release by OSN axons initiated Ca2+ transients in OECs, equally mediated by metabotropic receptors (glutamatergic and purinergic) and AMPA receptors, suggesting a prominent role for AMPA receptor mediated Ca2+ signaling in axon-OEC communication.</p

Image_2_AMPA Receptor-Mediated Ca2+ Transients in Mouse Olfactory Ensheathing Cells.TIF

Ca2+ signaling in glial cells is primarily triggered by metabotropic pathways and the subsequent Ca2+ release from internal Ca2+ stores. However, there is upcoming evidence that various ion channels might also initiate Ca2+ rises in glial cells by Ca2+ influx. We investigated AMPA receptor-mediated inward currents and Ca2+ transients in olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), a specialized glial cell population in the olfactory bulb (OB), using whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings and confocal Ca2+ imaging. By immunohistochemistry we showed immunoreactivity to the AMPA receptor subunits GluA1, GluA2 and GluA4 in OECs, suggesting the presence of AMPA receptors in OECs. Kainate-induced inward currents were mediated exclusively by AMPA receptors, as they were sensitive to the specific AMPA receptor antagonist, GYKI53655. Moreover, kainate-induced inward currents were reduced by the selective Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptor inhibitor, NASPM, suggesting the presence of functional Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors in OECs. Additionally, kainate application evoked Ca2+ transients in OECs which were abolished in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, indicating that Ca2+ influx via Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors contribute to kainate-induced Ca2+ transients. However, kainate-induced Ca2+ transients were partly reduced upon Ca2+ store depletion, leading to the conclusion that Ca2+ influx via AMPA receptor channels is essential to trigger Ca2+ transients in OECs, whereas Ca2+ release from internal stores contributes in part to the kainate-evoked Ca2+ response. Endogenous glutamate release by OSN axons initiated Ca2+ transients in OECs, equally mediated by metabotropic receptors (glutamatergic and purinergic) and AMPA receptors, suggesting a prominent role for AMPA receptor mediated Ca2+ signaling in axon-OEC communication.</p

Table_1_A2A adenosine receptor-driven cAMP signaling in olfactory bulb astrocytes is unaffected in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.docx

IntroductionThe cyclic nucleotide cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a ubiquitous second messenger, which is known to play an important anti-inflammatory role. Astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) can modulate inflammation but little is known about the significance of cAMP in their function.MethodsWe investigated cAMP dynamics in mouse olfactory bulb astrocytes in brain slices prepared from healthy and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice.ResultsThe purinergic receptor ligands adenosine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) both induced transient increases in cAMP in astrocytes expressing the genetically encoded cAMP sensor Flamindo2. The A2A receptor antagonist ZM241385 inhibited the responses. Similar transient increases in astrocytic cAMP occurred when olfactory receptor neurons were stimulated electrically, resulting in ATP release from the stimulated axons that increased cAMP, again via A2A receptors. Notably, A2A-mediated responses to ATP and adenosine were not different in EAE mice as compared to healthy mice.DiscussionOur results indicate that ATP, synaptically released by afferent axons in the olfactory bulb, is degraded to adenosine that acts on A2A receptors in astrocytes, thereby increasing the cytosolic cAMP concentration. However, this pathway is not altered in the olfactory bulb of EAE mice.</p

Video_1_Three-dimensional analyses of vascular network morphology in a murine lymph node by X-ray phase-contrast tomography with a 2D Talbot array.mp4

With growing molecular evidence for correlations between spatial arrangement of blood vasculature and fundamental immunological functions, carried out in distinct compartments of the subdivided lymph node, there is an urgent need for three-dimensional models that can link these aspects. We reconstructed such models at a 1.84 µm resolution by the means of X-ray phase-contrast imaging with a 2D Talbot array in a short time without any staining. In addition reconstructions are verified in immunohistochemistry staining as well as in ultrastructural analyses. While conventional illustrations of mammalian lymph nodes depict the hilus as a definite point of blood and lymphatic vessel entry and exit, our method revealed that multiple branches enter and emerge from an area that extends up to one third of the organ’s surface. This could be a prerequisite for the drastic and location-dependent remodeling of vascularization, which is necessary for lymph node expansion during inflammation. Contrary to corrosion cast studies we identified B-cell follicles exhibiting a two times denser capillary network than the deep cortical units of the T-cell zone. In addition to our observation of high endothelial venules spatially surrounding the follicles, this suggests a direct connection between morphology and B-cell homing. Our findings will deepen the understanding of functional lymph node composition and lymphocyte migration on a fundamental basis.</p

Video_4_Three-dimensional analyses of vascular network morphology in a murine lymph node by X-ray phase-contrast tomography with a 2D Talbot array.mp4

With growing molecular evidence for correlations between spatial arrangement of blood vasculature and fundamental immunological functions, carried out in distinct compartments of the subdivided lymph node, there is an urgent need for three-dimensional models that can link these aspects. We reconstructed such models at a 1.84 µm resolution by the means of X-ray phase-contrast imaging with a 2D Talbot array in a short time without any staining. In addition reconstructions are verified in immunohistochemistry staining as well as in ultrastructural analyses. While conventional illustrations of mammalian lymph nodes depict the hilus as a definite point of blood and lymphatic vessel entry and exit, our method revealed that multiple branches enter and emerge from an area that extends up to one third of the organ’s surface. This could be a prerequisite for the drastic and location-dependent remodeling of vascularization, which is necessary for lymph node expansion during inflammation. Contrary to corrosion cast studies we identified B-cell follicles exhibiting a two times denser capillary network than the deep cortical units of the T-cell zone. In addition to our observation of high endothelial venules spatially surrounding the follicles, this suggests a direct connection between morphology and B-cell homing. Our findings will deepen the understanding of functional lymph node composition and lymphocyte migration on a fundamental basis.</p

Image_3_Three-dimensional analyses of vascular network morphology in a murine lymph node by X-ray phase-contrast tomography with a 2D Talbot array.pdf

With growing molecular evidence for correlations between spatial arrangement of blood vasculature and fundamental immunological functions, carried out in distinct compartments of the subdivided lymph node, there is an urgent need for three-dimensional models that can link these aspects. We reconstructed such models at a 1.84 µm resolution by the means of X-ray phase-contrast imaging with a 2D Talbot array in a short time without any staining. In addition reconstructions are verified in immunohistochemistry staining as well as in ultrastructural analyses. While conventional illustrations of mammalian lymph nodes depict the hilus as a definite point of blood and lymphatic vessel entry and exit, our method revealed that multiple branches enter and emerge from an area that extends up to one third of the organ’s surface. This could be a prerequisite for the drastic and location-dependent remodeling of vascularization, which is necessary for lymph node expansion during inflammation. Contrary to corrosion cast studies we identified B-cell follicles exhibiting a two times denser capillary network than the deep cortical units of the T-cell zone. In addition to our observation of high endothelial venules spatially surrounding the follicles, this suggests a direct connection between morphology and B-cell homing. Our findings will deepen the understanding of functional lymph node composition and lymphocyte migration on a fundamental basis.</p

Video_2_Three-dimensional analyses of vascular network morphology in a murine lymph node by X-ray phase-contrast tomography with a 2D Talbot array.mp4

With growing molecular evidence for correlations between spatial arrangement of blood vasculature and fundamental immunological functions, carried out in distinct compartments of the subdivided lymph node, there is an urgent need for three-dimensional models that can link these aspects. We reconstructed such models at a 1.84 µm resolution by the means of X-ray phase-contrast imaging with a 2D Talbot array in a short time without any staining. In addition reconstructions are verified in immunohistochemistry staining as well as in ultrastructural analyses. While conventional illustrations of mammalian lymph nodes depict the hilus as a definite point of blood and lymphatic vessel entry and exit, our method revealed that multiple branches enter and emerge from an area that extends up to one third of the organ’s surface. This could be a prerequisite for the drastic and location-dependent remodeling of vascularization, which is necessary for lymph node expansion during inflammation. Contrary to corrosion cast studies we identified B-cell follicles exhibiting a two times denser capillary network than the deep cortical units of the T-cell zone. In addition to our observation of high endothelial venules spatially surrounding the follicles, this suggests a direct connection between morphology and B-cell homing. Our findings will deepen the understanding of functional lymph node composition and lymphocyte migration on a fundamental basis.</p

DataSheet_1_Three-dimensional analyses of vascular network morphology in a murine lymph node by X-ray phase-contrast tomography with a 2D Talbot array.pdf

With growing molecular evidence for correlations between spatial arrangement of blood vasculature and fundamental immunological functions, carried out in distinct compartments of the subdivided lymph node, there is an urgent need for three-dimensional models that can link these aspects. We reconstructed such models at a 1.84 µm resolution by the means of X-ray phase-contrast imaging with a 2D Talbot array in a short time without any staining. In addition reconstructions are verified in immunohistochemistry staining as well as in ultrastructural analyses. While conventional illustrations of mammalian lymph nodes depict the hilus as a definite point of blood and lymphatic vessel entry and exit, our method revealed that multiple branches enter and emerge from an area that extends up to one third of the organ’s surface. This could be a prerequisite for the drastic and location-dependent remodeling of vascularization, which is necessary for lymph node expansion during inflammation. Contrary to corrosion cast studies we identified B-cell follicles exhibiting a two times denser capillary network than the deep cortical units of the T-cell zone. In addition to our observation of high endothelial venules spatially surrounding the follicles, this suggests a direct connection between morphology and B-cell homing. Our findings will deepen the understanding of functional lymph node composition and lymphocyte migration on a fundamental basis.</p

Video_5_Three-dimensional analyses of vascular network morphology in a murine lymph node by X-ray phase-contrast tomography with a 2D Talbot array.mp4

With growing molecular evidence for correlations between spatial arrangement of blood vasculature and fundamental immunological functions, carried out in distinct compartments of the subdivided lymph node, there is an urgent need for three-dimensional models that can link these aspects. We reconstructed such models at a 1.84 µm resolution by the means of X-ray phase-contrast imaging with a 2D Talbot array in a short time without any staining. In addition reconstructions are verified in immunohistochemistry staining as well as in ultrastructural analyses. While conventional illustrations of mammalian lymph nodes depict the hilus as a definite point of blood and lymphatic vessel entry and exit, our method revealed that multiple branches enter and emerge from an area that extends up to one third of the organ’s surface. This could be a prerequisite for the drastic and location-dependent remodeling of vascularization, which is necessary for lymph node expansion during inflammation. Contrary to corrosion cast studies we identified B-cell follicles exhibiting a two times denser capillary network than the deep cortical units of the T-cell zone. In addition to our observation of high endothelial venules spatially surrounding the follicles, this suggests a direct connection between morphology and B-cell homing. Our findings will deepen the understanding of functional lymph node composition and lymphocyte migration on a fundamental basis.</p

Table_1_Three-dimensional analyses of vascular network morphology in a murine lymph node by X-ray phase-contrast tomography with a 2D Talbot array.pdf

With growing molecular evidence for correlations between spatial arrangement of blood vasculature and fundamental immunological functions, carried out in distinct compartments of the subdivided lymph node, there is an urgent need for three-dimensional models that can link these aspects. We reconstructed such models at a 1.84 µm resolution by the means of X-ray phase-contrast imaging with a 2D Talbot array in a short time without any staining. In addition reconstructions are verified in immunohistochemistry staining as well as in ultrastructural analyses. While conventional illustrations of mammalian lymph nodes depict the hilus as a definite point of blood and lymphatic vessel entry and exit, our method revealed that multiple branches enter and emerge from an area that extends up to one third of the organ’s surface. This could be a prerequisite for the drastic and location-dependent remodeling of vascularization, which is necessary for lymph node expansion during inflammation. Contrary to corrosion cast studies we identified B-cell follicles exhibiting a two times denser capillary network than the deep cortical units of the T-cell zone. In addition to our observation of high endothelial venules spatially surrounding the follicles, this suggests a direct connection between morphology and B-cell homing. Our findings will deepen the understanding of functional lymph node composition and lymphocyte migration on a fundamental basis.</p