Colorectal cancer cells hijack a brain-gut polysynaptic circuit from the lateral septum to enteric neurons to sustain tumor growth.

The bidirectional interaction between the brain and peripheral tumors is critical but poorly understood. Here we show GABAergic neurons in the lateral septum, a key brain region implicated in emotional regulation, connect via a polysynaptic circuit to enteric cholinergic neurons that send nerve fibers into the tumor microenvironment, which were then hijacked by colorectal cancer cells to sustain tumor growth in mice. Functionally, activation of this septo-enteric circuit induces GABA release from enteric cholinergic neurons, which in turn activates epsilon-subunit-containing GABA receptors on tumor cells.

Relations between neurometabolism and clinical biomarkers in patients with metabolic disease.

The global prevalence of metabolic diseases, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), gout, and obesity, has significantly increased over the past two decades. The brain plays a central role in regulating both human behavior and metabolism. Understanding the potential connections among these metabolic diseases and the involvement of the brain in their progression presents an intriguing and critical area of research.

Adenosine 2A receptor contributes to the facilitation of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome by γδ T cells the PKA/CREB/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Background: Immunological dysfunction-induced low-grade inflammation is regarded as one of the predominant pathogenetic mechanisms in post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). γδ T cells play a crucial role in innate and adaptive immunity. Adenosine receptors expressed on the surface of γδ T cells participate in intestinal inflammation and immunity regulation.

Different downstream signalling of CCK1 receptors regulates distinct functions of CCK in pancreatic beta cells.

Background And Purpose: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is secreted by intestinal I cells and regulates important metabolic functions. In pancreatic islets, CCK controls beta cell functions primarily through CCK1 receptors, but the signalling pathways downstream of these receptors in pancreatic beta cells are not well defined.

Experimental Approach: Apoptosis in pancreatic beta cell apoptosis was evaluated using Hoechst-33342 staining, TUNEL assays and Annexin-V-FITC/PI staining.

Thiopental-induced insulin secretion via activation of IP3-sensitive calcium stores in rat pancreatic β-cells.

While glucose-stimulated insulin secretion depends on Ca(2+) influx through voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels in the cell membrane of the pancreatic β-cell, there is also ample evidence for an important role of intracellular Ca(2+) stores in insulin secretion, particularly in relation to drug stimuli. We report here that thiopental, a common anesthetic agent, triggers insulin secretion from the intact pancreas and primary cultured rat pancreatic β-cells. We investigated the underlying mechanisms by measurements of whole cell K(+) and Ca(2+) currents, membrane potential, cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), and membrane capacitance.