Research ReportCXCL12 sensitizes vago-vagal reflex neurons in the dorsal medulla

Previous studies from our laboratory illustrated the potential for stromal cell-derived factor one [CXCL12; also referred to as SDF-1] to act on its receptor [CXCR4] within the dorsal vagal complex [DVC] of the hindbrain to suppress gastric motility (Hermann et al., 2008). While CXCR4 receptors are essential for normal brain development, they also play a critical role in the proliferation of the HIV virus and initiation of metastatic cell growth in the brain. Anorexia, nausea, and failed autonomic regulation of gastrointestinal function are significant causes of morbidity and are contributory factors in the mortality associated with these disease states. The implication of our previous study was that CXCL12 caused gastric stasis by acting on gastric reflex circuit elements in the DVC. This hindbrain complex includes vagal afferent terminations in the solitary nucleus, neurons in the solitary nucleus (NST) and visceral efferent motorneurons in the dorsal motor nucleus (DMN) that are responsible for the regulation of digestive functions from the oral cavity to the transverse colon. In the current study, in vivo single-unit neurophysiological recordings from physiologically-identified NST and DMN components of the gastric accommodation reflex show that while injection of femtomole doses of CXCL12 onto NST or DMN neurons has no effect on their basal activity, CXCL12 amplifies the effect of gastric vagal mechanosensory input to activate the NST and, in turn, inhibit DMN motor activity.

► Chemokine CXCL12 acts in hindbrain to suppress gastric motility. ► Physiologically-identified NST and DMN neurons are sensitized by CXCL12. ► Net effect of CXCL12 is to amplify gastric accommodation reflex.