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Serotonin disrupts esophageal mucosal integrity: an investigation using a stratified squamous epithelial model

  • Original Article—Alimentary Tract
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Abstract

Background

Serotonin regulates gastrointestinal function, and mast cells are a potential nonneuronal source of serotonin in the esophagus. Tight junction (TJ) proteins in the esophageal epithelium contribute to the barrier function, and the serotonin signaling pathway may contribute to epithelial leakage in gastroesophageal reflux disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of serotonin on barrier function, TJ proteins, and related signaling pathways.

Methods

Normal primary human esophageal epithelial cells were cultured with use of an air–liquid interface system. Serotonin was added to the basolateral compartment, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured. The expression of TJ proteins and serotonin receptor 7 (5-HT7) was assessed by Western blotting. The involvement of 5-HT7 was assessed with use of an antagonist and an agonist. The underlying cellular signaling pathways were examined with use of specific blockers.

Results

Serotonin decreased TEER and reduced the expression of TJ proteins ZO-1, occludin, and claudin 1, but not claudin 4. A 5-HT7 antagonist blocked the serotonin-induced decrease in TEER, and a 5-HT7 agonist decreased TEER. Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) reduced the serotonin-induced decrease in TEER. Inhibition of p38 MAPK blocked the decrease of ZO-1 levels, whereas extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibition blocked the decrease in occludin levels. Cell signaling pathway inhibitors had no effect on serotonin-induced alterations in claudin 1 and claudin 4 levels. Serotonin induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK, and a 5-HT7 antagonist partially blocked serotonin-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK but not that of ERK.

Conclusions

Serotonin disrupted esophageal squamous epithelial barrier function by modulating the levels of TJ proteins. Serotonin signaling pathways may mediate the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Mayumi Yamada and Chiyomi Ito for excellent technical assistance. This study was supported by a Grant-in Aid for Scientific Research (C) from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (25460939 to Tadayuki Oshima).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan

    Liping Wu, Tadayuki Oshima, Toshihiko Tomita, Yoshio Ohda, Hirokazu Fukui, Jiro Watari & Hiroto Miwa

  2. Department of Gastroenterology, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China

    Liping Wu

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  1. Liping Wu
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Correspondence to Tadayuki Oshima.

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Wu, L., Oshima, T., Tomita, T. et al. Serotonin disrupts esophageal mucosal integrity: an investigation using a stratified squamous epithelial model. J Gastroenterol 51, 1040–1049 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-016-1195-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-016-1195-z

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