Title
Nerve growth factor regulates neurolymphatic remodeling during corneal inflammation and resolution.
Document Type
Article
Journal Title
PLoS One
Publication Date
11-10-2014
Volume
9
Abstract
The cellular and physiologic mechanisms that regulate the resolution of inflammation remain poorly defined despite their widespread importance in improving inflammatory disease outcomes. We studied the resolution of two cardinal signs of inflammation-pain and swelling-by investigating molecular mechanisms that regulate neural and lymphatic vessel remodeling during the resolution of corneal inflammation. A mouse model of corneal inflammation and wound recovery was developed to study this process in vivo. Administration of nerve growth factor (NGF) increased pain sensation and inhibited neural remodeling and lymphatic vessel regression processes during wound recovery. A complementary in vivo approach, the corneal micropocket assay, revealed that NGF-laden pellets stimulated lymphangiogenesis and increased protein levels of VEGF-C. Adult human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells did not express canonical NGF receptors TrkA and p75NTR or activate downstream MAPK- or Akt-pathway effectors in the presence of NGF, although NGF treatment increased their migratory and tubulogenesis capacities in vitro. Blockade of the VEGF-R2/R3 signaling pathway ablated NGF-mediated lymphangiogenesis in vivo. These findings suggest a hierarchical relationship with NGF functioning upstream of the VEGF family members, particularly VEGF-C, to stimulate lymphangiogenesis. Taken together, these studies show that NGF stimulates lymphangiogenesis and that NGF may act as a pathogenic factor that negatively regulates the normal neural and lymphatic vascular remodeling events that accompany wound recovery.
MeSH Headings
Adult, Animals, Cells, Cultured, Cornea, Disease Models, Animal, Endothelial Cells, Humans, Inflammation, MAP Kinase Signaling System, Mice, Nerve Growth Factor, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Receptor, trkA, Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor, Wound Healing
DOI Link
ISSN
1932-6203
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Fink, Darci M.; Connor, Alicia L.; Kelley, Philip M.; Steele, Maria M.; Hollingsworth, Michael A.; and Tempero, Richard M., "Nerve growth factor regulates neurolymphatic remodeling during corneal inflammation and resolution." (2014). Journal Articles: Eppley Institute. 2.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/eppley_articles/2