Rotavirus and Serotonin Release in the Gut
Author Information
Author(s): Hagbom Marie, Istrate Claudia, Engblom David, Karlsson Thommie, Rodriguez-Diaz Jesus, Buesa Javier, Taylor John A., Loitto Vesa-Matti, Magnusson Karl-Eric, Ahlman Håkan, Lundgren Ove, Svensson Lennart
Primary Institution: Division of Molecular Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden
Hypothesis
Rotavirus infection triggers the release of serotonin (5-HT) from enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the intestine leading to activation of vagal afferent nerves connected to brain structures associated with vomiting.
Conclusion
The study suggests that rotavirus infection stimulates serotonin release from enterochromaffin cells, which may activate brain areas associated with nausea and vomiting.
Supporting Evidence
- Rotavirus can infect and replicate in human enterochromaffin tumor cells.
- NSP4, a rotavirus enterotoxin, stimulates serotonin release from enterochromaffin cells.
- 5-HT release was observed within 60 minutes of NSP4 stimulation.
- Rotavirus infection activated brain structures associated with vomiting in mice.
- 5-HT induced diarrhea in infant mice within 60 minutes.
- Statistical significance was noted in the release of serotonin in response to NSP4.
Takeaway
When rotavirus infects the gut, it makes special cells release a chemical called serotonin, which can make you feel sick and vomit.
Methodology
The study involved infecting human enterochromaffin tumor cells with rotavirus and measuring serotonin release and intracellular calcium levels.
Limitations
The study was conducted in mice, which do not exhibit a functional emetic reflex, limiting the applicability of findings to human vomiting.
Participant Demographics
Infant mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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