The Expression Of α3,α5 Subunits And M3 Subtype MRNA Of Acetylcholine Receptors In Human Lymphoid Tissue

Objective In order to explore the substance basis for communication between the neuroendocrine parasympathetic system and the immune system , The expression of a3, a5 subunits and m3 subtype mRNA of acetylcholine receptors in human lymphoid tissue was detected .Method In Situ Hybridyzation: Using digoxigenin-labelled oligonucleotide probes for AChR-a3, a5 subunits and m3 subtype mRNA we detected 32 cases human lymphoid tissues (includes lymph nodes ,spleens, thymuses and gastrointestinal mucosa.). The result is treated by statistics methods (exact method and r × c chi-square test).Result (1) 19 out of 32 cases showed AChR-a3 subunit mRNA positive expression (59.38%); the differences between the lymph nodes(60%) and the spleens(75%) was insignificant (P=0.268, P>0.05); (2) 22 out of 32 cases showed AChR-a5 subunit mRNA positive expression (68.75%); the differences between the lymph nodes(75%) and the spleens(62.5%) was insignificant (P=0.279, P>0.05); (3) 23 out of 32 cases showed AChR-m3 subtype mRNA positive expression (71.88%); the differences between the lymph nodes(80%) and the spleens(50%) was insignificant (P=0.360, P>0.05); (4) The difference among the expression of a3, a5 subunits and m3 subtype in the lymph tissues was insignificant too (r x c X2test: X2=2.15 , P>0.05). And the distribution of them in the lymphoid tissues was similar to each other : most are located in the paracortical T lymphocytes of the lymph nodes, splenic corpuscle and periarterial lymphatic sheath of the spleens , thymic T lymphocytes and lamina propria lymphocytes of the Gastrointestinal mucosa.Conclusion These findings revealed that human's lymphocytes can synthesize as well as express a3 , a5 subunits and m3 subtype of acetylcholine receptors which are the typical information transmitters between the neuroendocrine system and the immune system. And they may play an important role in the etiology and development of some diseases correlated to neuroendocrine and immune systems. The further investigation of these fields will provide some new line for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.