We investigated immunohistochemical differences in the distribution of TRPV1 channels and the contractile effects of capsaicin on smooth muscle in the mouse rectum and distal, transverse, and proximal colon. In the immunohistochemical study, TRPV1 immunoreactivity was found in the mucosa, submucosal, and muscle layers and myenteric plexus. Large numbers of TRPV1-immunoreactive axons were observed in the rectum and distal colon. In contrast, TRPV1-positive axons were sparsely distributed in the transverse and proximal colon. The density of TRPV1-immunoreactive axons in the rectum and distal colon was much higher than those in the transverse and proximal colon. Axons double labeled with TRPV1 and protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 were detected in the myenteric plexus, but PGP 9.5-immunoreactive cell bodies did not colocalize with TRPV1. In motor function studies, capsaicin induced a fast transient contraction, followed by a large long-lasting contraction in the rectum and distal colon, whereas in the transverse and proximal colon only the transient contraction was observed. The capsaicin-induced transient contraction from the proximal colon to the rectum was moderately inhibited by an NK1 or NK2 receptor antagonist. The capsaicin-induced long-lasting contraction in the rectum and distal colon was markedly inhibited by an NK2 antagonist, but not by an NK1 antagonist. The present results suggest that TRPV1 channels located on the rectum and distal colon play a major role in the motor function in the large intestine.

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Increased expression of TRPM8 may contribute to the visceral hyperalgesia of experimental colitis.

Abnormalities of primary afferent nerve fibers are strongly associated with the visceral hypersensitivity state in inflammatory bowel disease. Hypersensitivity of afferent fibers occurs during inflammation. Therefore, to gain an insight into the alterations to receptors and channels expressed in primary afferent neurons, the current study aimed to investigate the time-dependent dynamic changes in levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(3) receptors, 5-HT(4) receptors, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channels, and 5-HT regulatory factors in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model mice. 5-HT signaling molecules were detected by indirect staining with specific antibodies. TRPV1-immunoreactivity was detected by staining with fluorescein-conjugated tyramide amplification. To assess nociception, visceromotor responses (VMRs) to colorectal distension were measured by electromyography of abdominal muscles. Immunohistochemical analysis and VMRs to colorectal distention were measured during induction of DSS colitis (days 4 and 7). Inflammation led to downregulation of serotonin transporter immunoreactivities with concomitant increases in 5-HT and tryptophan hydroxylase-1-positive cell numbers. TRPV1-expressing nerve fibers gradually increased during DSS treatment. Abundant nonneuronal TRPV1-immunopositive cell-like structures were observed on day 7 of DSS treatment but not on day 4. The number of 5-HT(3) receptor-expressing nerve fibers in the mucosa was increased on day 7. On the other hand, the number of 5-HT(4) receptor-expressing nerve fibers in the mucosa decreased on day 7. We made the novel observation of increased expression of neuronal/nonneuronal TRPV1 channels and 5-HT(3) receptors, and decreased expression of 5-HT(4) receptors in the mucosa in a DSS-induced colitis model. Visceral hyperalgesia was observed on day 7 but not on day 4. A TRPV1 antagonist and a 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist attenuated the visceral hyperalgesia to the control level. The alterations of 5-HT signaling via 5-HT(3) receptors and of TRPV1 channels in mucosa may contribute to the visceral hypersensitivity in colitis model mice.