The effect of the sympathetic nervous system on splenic natural killer cell activity in mice administered the Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84

Neuroreport. 2013 Dec 4;24(17):988-91. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0000000000000036.

Abstract

Splenic sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) modulates cellular immune functions such as splenic natural killer cell activity. Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84 enhances splenic natural killer cell activity. Here, we examined whether S-PT84 affects splenic natural killer activity through splenic SNA in BALB/c mice. Splenic SNA was significantly decreased following the administration of S-PT84. This phenomenon was inhibited by pretreatment with thioperamide (histamine H3 receptor antagonist), suggesting that S-PT84 directly affected splenic SNA. Thioperamide also inhibited the increase in splenic natural killer activity by S-PT84. Thus, the change in splenic natural killer activity by S-PT84 may be partially modulated through SNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Lactobacillus / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Spleen / immunology*
  • Spleen / innervation*
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiology*