Inactivation of LHA Vglut2 neurons relieves stress-induced intestine inflammation by sympathetic nerve- Intestinal epithelial cell Cxcl1 communication

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the role of lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) Vglut2 neurons in stress-induced intestinal inflammation and to investigate the underlying mechanisms involving neuro-immune interactions. Specifically, we hypothesized that LHA Vglut2 neuron activation exacerbates intestinal inflammation via sympathetic-driven IL-1β and Cxcl1 signaling. Methods: Transgenic mice (Vglut2-cre) and wild-type controls were subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS). Chemogenetic silencing of LHA Vglut2 neurons was achieved using hM4Di DREADD receptors. Techniques included qPCR, RNA sequencing, pseudorabies virus (PRV) retrograde tracing, immunofluorescence, and histopathology. Sympathetic ablation (6-OHDA) and vagotomy were performed to dissect neural pathways. Results: CRS upregulated IL-1β and Cxcl1 in the gut, increased c-Fos expression in LHA neurons, and impaired intestinal barrier integrity (reduced ZO-1/Occludin, elevated MUC2). Silencing LHA Vglut2 neurons reversed these effects, reducing inflammation and restoring barrier proteins. RNA sequencing revealed IL-1β-Cxcl1 as a key pathway. Sympathetic ablation mirrored these improvements, while vagotomy showed no effect, indicating a predominant sympathetic-mediated mechanism. Conclusion: LHA Vglut2 neurons drive stress-induced intestinal inflammation via sympathetic activation of the IL-1β-Cxcl1 axis. Targeting this hypothalamic-sympathetic circuit may offer therapeutic potential for stress-related gastrointestinal disorders.