The expression and function of enterocyte toll like receptor-4 are enhanced by lipopolysaccharide in vitro and during systemic endotoxemia

Abstract

Introduction: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is characterized by increased circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and systemic inflammation, potentially through the activation of toll like receptors (TLRs) on the intestinal epithelium. However, the expression of TLRs on enterocytes and their regulation by LPS remain undefined. We therefore tested the hypothesis that LPS alters TLR expression on enterocytes in vitro and in vivo, and sought to define whether changes in TLR expression by LPS correlated with changes in receptor signaling.