Acidic Goblet Cells Research Articles

The influence of various feed additives on the development of duodenal goblet cells in broilers

A comparative study was carried out on the effect of three drugs on the development of goblet cells in the duodenum of broilers. In the first experiment, day-old broilers Smena-8 were divided into 4 groups. The experimental groups received the phytobiotic Butitan with the main diet: E1-0.25%; E2-0.5% and E3-0.75%. In the second experiment, 3 groups were formed from broilers of the Konkurent cross; additives were added for the first 3 days. The Vetom group received a probiotic based on Bacillus subtilis (0.006%); Enterosgel group – Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate sorbent (0.008%). Histological studies were carried out in the first experiment at 1, 7 and 42 days, in the second at 1, 4, 49 days. Sections were stained to identify acidic and neutral mucus. The number of goblet cells in the field of view was counted and their density over an area of 1000 μm2 was calculated. By the end of the first experiment, the density of neutral goblet cells in the villi E1 and E2 and crypts E2 and E3 increases by 17% and 7.5%, acidic goblet cells increase in the crypts by 32.6% and 33.1%. The probiotic increased the density of acidic goblet cells in the crypts (64%; P≤0.001) without affecting the villi. Enetrosorbent reduces the density of neutral and increases the density of acidic goblet cells in the mucosa (37.3%). Due to the absence of a pathological picture in the structure of the duodenum, as well as the important role of mucus in the formation of chyme and digestion, we consider the increase in the density of goblet cells and the effect of feed additives as a positive reaction. The study of histological parameters to assess the effect of various feed additives on the body parameters of birds is important, since it shows the functional state of the organs.

Age-related morphological and ultrastructural changes in the palate and pharyngeal masticatory apparatus of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) juveniles

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella or C. idella) is a Cyprinid fish frequently utilized for aquaculture, medical, and research purposes. In C. idella, the palate is followed by a well-developed pharyngeal masticatory apparatus. The latter consists of an upper chewing pad superimposing a paired set of teeth. The present study investigated morphological, morphometric, histochemical, and surface ultrastructural changes involving these structures in C. idella juveniles at three different timepoints namely 35 mm total length (TL; 59 days posthatching (dph); fry-fingerling transition), 70 mm TL (90 dph; fingerling), and 210 mm TL ( 365 dph: yearling). The palatal epithelium revealed a constant number of taste buds. However, the height and width of these buds revealed an age-dependent increase. The number of palatal acidic goblet cells increased gradually with age. Enhanced keratinization of pad epithelium, and increased teeth dimensions were age-associated characteristics. Ultrastructurally, the palatal surface of C. idella was slightly papillated at 35 mm TL after which it formed brick-like structural units that tended to cluster into longitudinally paralleled rows toward the palate-pad junction. Goblet cell openings appeared oval at 35 mm TL and became club-shaped by 210 mm TL at which the epithelium appeared compact and heavily coated in mucus. Indentations of pad surface and signs of dental wear and tear were evident ultrastructurally at 70 mm TL and onwards. The current study reports for the first time age-related developmental features of the palate and pharyngeal masticatory apparatus of grass carp. Results of the present work will help to understand aging-associated factors involving the studied fish and other related aquatic species.

Impact of feed additives and host-related factors on bacterial metabolites, mucosal integrity and immune response in the ileum of broilers

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of age, breed, and sex of broilers, as well as a probiotic or phytobiotic product on mucosal morphology, bacterial metabolites, and immune traits in the ileum of broilers. A total of 2,880 one-day-old male and female broiler chicks from two breeds (Ross308® and Cobb500®) were randomly assigned to 72 pens. Broilers were offered a wheat-soybean diet without (CO), or with either a probiotic (PO; 2.4 × 109 CFU/kg of Bacillus subtilis DSM32324 and DSM32325 and B. amyloliquefaciens DSM25840) or a phytobiotic (PY; grape extract, 165 ppm procyanidin and 585 ppm polyphenols of the diet) product. The trial was conducted with a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of diet, breed, and sex in a completely randomized design (6 replicate-pens per treatment). At day 7, 21, and 35, one chicken per pen was slaughtered for collecting ileal tissue to evaluate of histomorphology and mRNA expression, as well as ileal digesta to measure bacterial metabolites. Data were subjected to ANOVA (the main factors; age, diet, breed, and sex) and Four-Way ANOVA (interactions) using GLM procedure. Overall, the concentration of acetate and total short chain fatty acids reached the peak and lactate decreased to its lowest on day 21, but their concentrations at day 7 and 35 were similar (p > 0.05). Spermine, spermidine, and ammonia decreased after day 7, while putrescine and cadaverine increased after day 21 (p < 0.05). mRNA expression of cytokines, mucin 2 (MUC2) and claudin 5 (CLDN5) was similar; increased from day 7 to 21 and decreased afterward (p < 0.05). Villus height, crypt depth and villus surface area increased with age (p < 0.05). Acidic goblet cells (GC) number and density increased after day 21 (p < 0.05). Ross broilers showed higher D-lactate concentration and IFN-γ expression, while Cobb broilers had greater IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α expression and higher total GC number (p < 0.05). Female displayed higher villus height and GC number and density (mixed and total GC) than male (p < 0.05). The effect of dietary treatment was not found on any investigated variables (p > 0.05). In conclusion, aging of broilers affected ileal histomorphology, cytokine expression, and barrier integrity, as well as bacterial activity. These observed impacts could be attributed to host-microbiota interaction and the direct effects of bacterial metabolites on intestinal cells and immune system.

Morphological characterization of the digestive tube of hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) hatchlings.

Morphological studies concerning the digestive system can further information on animal diets, thus aiding in the understanding of feeding behavior. Given the scarcity of information on sea turtle digestive system morphology, the aim of the present study was to describe the digestive tube (DT) morphology of Eretmochelys imbricata hatchlings to further understand the diet of these individuals in the wild. DT samples from 10 stillborn turtles (undefined sex) were analyzed at the macro and microscopic levels. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine (SI), and large intestine (LI) are described. Histologically, the DT is formed by four tunics, the mucosa, submucosa, muscular, and adventitia or serosa. The esophagus is lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, while the remainder of the DT is lined by a simple columnar epithelium. The esophagus mucosa is marked by conical, pointed papillae. The stomach comprises three regions, the cardiac, fundic, and pyloric and is covered by neutral mucous granular cells. The intestinal mucosa presents absorptive cells with microvilli, neutral and acidic goblet cells, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. The SI is significantly longer than the LI (p value = 0.006841). These morphological findings are strong indications of adaptations to a carnivorous diet in this hawksbill turtle age group.

Intraamniotic Administration (Gallus gallus) of Genistein Alters Mineral Transport, Intestinal Morphology, and Gut Microbiota.

Genistein is an isoflavone naturally present in numerous staple food crops, such as soybeans and chickpeas. This study utilized the Gallus gallus intraamniotic administration procedure to assess genistein administration effects on trace mineral status, brush border membrane (BBM) functionality, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiome in vivo. Eggs were divided into five groups with 1 mL injection of the following treatments: no-injection, DI H2O, 5% inulin, and 1.25% and 2.5% genistein (n = 8 per group). Upon hatch, blood, cecum, small intestine, and liver were collected for assessment of hemoglobin, intestinal microflora alterations, intestinal morphometric assessment, and mRNA gene expression of relevant iron and zinc transporter proteins, respectively. This study demonstrated that intraamniotic administration of 2.5% genistein increased villus surface area, number of acidic goblet cells, and hemoglobin. Additionally, genistein exposure downregulated duodenal cytochrome B (DcytB) and upregulated hepcidin expression. Further, genistein exposure positively altered the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota. Our results suggest a physiological role for genistein administration in improving mineral status, favorably altering BBM functionality and development, positively modulating the intestinal microbiome, as well as improving physiological status.

Distribution of intraepithelial lymphocytes, mast cells, and goblet cells in the intestine of alpaca.

Intestinal diseases in ruminants are frequent and susceptible to invasion by exogenous substances, and the intestinal mucosal barrier is the first line of defence of the body's immune defence. At present, the study on the structure of intestinal mucosal immune barrier in alpaca is incomplete. Therefore, the alpaca intestines were studied to show the distribution characteristics of intestinal mucosal barrier structure and cells associated with immune system using histology, histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the intestinal tract of alpaca was composed of mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. Intraepithelial lymphocytes were distributed in mucosal epithelium and glands of the large intestine. Mast cells were distributed in each segment of the intestine, mainly in the intestinal lamina propria, intestinal glands, and duodenal glands around, as well as in the muscularis, and the particles of cytoplasm were obvious. Acidic goblet cells were mainly distributed in the ileal mucosal epithelium and ileal intestinal glands, while sialomucins were mainly expressed in the colon. The cells associated with the immune system in the intestinal mucosa of alpaca play an important role in protecting against foreign microbial invasion and infection, and this result provides a theoretical basis for revealing the occurrence of gastrointestinal diseases in alpaca.

Supplementation of Selenium Nanoparticles-Loaded Chitosan Improves Production Performance, Intestinal Morphology, and Gut Microflora in Broiler Chickens.

The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), combined or loaded with chitosan (COS), in broiler chickens reared under standard management protocols. The parameters under investigation were production performance, organ development, components of the intestinal barrier, and ileal microbial count. Two hundred and forty day-old chicks were raised in five groups, with each group containing eight replicates (n=6/replicate). The control group received a basal diet whereas the other four groups received basal diets supplemented with SeNPs (0.5 mg/kg), COS (200 mg/kg), SeNPs+COS (0.5 mg/kg SeNPs + 200 mg/kg COS), and SeNPs-loaded COS (SeNPs-L-COS) (200 mg/kg) respectively. On day 35, two birds/replicate were sampled to collect the viscera under investigation. The results revealed that dietary inclusion of SeNPs-L-COS increased (p<0.05) the body weight gain and improved (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio. Similarly, SeNPs-L-COS supplementation increased (p<0.05) the small intestinal villus surface area as well as the count of acidic goblet cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes when compared with the control group. Whereas the total goblet cell count was higher (p<0.05) in the small intestines of both the SeNPs+COS and SeNPs-L-COS groups. Microbial analysis of ileal contents also revealed an increase (p<0.05) in Lactobacilli species count with a concurrent decrease (p<0.05) in Escherichia coli count in the SeNPs-L-COS group when compared with the COS and control groups. Based on the results of the current trial, we can conclude that supplementation with SeNPs-L-COS is a superior combination for promoting the gut health and performance of broilers.

Concurrent metformin and silibinin therapy in diabetes: assessments in zebrafish (Danio rerio) animal model.

In this study, zebrafish was used as a biological model to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus through glucose. Then, the effect of metformin and silibinin combination was examined on elevated blood glucose, intestinal tissues, liver enzymes, and TNF-α, IFN-γ, INL1β genes as inflammation marker genes. The liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) derived from fish viscera homogenate supernatants were assayed in an auto-analyzer. The expression of target genes was quantified on RNA extracted from the tails by an in-house RT-PCR method, with fine intestine tissue staining performed by hematoxylin and eosin protocol (H&E). In the glucose-free treatments, metformin and silymarin decreased the levels of AST, ALT, and ALP enzymes in the blood. The combination of these two drugs had also a significant role in reducing glucose levels. The body weight increased significantly in the control group which was affected by glucose concentration, with the lowest body weight gain observed in the metformin group. The expression of INL-1β gene was significantly enhanced in the control group and the highest IFN-γ expression was observed in both control groups with glucose (G + CTRL) and without glucose (G-CTRL) (p < 0.05). The lowest level of TNF-α gene expression was observed in the control + glucose group (G + CTRL) (p < 0.05). Diabetic state causes weak absorption whereby the fish body demands to increase absorption level by enhancing the amount of acidic goblet cells thereby acidifying the environment in the gastric tracts. Collectively, this study indicated that treatment with metformin and Silibinin could improve metabolic-mediated performances by reducing the expression of inflammatory genes and blood glucose, modulating liver enzymes, and ameliorating the intestinal inflammation in type 2 diabetic zebrafish model.

Characterization of enteropathy in mice infected with Giardia duodenalis and treated with differing anti-parasite drugs

Our aim was to analyze the duodena of mice infected with Giardia duodenalis (assemblage A) after four different types of parasite treatment for enteropathy. Methods: Forty-eight male Swiss mice, 21 days of age, received 1000 parasite cysts orally. The animals were divided into six groups: negative (G1) and positive control (G2), and groups treated with nitazoxanide (G3), albendazole (G4), metronidazole (G5), and secnidazole (G6). After treatment they were sacrificed and the duodena were examined histopathologically. Results: In the positive control group G2, increased levels of neutral and acidic goblet cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes, and Paneth cells were found. There was a reduction in villus height and an increase in villus width; and crypts presented increased widths and depths. Hypertrophy in all layers of the intestinal wall and enterocytes was also observed. Conclusions: Metronidazole was the most effective in attenuating the enteropathy caused by G. duodenalis infection; reversing the increase in intraepithelial lymphocytes and Paneth cells, and attenuating the other elements investigated.

Dietary supplementation with free methionine or methionine dipeptide improves environment intestinal of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp.

This study examined the influence of a diet enriched with free methionine (dl-Met) or methionine dipeptide (dl-MMet) on the intestinal health of Eimeria-challenged (EC) and unchallenged (UC) broilers. A non-supplemented, methionine-deficient diet (NS) was used as control. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial completely randomized design with eight replications. Broilers in the EC group were infected with sporulated oocysts of Eimeria spp. (E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. praecox, and E. mitis) at 14 d of age. Performance analysis, light and electron microscopy of the jejunum, analysis of genes related to apoptosis and cell proliferation in the jejunum, and blood tests were performed at 6 days post-inoculation (dpi). EC broilers had poorer performance than UC broilers, regardless of diet (P < 0.001). Broilers fed the dl-Met diet had greater weight gain (P = 0.004) and lower feed conversion ratio (P = 0.019) than broilers fed other diets. Jejunal sections from EC broilers fed the NS diet showed short (P = 0.001) and wide villi (P < 0.001) with increased crypt depth (P < 0.001) and reduced villus / crypt ratio (P = 0.001), jejunal absorptive surface area (P < 0.001), number of neutral goblet cells (Eimeria challenge: P = 0.048; diet P = 0.016), and mucin 2 (MUC2) gene expression (P = 0.018). EC birds fed the dl-MMet diet had higher enterocyte height (P < 0.001). Birds fed the dl-MMet diet had low lamina propria width (P = 0.009). UC broilers fed the dl-Met diet had the highest number of acidic goblet cells (P = 0.005), whereas EC broilers assigned the dl-MMet diet showed the highest number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (P = 0.033). Reduced expression of caspase-3 (CASP3) (P = 0.005), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) (P < 0.001), mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) (P < 0.001), and ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1 (RPS6KB1) (P < 0.001) genes was observed in EC animals. MTOR expression levels were highest in birds fed the dl-MMet diet (P = 0.004). Plasma activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was influenced by both diet (P = 0.002) and Eimeria challenge (P = 0.005), with EC broilers assigned the NS diet showing the highest levels. EC broilers fed the NS diet had higher creatine kinase (CK) activity (P = 0.049). EC broilers had lower plasma uric acid (P = 0.004) and higher serum mucoproteins level (P < 0.001). These results indicate that methionine dipeptide supplementation is able to mitigate the harmful intestinal effects of Eimeria spp. in broilers.

Comparative effects of different concentrations of garlic (Allium sativum) and ginger (Zingiber Officinale) on growth performance, goblet cell histochemistry and gut microbiota of broilers

The present study investigates comparative effects of different concentrations of garlic (Allium sativum) and ginger (Zingiber Officinale) on growth performance and selected histo-microbial parameters of broilers. A total of 80 one day- old chicks were divided into five different groups with each group having 4 replicates in a trial of 42 days. The first group was kept as control whereas, the second, third, fourth and fifth groups were given garlic 0.25%, garlic 0.5%, ginger 0.25% and ginger 0.5% respectively. At the end of trial all birds were slaughtered for analysis. Results revealed that feed conversion ratio and live body weight were significantly (P < 0.05) improved by garlic 0.5% supplementation compared to other groups. Histo-microbiology revealed that lactic acid bacteria, yeast, acidic goblet cells, mixed goblet cells and total goblet cells increased significantly (P < 0.05) by the dietary supplementations under study. In was concluded that 0.5% garlic supplementation was a better alternate to antibiotic in broilers.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens spray improves the growth performance, immune status, and respiratory mucosal barrier in broiler chickens

Studies have shown that supplementing probiotics in a nasal spray can provide prophylaxis against upper respiratory tract infections. Previously, we found that spraying with Bacillus reduced the concentration of atmospheric ammonia and airborne microbiological aerosols in broiler houses. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of spraying with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on the respiratory mucosal barrier in broilers. Two trails were conducted simultaneously in four environmentally controlled chambers. In each trail, 320 1-d-old male broilers were randomly assigned to control (CON) and B. amyloliquefaciens (BAQ) group. Eight cages containing 20 birds per cage were placed in two chambers. The BAQ group chambers were sprayed with B. amyloliquefaciens at 4 × 109 CFU/m2 each day for 42 d. Spraying with B. amyloliquefaciens increased average daily gain and average daily feed intake in broilers (P < 0.01), but had no effects on FCR (P > 0.05). The relative weights of the bursa (21 d) and spleen (42 d) were higher in the BAQ group (P < 0.05). The serum IgG, IgM (21 d), and IgA, Ig M (42 d) levels were improved in BAQ group (P < 0.05). The sIgA levels in tracheal lavage fluid were significantly higher in the BAQ group than the CON group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, treatment with BAQ downregulated IL-6 and IFN-γ (P < 0.05), but upregulated IL-2, occludin, and mucin-2 (P < 0.05). In addition, the number of acidic goblet cells was significantly higher in the tracheas of treated broilers than untreated broilers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, spraying with B. amyloliquefaciens may help to enhance the growth performance and improve the respiratory mucosal barrier in broiler chickens.

Thyroid hormones increase stomach goblet cell numbers and mucin expression during indomethacin induced ulcer healing in Wistar rats

BackgroundGastric ulcers are mucosal discontinuities that may extend into the mucosa, submucosa or even deeper. They result from an imbalance between mucosal aggressors and protective mechanisms that include the mucus bicarbonate layer. Thyroid hormones have been shown to accelerate gastric ulcer healing in part by increasing the adherent mucus levels. However, the effects of thyroid hormones on goblet cell numbers and expression of neutral and acidic mucins during ulcer healing have not been investigated.MethodsThirty six adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups each with six animals. Group 1 (normal control) and group 2 (negative control) were given normal saline for eight weeks. Groups 3 and 4 were given 100 μg/kg per day per os of thyroxine so as to induce hyperthyroidism. Groups 5 and 6 received 0.01% (w/v) Propylthiouracil (PTU) for 8 weeks so as to induce hypothyroidism. After thyroid hormonal levels were confirmed using radioimmunoassay and immunoradiometric assays, ulcer induction was done using 40 mg/kg intragastric single dose of Indomethacin in groups 2, 3 and 5. Stomachs were extracted after day 3 and 7 of ulcer induction for histological examination. Histochemistry was carried out using Periodic Acid Shiff and Alcian Blue. The number of acidic and neutral goblet cells were determined by counting numbers per field. Mucin expression (%) was determined using Quick Photo Industrial software version 3.1.ResultsThe numbers of neutral goblet cells (cells/field) increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the ulcer+thyroxine (14.67 ± 0.33), thyroxine (17.04 ± 1.71) and ulcer+PTU (12.89 ± 1.06) groups compared to the normal control (10.78 ± 1.07) at day 3. For the acidic goblet cells, differences between treatment groups were more pronounced at day 7 between the ulcer+thyroxine (22.56 ± 1.26) and thyroxine (22.89 ± 0.80). We further showed that percentage expression of both neutral and acidic mucins was significantly higher in the ulcer+thyroxine (9.23 ± 0.17 and 6.57 ± 0.35 respectively) and thyroxine groups (9.66 ± 0.21 and 6.33 ± 0.38 respectively) as compared to the normal control group (4.08 ± 0.20 and 4.38 ± 0.11 respectively) at day 3 after ulcer induction.ConclusionThis study confirms the role played by thyroid hormones in healing of indomethacin induced gastric ulcers. The study further demonstrates increased numbers of both neutral and acidic goblet cells and the increase in expression of both neutral and acidic mucins during healing of indomethacin induced ulcers.

Influence of β-galacto-oligosaccharide on growth performance and components of intestinal barrier in broilers during heat stress

This study aimed to investigate the influence of β-galacto-oligosaccharides (β-GOS) on growth performance, organ development and intestinal microarchitecture of broilers during heat stress. Day-old chicks (n = 125) were divided into five groups. The control or thermoneutral zone group (TNZ) was raised under standard management until the 35th day. Four groups were exposed to cyclic heat stress (35 °C 8 h/d) from the 22nd to the 35th day. The TNZ and heat stress control (HSCT) groups were fed a corn-based diet and HS + 0.1% β-GOS; HS + 0.2% β-GOS; and HS + 0.5% β-GOS were fed a corn-based diet supplemented with β-GOS (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.5%), respectively. Exposure to heat stress reduced feed consumption, feed efficiency and the relative weight of the liver, bursa of Fabricius, and small intestine, compared with the TNZ group. Morphometric evaluation of the small intestine revealed reduced villus surface area, villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH : CD) and intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in all segments, and reduced acidic goblet cells (AGCs) in the ileum of the HSCT group compared with the TNZ group. Compared with the HSCT group, dietary β-GOS (0.2% and 0.5%) improved the feed efficiency and relative weight of the small intestine. Furthermore, dietary β-GOS (0.1%) increased villus surface area in the duodenum and IEL count in the small intestine compared with the HSCT group. Dietary β-GOS 0.5% increased villi surface area (VSA) in the jejunum and ileum, whereas the IEL count in the small intestine and acidic goblet cells (AGCs) in the jejunum and ileum were reduced compared with the HSCT group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of β-GOS (0.2% and 0.5%) improved the growth performance and intestinal microarchitecture of broilers during heat exposure, along with partial immune stimulation. Keywords : Feed efficiency, goblet cell, intraepithelial lymphocytes, mucosal architecture, prebiotics, poultry, villus morphometry

Effects of monochromatic light stimuli on the development and Muc2 expression of goblet cells in broiler small intestines during embryogenesis

The effects of monochromatic light on the ontogeny, differentiation, and Muc2 expression level in goblet cells were studied in the small intestines of late-stage broiler embryos. The embryos were exposed to blue light (B group), green light (G group), red light (R group), or darkness (D group) throughout the incubation period. On d 15 of incubation (E15), a few acidic goblet cells (only the sulfated subtype) were observed, and Muc2 mRNA expression was detected. On E18, however, neutral, acidic, and intermediate types, as well as the sulfated subtype, were observed in the small intestine, and a decreasing gradient of goblet cell density was found along the duodenum to ileum axis. Up to E21, 3 types of goblet cells and 3 acidic cell subtypes were found in all the small intestines. The goblet cell density increased along the duodenum to ileum axis. Monochromatic light stimulation resulted in no significant differences in the density and types of goblet cells between the different treatment groups on E15 and E18, but an increased Muc2 mRNA expression level was detected on E18 in the G group compared with the other treatment groups. On E21, the goblet cell density, proportion of acidic goblet cells, and Muc2 mRNA expression level increased in the G group compared with other treatment groups. These results suggest that the ontogeny and differentiation of goblet cells in broiler embryos display temporal and spatial differences. Green monochromatic light may have the potential to promote the proliferation and maturation of as well as the expression of Muc2 mRNA in goblet cells of broiler embryos.

Inulin and probiotics in newly weaned piglets: effects on intestinal morphology, mRNA expression levels of inflammatory marker genes and haematology

The study aimed at determining the effect of inulin and/or a multispecies probiotic formulation on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) morphology, immunological and haematological parameters. Forty-eight newly weaned piglets were assigned to four feeding groups, receiving a standard basal diet (control), supplemented with 0.4% inulin, probiotics (1 · 109 CFU/kg as fed, enterococci, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria) or a combination of both (synbiotic). After four weeks of ad libitum feeding piglets were slaughtered and intestinal tissue samples were obtained for histometry. Additional tissue samples of the GIT, mesenteric lymph nodes, blood, liver and spleen were taken for mRNA expression analysis of cell turnover (CDK4, caspase3, IGF I), transcription factor NFκB and inflammatory marker genes (TNFα, TGFβ). Changes in histometry occurred predominantly in the small intestine, showing higher jejunal villi when probiotics were administered alone (p < 0.10). Inulin decreased the number of acidic goblet cells in jejunal villi (p < 0.05), whereas probiotics increased neutral goblet cells in ileal villi (p < 0.05). Though inflammatory marker genes were uninfluenced by treatment in the proximal GIT, the colon showed downregulations induced by inulin (TNFα: p < 0.10, TGFβ: p < 0.05). Gene expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the jejunum and of TGFβ in the mesenteric lymph nodes in the probiotic groups. Interestingly, the probiotic group alone exhibited upregulations in cell turnover marker genes in the colon and blood. Furthermore, for numerous parameters, inulin and probiotics led to no synergistic but antagonistic interactions.

Thermotolerance-induced goblet cell activity confers protection in post-operative gut barrier dysfunction

Introduction There is evidence that some level of protection against the adverse sequelae of surgery is provided by induction of thermotolerance; this protective effect was explored by study of several indicators of bowel wall damage in animals exposed to surgical insults. It has been argued that the mechanism of the protective effect of thermotolerance involves heat shock proteins (HSPs). We hypothesized that the protective effect of thermotolerance may be due in part to changes in the bowel wall itself, and we investigated this hypothesis in an experimental rat model. Methods Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into thermotolerant ( n = 16) and control ( n = 16) groups; half of the animals in each group were subjected to bowel-handling and half to ischaemia-reperfusion insults. The responses of the thermotolerant animals and controls were compared with respect to goblet cell type and number and histopathological changes of the bowel wall. Results The thermotolerant animals were found to have significantly less oedema and histological damage. There was significant increase in the number of goblet cells in response to surgical insults (19.16 ± 5.66 vs. 4.855 ± 3.15), and specifically a greater increase in acidic goblet cells (19.42 ± 4.58) as compared with neutral ones (13.28 ± 5.53) ( p < 0.0001). Conclusion This suggests that the thermotolerant animals were not only able to recruit or produce more goblet cells to protect the gut surface, but that greater numbers of the goblet cells in the thermotolerant animals were of the mature acidic type and thus capable of functioning in a protective capacity. These findings provide evidence for thermotolerance-induced histological changes in the bowel wall providing a protective effect against adverse sequelae of surgery.

Effect of direct-fed microbial and antibiotic supplementation on gastrointestinal microflora, mucin histochemical characterization, and immune populations of weanling pigs

Abstract Direct-fed microbials (DFM) have the ability to alter gastrointestinal microflora, morphology and immunity. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the effect of Lactobacillus brevis, Bacillus, and antibiotic supplementation on the gastrointestinal microbiota. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two levels of L. brevis supplementation and three diets (control, Bacillus, and antibiotic) fed during the nursery period. Microbial diversity of the gastrointestinal microbiota increased in response to any of the treatments containing L. brevis, Bacillus, or antibiotic compared to unsupplemented pigs. Pigs provided L. brevis and Bacillus in combination exhibited more bands of high G/C content than pigs provided only the antibiotic treatment. Supplementation with L. brevis resulted in a unique band that was identified as unculturable, low G/C content, gram positive bacteria. Furthermore, L. brevis increased pig body weight at the end of the nursery by 1.6 kg compared to pigs not provided L. brevis. L. brevis increased the number of acidic goblet cells present on villi within the duodenum and jejunum, and decreased the number of sulfated goblet cells, whereas Bacillus and antibiotic supplementation decreased the number of sulfated goblet cells on villi within the duodenum. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed that L. brevis supplementation lowered the number of CD2+ cells, antigen presenting cells (MHCII+), and CD4+ T cells within jejunal villi. These data illustrate the potential for DFM to improve pig growth rate after weaning, as well as elicit alterations in the gut microbial community, mucin-producing goblet cells, and immune cells.

Thermotolerance-induced goblet cell activity confers protection in post-operative gut barrier dysfunction

Abstract Introduction There is evidence that some level of protection against the adverse sequelae of surgery is provided by induction of thermotolerance; this protective effect was explored by study of several indicators of bowel wall damage in animals exposed to surgical insults. It has been argued that the mechanism of the protective effect of thermotolerance involves heat shock proteins (HSPs). We hypothesized that the protective effect of thermotolerance may be due in part to changes in the bowel wall itself, and we investigated this hypothesis in an experimental rat model. Methods Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into thermotolerant ( n =16) and control ( n =16) groups; half of the animals in each group were subjected to bowel-handling and half to ischaemia-reperfusion insults. The responses of the thermotolerant animals and controls were compared with respect to goblet cell type and number and histopathological changes of the bowel wall. Results The thermotolerant animals were found to have significantly less oedema and histological damage. There was significant increase in the number of goblet cells in response to surgical insults (19.16±5.66 vs. 4.855±3.15), and specifically a greater increase in acidic goblet cells (19.42±4.58) as compared with neutral ones (13.28±5.53) ( p Conclusion This suggests that the thermotolerant animals were not only able to recruit or produce more goblet cells to protect the gut surface, but that greater numbers of the goblet cells in the thermotolerant animals were of the mature acidic type and thus capable of functioning in a protective capacity. These findings provide evidence for thermotolerance-induced histological changes in the bowel wall providing a protective effect against adverse sequelae of surgery.