Adaptive changes of intestinal enzymes to nutritional intake in the aging rat

We previously have shown that aging alters the expression of several intestinal enzymes during cell migration from the crypt base to the villus tip. The activities of many mucosal enzymes are dramatically altered by starvation and refeeding. We compared the effects of starvation and refeeding on the activities of selected intestinal enzymes in young and aging Fischer 344 rats. Gut mass fell during starvation and rose during refeeding to a similar extent in both groups. Sucrase and maltase specific activities in control aging rats were lower than in young controls and, during starvation, enzyme activities declined at approximately similar rates in both groups. Total duodenal enzyme activities fell by about two-thirds in young animals and by greater than 80% in aged animals. Alkaline phosphatase and adenosine deaminase activities also were lower in aging than young animals. During refeeding, enzyme activities rose more in aging rats than in the young. In fact, the specific activities of sucrase and maltase in aging rats refed for 1 day exceeded the values found in fed aging controls. The adaptive responses of duodenal enzymes exceeded those in the jejunum. In conclusion, the aging intestine responds appropriately to starvation and refeeding. However, the fluctuations in brush-border enzyme activities are much greater in aging than in young rats. Such alterations may be an important influence of aging on gut differentiation and might have an adverse impact upon nutritional maintenance in aging animals.     

Food restriction retards age-related biochemical changes in rat small intestine

Previous studies have demonstrated that the specific activities of several proximal small intestinal mucosal enzymes fall in the aging rat. This reduction was due to a delay in the full expression of activity of these enzymes during epithelial cell transit from the crypt onto the intestinal villus. We now show in the ad libitum fed Fischer 344 rat that jejunal sucrase, maltase, and alkaline phosphatase specific activities do not fall gradually throughout the life span, but are reduced during senescence. Caloric restriction to 60% of ad libitum intake (DR) abolishes or delays this fall in enzyme activity. Jejunal mucosal immunoprecipitable sucrase-isomaltase (S-I) content also falls with age, but sucrase specific activity per molecule of S-I is less in the older ad libitum fed (approximately 45) than in the DR rats (approximately 60). Jejunal lactase activity falls gradually throughout the life span of ad libitum and DR rats, but lactase activity consistently was higher in DR animals. These observations indicate that DR alters the age-related changes in the activity of several enzymes in the rapidly replicating gut mucosa.     

Age related increase of brush border enzyme activities along the small intestine.

Intestinal morphology and brush border hydrolase activities were determined along the small intestine of young adult (three months, n = 10), mature (12 months, n = 10), and senescent (29 months, n = 15) rats. The intestinal segments of the senescent rats contained higher mucosal mass and protein content (p less than 0.05) compared with the young and mature animals. A significant reduction of villus height and crypt depth (p less than 0.05) was found in the proximal intestine during aging. A 35% increase in villus height (p less than 0.05) without changes in crypt depth, was observed in the distal ileum in senescent rats. The activities of sucrase and isomaltase were significantly increased during aging in the duodenum and jejunum (p less than 0.05). Lactase and aminopeptidase activities which showed only minor changes between young and mature animals were significantly enhanced in senescent animals (p less than 0.05) with aminopeptidase exhibiting a three-fold increase in activity in the proximal ileum. The results when combined with those of previous studies suggest that in the aged animal, the increased level of intestinal hydrolase activities may be the consequence of prolonged cellular maturation along the villi in the proximal intestine, and of adaptation to increased concentrations of intraluminal substrates in the distal intestine.     

Adenylate and guanylate cyclase activities and cellular differentiation in rat small intestine.

Adenylate and guanylate cyclase activities were measured in rat small intestinal villus and crypt cells to determine possible correlations with cellular differentiation. Isolated intestinal cells were prepared by a method which effectively separates differentiated villus cells from undifferentiated crypt cells (J Biol Chem 248:2542, 1973). Crypt cells were found to have a significantly lower guanylate cyclase activity than villus cells. Adenylate cyclase activity was higher in crypt cells than villus cells, although the difference was less striking than the reverse gradient observed for guanylate cyclase. There was no gradient of activity for cyclic guanosine 3':5'-monophosphate phosphodiesterase. However, cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate phosphodiesterase activity was lower in villus cells. No villus to crypt gradient of cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate concentration was detected in mucosa frozen rapidly in liquid nitrogen. The properties and subcellular localization of the cyclases were also evaluated, and of particular interest was the localization of guanylate cyclase to the microvillus membrane and the confirmation of adenylate cyclase activity in the lateral-basal membrane. The villus to crypt gradient of guanylate cyclase suggests that this enzyme has a specialized role in the differentiated villus cell. The contrasting subcellular localization of the cyclases suggests that the cyclases may be interrelated, possibly reflecting the epithelial cell polarity for absorption and secretion.     

Intestinal mucosal injury is associated with mast cell activation and leukotriene generation duringNippostrongylus-induced inflammation in the rat

We examined mucosal injury in the jejunum of the rat during infection with the nematode parasite, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb). Injury was documented morphologically (increase in crypt length with or without villus atrophy) and biochemically (activities of digestive or proliferative enzymes) and related to mast cell activation and leukotriene generation. At day 4 crypt length and thymidine kinase activity were increased; no changes in villus parameters were recorded. No evidence of mast cell activation was found and leukotriene levels in the mucosa were normal. At day 7, the gut was acutely inflamed and edema was present at the tips of the villi. This progressed to enterocyte detachment, resulting in villus atrophy with decreased activities of brush border enzymes. At this stage mucosal histamine was decreased and rat mast cell protease II (RMCP II) was increased in serum, indicating mast cell activation. In addition, mucosal leukotrienes (LTB4, LTC4, LTE4) were present in significant quantities. Following worm expulsion, the villus abnormalities resolved and serum RMCP II returned to normal. However, the crypt hyperplasia persisted. Our results suggest that during Nb infection at least two components of injury can be identified. One component, epithelial injury at the villus tips, may be related to activation of mucosal mast cells.     

Altered controls of proliferation in proximal small intestine of the senescent rat.

The proximal small intestine responds to starvation by rapidly reducing crypt cell proliferation rate and villus cellularity and to resumption of food intake (refeeding) by abruptly increasing proliferation and the number of villus epithelial cells. We show that villus cellularity responds to starvation and refeeding similarly in young and aging animals. However, as compared to young animals, senescent rats showed increased basal DNA synthetic activity, starvation resulted in a smaller decrease in DNA labeling of crypt cells, and refeeding produced an abrupt broadening of the proliferative zone in older animals without concomitant increased numbers of villus cells. Such altered crypt proliferative responses resemble precancerous changes seen in the colon and the aberrant proliferation found in both small and large intestine after administration of the carcinogen dimethylhydrazine.     

Structural features of the rat small intestinal microvillus membrane in acute experimental diabetes

Experimentally induced diabetes enhances the specific activity of several microvillus membrane proteins in the rat small intestine. The increase in the specific activity of sucrase-isomaltase has been shown by others to be due to an increase in enzyme protein, raising the possibility that diabetes induces a generalized increase in microvillus membrane proteins. Since intramembrane particles (IMPs) seen on freeze-fracture replicas of microvillus membranes are thought to represent integral membrane proteins, we compared microvillus IMP densities in diabetic rats with those in control rats. In addition, mucosal sucrase, maltase, and alkaline phosphatase specific activities were measured in all animals. Diabetic rats had significantly increased sucrase and maltase but not alkaline phosphatase specific activities compared with control rats. The density of microvillus IMPs on both the protoplasmic and extracellular fracture faces of undifferentiated crypt cells and villus absorptive cells was not increased in experimental diabetes. These data indicate that diabetes does not result in a generalized increase in microvillus membrane proteins. Thus the enhanced activity of microvillus membrane proteins in diabetes appears to be highly selective.Supported by National Institutes of Health research grants AM 27972 and AM 17537. Drs. Madara and Wolf were supported in part by NRSITP AM 07121.     

Response of the rat small-intestine epithelium to methotrexate.

We studied jejunal epithelial structure and function in rats 24, 48, 96, and 192 hours after a single intravenous injection of methotrexate (MTX) 30 mg/kg. The acute effect of the drug on the gut at 24 and 48 hours was characterised, as expected, by reduced mitoses in crypts, shortened villi, and depressed activity of thymidine kinase (an enzyme normally confined to intestinal crypt cells). At 96 hours, when MTX was no longer detectable in serum, the intestine had entered a proliferative phase characterised by increased crypt mitoses, accelerated migration of enterocytes along villi, and the presence on villi of epithelial cells with the enzyme profile of crypt cells, decreased disaccharidase, alkaline phosphatase, and Na+-K+ATPase activities and increased thymidine kinase activity. Although the enzyme data suggested that enterocyte maturation was defective during this proliferative phase, glucose-stimulated Na+ transport, normally a function of fully differentiated villus cells, was normal at 96 hours. Measured both in Ussing chambers and in suspensions of enterocytes isolated from villi, Na+ transport responded normally to glucose at 96 hours, although the response had been significantly depressed at 24 hours. These findings cannot be attributed to MTX-induced malnutrition, as all comparisons included pair-fed controls. We conclude that, in the MTX-induced malnutrition, as all comparisons included pair-fed controls. We conclude that, in the small intestine under conditions of altered epithelial renewal, some components of enterocyte function may be affected more than others. Comparing the present experimental model with another intestinal disorder, acute viral enteritis, in which proliferative activity is excessive, it is clear that the nature of the original intestinal injury is a significant determinant of the pattern of enterocyte response.     

Intestinal morphology and cytokinetics in pancreatic insufficiency

Intraluminal pancreatic enzymes influence intestinal function, adaptation, and susceptibility to injury. These effects may be mediated partly through changes in the rate of epithelial cell turnover. We assessed intestinal morphology and cytokinetics in a rat model of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency that does not alter anatomic relationships or animal growth. Pancreatic duct occlusion was performed by applying metal clips on both sides along the common bile duct. Control animals underwent sham-operation with exposure and manipulation of the pancreas without duct occlusion. Twelve days later, pulse labeling with tritiated thymidine was performed, and mitotic arrest was induced with colcemid. Groups of animals were sacrificed at 0 and 2 hr after colcemid injection. Specimens for histopathology, morphometry, and autoradiography were obtained from duodenum, proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, and ileum. Labeling index, grain counts, mitoses per crypt, cells per crypt, cells per villus, crypt depth, villus height, and number of goblet cells per villus were used as end points. Pancreatic duct occlusion resulted in increased labeling index across intestinal segments relative to sham-operated controls (P<0.01) and increased labeling index and mitotic rate in distal compared to proximal intestine (P<0.05). Grain-count histograms were similar in the two experimental groups. There were no significant morphologic differences between pancreatic duct-occluded animals and controls. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency increases crypt cell proliferation in distal small intestine but does not alter the duration of S phase. These changes are most likely due to an increase in the size of the proliferative compartment and may be partly responsible for changes in small bowel function and response to injury.Supported by grant 88.616 from The Norwegian Cancer Society.     

Fetal characteristics of small intestinal crypt cells.

Nine monoclonal antibodies were prepared against luminal membranes purified from rat intestinal cells at day 19 of gestation, and seven of them were found to define antigens common to adult crypt cells and fetal or embryonic intestinal epithelial cells. The FBB 2/29 antigen was first detected over the entire intestinal epithelial population at days 14-15 of gestation, a period of development characterized by formation of a stratified intestinal epithelium and differentiation of the surrounding mesenchyme. This antigen, identified as a set of high molecular mass proteins, became restricted to the crypt and lower villus cells after birth and was exclusively expressed by the crypt cells in adult intestine. It also was found to be expressed by the epithelial cells of the distal tubuli in the kidney of adult rats and by cultured human tumor colonic cells. The FBB 1/54/1, FBB 3/46, and FBB 3/78/9 antibodies stained only the epithelial cells present at the base of the villi in fetal intestine, starting at days 20-21 of gestation (about 1-2 days before birth), and stained the crypt and lower villus cells in newborn and adult intestine; these antigens may be regarded as specific markers for the developing crypt cells in fetal intestine shortly before birth. The FBB 1/20 and FBB 4/2 antigens were first detected on the fetal intestinal cells at day 18 of gestation; they were located over the entire epithelium in newborn rats and became restricted to the crypts after weaning. The FBB 2/28 antigen was expressed by the entire intestinal epithelium at all stages of development, starting from days 18-19 of gestation in the fetus. Two antibodies, FBB 3/4 and FBB 3/24, were found to be specific for lactase. These results have demonstrated the expression of cell- and tissue-specific components in rat intestine during early embryonic development and revealed a marked similarity in surface membrane antigens between fetal intestinal epithelial cells and adult crypt cells.     

Small intestinal crypt cell proliferation rates are increased in senescent rats

Our previous studies implied that intestinal epithelial cell replication might be increased in senescent rats. Duodenal, jejunal, and ileal crypt cell production rates (CCPR) were measured in 3-4-mo and 26-28-mo female fed control, 3-day starved and 1-day refed, and in 4-5-mo and 26-28-mo male fed Fischer rats, using the vincristine-induced metaphase arrest technique. Fed aging rats had greater proximal intestinal crypt cell numbers which fell less during starvation than those of young controls. Metaphase accumulation also was higher in aging rat duodenum and jejunum, and CCPR were 30-100% more than in young rats. Starvation reduced CCPR by more than 40% in the duodenum of young, but only by 10% in older animals. Crypt proliferative patterns demonstrated a broadened proliferative zone in aging rats. These combined results directly demonstrate that small intestinal cell production is enhanced in senescent rats and that the nutritional controls of proliferation are blunted.     

Acid fibroblast growth factor reduces rat intestinal mucosal damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion insult

AIM: To detect the effects of acid fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) on apoptosis and proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells in differentiation or proliferation status to explore the protective mechanisms of aFGF. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operated control group (C, n= 6), intestinal ischemia group (I,n = 6), aFGF treatment group (A, n= 48) and intestinal ischemia-reperfusion group (R,n= 48). Apoptosis of intestinal mucosal cells was determined with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expression and distribution were detected with immunohistochemical method. Plasma levels of D-lactate were determined with modified Brandts method. RESULTS: In A group, administration of exogenous aFGF could improve intestinal histological structure and decrease plasma D-lactate levels at 2-12 h after the reperfusion compared with R group. The apoptotic rates and PCNA protein expressions were not increased until 2 h after reperfusion and were maximal at 12 h. After reperfusion for 2-12 h, the apoptotic rates were gradually augmented along the length of jejunal crypt-villus units. Administration of aFGF could significantly reduce the apoptotic response at 2-12 h after reperfusion (P<0.05). Apoptosis rates in villus and crypt epithelial cells in A group at 12 h after reperfusion were (62.5±5.5)% and (73.2±18.6)% of those in R group, respectively. Treatment of aFGF could apparently induce protein expression of PCNA in intestinal mucosal cells of A group compared with R group during 2-12 h after reperfusion (P<0.05). There were approximately 1.3- and 1.5-times increments of PCNA expression levels in villus and crypt cells in A group at 12 h after reperfusion compared with R group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Intestinal I/R insult could lead to histological structure change and apoptotic rate increment. The protective effects of aFGF against ischemia/reperfusion in rat intestinal mucosa might be partially due to its ability to inhibit ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis and to promote cell proliferation of crypt cells and villus epithelial cells.     

Small intestinal epithelial cell kinetics and protozoal infection in mice

The effects of chronic protozoal infection on small intestinal architecture have been examined in mice, infected with Giardia muris and Hexamita muris. Techniques used were conventional histology, quantitation of intraepithelial lymphocytes, microdissection and measurement of individual villi and crypts, and epithelial cell kinetic studies. The histology of small intestine from infected mice appeared normal apart from the intraepithelial lymphocyte numbers. Mean intraepithelial lymphocyte counts in two groups of uninfected mice were 11.6 and 13.6 per 100 epithelial cells, and in two groups of infected mice were 17.6 and 21.8. Dynamic studies showed that protozoal infection doubled the cell production per crypt per hour from mean values of 6.2, 7.3, and 8.2 in three groups of uninfected animals, to 11.8, 13.4, and 17.1 in groups of chronically infected mice. Cell production per villus was also influenced by protozoal infection, with values of 93, 99, and 101 cells per hr in groups of uninfected animals whereas in infected mice the values were 155, 162, and 180 cells per hr. Although there was no reduction in villus height in the infected animals, radioautography using [3H]thymidine confirmed that the enterocytes moved rapidly up the sides of the villi than was the case for uninfected mice.     

Na+ transport in jejunal crypt cells.

As enterocytes migrate from crypts to villi they differentiate and mature. To examine the effect of epithelial differentiation on ion transport we studied 22Na+ efflux and (Na+--K+)-adenosine triphosphatase activity in suspensions of epithelial cells selectively isolated from different regions of the villus to compare crypt cells with villous tip cells. Enterocytes were isolated from rat jejunum by a dilation-vibration technique. Thymidine kinase, sucrase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were measured as markers of specific cell populations. Compared to villous cells, cells from the crypt region demonstrated lower (Na"--K+)-adenosine triphosphatase activity, lower total and passive Na+ efflux rate constants, and failure of Na+ transport to respond to an actively transported nonelectrolyte.     

Cytochemical localization of small intestinal glycoconjugates by lectin histochemistry in controls and subjects with cystic fibrosis

Human mucosal glycoconjugates were examined in normal small intestinal biopsies from five control subjects using six different fluorescein-conjugated lectins:Triticum vulgare agglutinin (WGA),Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA₁),Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA₁), glycin max-soy bean agglutinin (SBA),Dolichus biflorus agglutinin (DBA), andArachis hypogaea peanut agglutinin (PNA). These plant agglutinins bind to specific nonreducing end-terminal carbohydrate residues. Only the lectins derived from WGA, which produced the strongest staining, and UEA₁ consistently bound to both intestinal goblet cell mucin and epithelial cell microvilar membranes. The intensity of lectin binding was greatest in the upper villus and diminished down towards the crypt, being weakest in the crypt base. Similar histochemical studies carried out on small bowel biopsies from five patients with cystic fibrosis revealed no major qualitative differences between the intestinal glycoconjugates in normal subjects and those with cystic fibrosis. These results suggest that glycoconjugate biosynthesis of human intestinal goblet cell mucin and epithelial cell membranes may be complete and hence full differentiation achieved only when these cells have migrated out of the crypt and onto the villus.     

Cholesterol synthesis and low density lipoprotein uptake are regulated independently in rat small intestinal epithelium.

We have compared the rates of low density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake and cholesterol synthesis in the rat intestine. By using a constant infusion technique, total and receptor-independent uptake was determined with homologous rat LDL (rLDL) and methylated human LDL (Me-hLDL), respectively. The absolute rates of sterol synthesis were measured with [1-(14) C]-octanoate and [3H]water. The rates of rLDL uptake in whole gut segments were similar along the length of the small intestine, whereas the rates of sterol synthesis varied over a 5-fold range and were highest in the duodenum and distal ileum. When the mucosal epithelium was fractionated along the villus/crypt axis, both rLDL and Me-hLDL clearance by the enterocytes increased approximately 3-fold in going from the upper villus to the crypt cell fractions, in both jejunum and ileum. In both the whole gut segments and isolated cells, approximately 60% of LDL uptake was receptor dependent. When the rates of rLDL cholesterol uptake were calculated and related to the absolute rates of sterol synthesis in the same cell fractions in vivo, both processes were found to be distributed similarly along the villus/crypt axis. Furthermore, the majority of mucosal cholesterol (64-86%) was derived from local synthesis rather than from rLDL uptake at all locations along the intestinal villus. Finally, when sterol synthesis in the epithelial cells was varied up to 7-fold by feeding cholesterol, triglyceride, cholestyramine, or surfomer, rLDL uptake was essentially unchanged. Thus, in intestinal epithelial cells in vivo, the rate of LDL uptake was constant under circumstances in which changing needs for cellular cholesterol were met by changes in the rates of sterol synthesis.     

Explant culture of human fetal small intestine

Human fetal intestine (10-14 wk gestation) has been cultured as explants in a serum-free Leibovitz L-15 medium for periods up to 9 days. As determined by light microscopy, the overall architecture of the intestinal explant was maintained throughout the culture period. At the ultrastructural level the villus absorptive cells remained tall with well-defined brush border, apical tubular system, and supranuclear and infranuclear accumulations of glycogen. All other epithelial cell types were also preserved. The incorporation of [3H]thymidine and [3H]leucine continued during the culture period, reflecting a sustained synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid and proteins. The hydrolytic activities of the brush border membrane were established based on data obtained throughout the course of the culture of a large number of intestinal specimens. Sucrase, maltase, glucoamylase, trehalase, lactase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities increased during the 9 days of culture even though different patterns were recorded. These observations clearly established that human fetal small intestine can be maintained in organ culture for at least 9 days in a serum-free medium.     

p27kip1 Regulates cdk2 activity in the proliferating zone of the mouse intestinal epithelium: potential role in neoplasia

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Reduced p27(kip1) expression is a marker of poor prognosis in colorectal neoplasia, and inactivation of p27 in mice (p27(Delta51/Delta51)) causes increased intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and small and large intestinal neoplasia in a diet-dependent manner. Here, we addressed the role of p27 in untransformed intestinal epithelial cells in vivo and the consequence of its targeted inactivation. METHODS: A sequential fractionation procedure was used to isolate murine intestinal epithelial cells relative to their position along the crypt-villus axis, and the levels of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks), and cdk inhibitors and of the complexes formed among them was determined by immunoprecipitation-immunoblotting and kinase assays. RESULTS: As cells exited the proliferative crypt compartment, expression and activity of both cdk2 and cdk4 decreased, in parallel with reduced expression of cyclin A and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA); expression of cyclin D1, D2, and cyclin E showed little change. As expected, expression of the cdk inhibitors p21, p57, and p16 was highest in differentiated villus cells. Unexpectedly, p27 protein expression was highest in cells of the proliferative crypt compartment where it bound both cdk2 and cdk4. Cdk2 activity was increased in crypt cells from p27(Delta51/Delta51) mice, although cyclin D-associated kinase activity was unchanged (indeed, cyclin D1/2-cdk4 complex levels were reduced). Importantly, cdk2 activity was unchanged in crypt cells from p21(-/-) mice, which do not develop intestinal tumors. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that p27 contributes to intestinal epithelial homeostasis by regulating cdk2 activity in proliferating cells, thus gating cell cycle progression and suppressing intestinal neoplasia.     

微小隐孢子虫感染对小鼠肠黏膜Toll样受体的影响

目的 探讨Toll样受体在微小隐孢子虫感染致小鼠肠黏膜损伤中的作用机制。 方法 30只雄性BALB/c小鼠随机分为正常对照组、感染1周组和感染2周组。用免疫抑制及卵囊灌胃的方法建立微小隐孢子虫肠道感染小鼠模型,感染1周组和2周组分别于感染后7 d和14 d剖杀,正常对照组于感染后14 d剖杀。光镜观察小鼠肠黏膜病理变化,并测量肠绒毛高度、隐窝深度及绒毛高度/隐窝深度比值;透射电镜观察小鼠肠黏膜超微结构;实时荧光定量PCR（qPCR）、Western blotting技术检测肠黏膜TLR2和TLR4表达情况。结果 光镜下,感染组小鼠肠绒毛水肿,明显萎缩变短,黏膜下层结构水肿,与肌层间形成间隙。与正常对照组比较,感染1周组和感染2周组小鼠空肠绒毛高度及绒毛高度/隐窝深度比值均明显降低（P均[<0.05]）,隐窝深度明显升高（P均 < 0.01）;且感染2周组小鼠空肠的绒毛高度及绒毛高度/隐窝深度比值均明显低于感染1周组（P均 < 0.05）,隐窝深度明显高于感染1周组（P < 0.01）。透射电镜显示,感染组小鼠的空肠可见微小隐孢子虫卵囊,结构完整,卵囊周围的肠绒毛严重脱落,呈火山口状,卵囊壁与上皮细胞膜融合。 qPCR结果显示,与正常对照组相比,感染1周组和感染2周组小鼠肠黏膜TLR2和TLR4 mRNA表达水平明显增高（P均[<0.05]）;且感染2周组小鼠较感染1周组小鼠TLR2和TLR4 mRNA表达水平明显增高（P均[<0.05]）。Western blotting检测结果表明,感染组小鼠肠黏膜TLR2和TLR4蛋白表达量较正常对照组显著增高（P均[<0.05]）,且感染2周组小鼠TLR2和TLR4蛋白较感染1周组小鼠的表达量明显增高 （P均[<0.05]）。结论 TLR2和TLR4参与了肠黏膜对微小隐孢子虫的识别,感染导致的肠黏膜损伤可能与其上调TLR2和TLR4表达相关。     

R-spondin1, a novel intestinotrophic mitogen, ameliorates experimental colitis in mice

BACKGROUND & AIMS: R-spondin 1 (Rspo1) is a novel epithelial mitogen that stimulates the growth of mucosa in both the small and large intestine. METHODS: We investigated the therapeutic potential of Rspo1 in ameliorating experimental colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) or trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced colitis in interleukin (IL)-10-deficient mice. RESULTS: Therapeutic administration of recombinant Rspo1 protein reduced the loss of body weight, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding in a mouse model of acute or chronic DSS-induced colitis. Histologic evaluation revealed that Rspo1 improved mucosal integrity in both villus and/or crypt compartments in the small intestine and colon by stimulating crypt cell growth and mucosal regeneration in DSS-treated mice. Moreover, Rspo1 significantly reduced DSS-induced myeloperoxidase activity and inhibited the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1alpha, IL-6, interferon-gamma, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, in mouse intestinal tissue, indicating that Rspo1 may reduce DSS-induced inflammation by preserving the mucosal barrier function. Likewise, Rspo1 therapy also alleviated TNBS-induced interstitial inflammation and mucosal erosion in the mouse colon. Furthermore, Rspo1 substantially decreased the histopathologic severity of chronic enterocolitis by repairing crypt epithelium and simultaneously suppressing inflammatory infiltration in piroxicam-exposed IL-10(-/-) mice. Endogenous Rspo1 protein was localized to villus epithelium and crypt Paneth cells in mouse small intestine. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that Rspo1 may be clinically useful in the therapeutic treatment of inflammatory bowel disease by stimulating crypt cell growth, accelerating mucosal regeneration, and restoring intestinal architecture.