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Immunohistochemical Detection of Gut‐Brain‐Axis Markers along the Gastrointestinal Tract of Formula‐Fed Piglets
Author(s) -
Berding Kirsten,
Wang Mei,
Monaco Marcia,
Berg Brian,
Waworuntu Rosaline,
Dilger Ryan,
Donovan Sharon
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.754.1
Subject(s) - duodenum , ileum , vasoactive intestinal peptide , gastrointestinal tract , immunohistochemistry , biology , tyrosine hydroxylase , medicine , endocrinology , pathology , receptor , neuropeptide
Intestinal neurotransmitters and hormones modulate neuronal signaling across the gut‐brain‐axis (GBA) and provide a means whereby dietary components and the gut microbiota communicate with the brain to influence behavior and cognition. However, little is known about the expression of GBA markers in the neonatal gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Herein, regional differences in the expression of serotonin (5'HT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were studied in piglets. Two‐day‐old, vaginally‐delivered male piglets (n=24) were artificially‐reared using milk replacer customized to meet piglet nutrient requirements. On d31, duodenum, ileum, ascending colon samples were collected and the expression of 5'HT, VIP and TH were assessed by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Markers of the GBA were expressed as a proportion of either total cell number (5'HT) or area of positive staining in µm 2 (TH and VIP). The ratios of 5'HT positive‐to‐enterochromaffin (EC) positive cells (P=0.02), 5'HT positive‐ (P<0.0001) and EC positive‐to‐total cell number (P=0.005), as determined by DAPI‐positive cells, were higher in the duodenum than all other regions. Also, TH‐positive expression tended to be higher (P=0.09) in the duodenum than the ileum, and VIP‐positive expression in duodenum and ileum was higher (P=0.003) than in the ascending colon. In conclusion, for the markers assessed herein, a proximal‐to‐distal gradient of GBA marker expression exists along the GI tract of the piglet. Supported by Mead Johnson Nutrition.