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Effects of simulated weightlessness on the intestinal mucosal barrier of rats

Authors :
Chen, Ying
Yang, Chun-min
Mao, Gao-ping
Liu, Qing-sen
Guo, Ming-zhou
Source :
Advances in Space Research. Jul2011, Vol. 48 Issue 2, p395-402. 8p.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

Abstract: This study employed a rat tail-suspension model to investigate the effects of simulated weightlessness on the intestinal mucosal barrier. Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into control (CON), 14-day tail-suspension (SUS-14d), and 21-day tail-suspension (SUS-21d) groups (n =8 per group). Expression of occludin and zonula occludins-1 (ZO-1), proteins of the tight junction (TJ), in the intestinal mucosa was measured by immunohistochemical analysis, Western blotting, and mRNA fluorescent quantitation PCR. Plasma concentrations of diamine oxidase (DAO) and d-lactate were determined using an enzymatic spectrophotometric assay. Expression of occludin and ZO-1 was reduced in the SUS-14d and SUS-21d groups as compared to the CON group, with lowest expression observed in the SUS-21d group (P <0.01). Examination by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the jejunal epithelium revealed increased intercellular space, decreased TJ and desmosome densities, and destruction of microvilli in the SUS-14d and SUS-21d groups. Plasma DAO and d-lactate concentrations in the SUS-21d group were higher than those in SUS-14d group and significantly higher than those in the CON group (P <0.01). In all three groups, the expression of occludin and ZO-1 was found to correlate negatively with DAO (P <0.01) and d-lactate (P <0.01) concentrations. It is concluded that simulated weightless results in down-regulation of expression of TJ proteins in the rat intestinal mucosa. Simulated weightlessness is proposed to increase intestinal permeability through damage to the TJ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
02731177
Volume :
48
Issue :
2
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Advances in Space Research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
61177277
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2011.03.031