Effect of heat stress on intestinal barrier function of human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells

Objective To investigate the heat stress-induced dysfunction of intestinal barrier including intestinal tight junction and apoptosis of epithelial cells. Methods Human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell monolayers, serving as the intestinal barrier model, were exposed to different temperature (37-43℃) for designated time. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) flux permeability were measured to evaluate barrier integrity. Level of tight junction (TJ) protein occludin was analyzed by Western blotting. Cell apoptosis rate was determined using Annexin V-FITC/PI kit by flow cytometry. Results Compared with the 37℃ group, TEER lowered and the permeability for HRP increased significantly after heat exposure (P