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[Ultrastructure of the air-blood-intestinal respiration barrier of the American sheatfish Hoplosternum thoracatum].

The fish, Hoplosternum thoracatum, lives in water with a permanently reduced content of oxygen. The respiratory gut as an accessory respiratory organ makes it possible to breath atmospheric oxygen and facilitates gaseous interchange. It forms a large, dilated tube containing a voluminous bubble of air. The wall of the respiratory gut is extremely thin. Below the peritoneum there is situated a branching plexus of blood vessels. The tributaries extent perpendicularly and reach the epithelium. They form a rich anastomosing capillary network. The capillaries are covered with attenuated processes of squamous epithelium. The thickness of epithelial processes ranges roughly from 0.5-1.0 micron. The basal part of the respiratory epithelium is lined with basal lamina which, in many places fuses with basal lamina of the capillary endothelium. The air-blood barrier of the respiratory gut is, in principle, built up according to the known general bauplan and is formed by thin epithelial and endothelial components and complex of basal laminae. The nonrespiratory area of the gut is lined with columnar epithelium of enterocyte type.

Animals↗

Alteration of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes and increased bacterial translocation in a murine model of cirrhosis.

Alterations in immunological defense in the gut may lead to the bacterial infection that is frequently associated with cirrhosis of the liver. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in distribution and function of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in relation to intestinal barrier dysfunction in experimental cirrhosis. Cirrhosis was induced in mice by treatment with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intraperitoneally with 5% alcohol in drinking water for 12 weeks. Bacterial translocation was assessed in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) by the transport of fluorescence-labeled latex beads and by bacteriological cultures. The lymphocyte subpopulation was compared in three groups (cirrhosis, alcohol alone and controls). IFN-gamma production from isolated IELs was determined by ELISA after stimulation with anti-CD3 or IL-12/IL-18. The total number of IELs significantly increased in the cirrhosis and alcohol groups. There was a preferential increase in TCRgammadelta+CD8+ population in the alcohol group, but no change in cirrhosis. Bacterial translocation was negative in the control group, and a small number was noted in the alcohol group, whereas it was significantly noted in the cirrhosis group. Although the number of IEL was significantly increased in the cirrhosis group, their proliferative response was decreased, and IFN-gamma production from each IEL was markedly diminished in either stimulation by anti-CD3 or IL-12/IL-18. These changes were more remarkable in the cirrhosis group than in the alcohol group. In conclusion, bacterial translocation due to intestinal barrier dysfunction in cirrhosis may be closely correlated with the alteration of the immune function in IELs.

Animals↗

Intestinal uptake and immunological effects of carrageenan--current concepts.

Carrageenans are a group of high molecular weight sulphated polygalactans which find extensive use in the food industry as thickening, gelling and protein-suspending agents. Although there is no evidence to suggest that the persorption of small amounts of carrageenans across the intestinal barrier poses an acute toxic hazard, they are known to be biologically active in a number of physiological systems and extended oral administration in laboratory animals has been shown to modify both in vivo and in vitro immune competence. Whereas this effect could be attributed to carrageenan having a selective toxic effect on antigen-processing macrophages, additional studies suggest that macrophages can also influence immune responses by the timed release of immunoregulatory mediators. Evidence in support of this comes from in vitro studies which demonstrate that carrageenan-treated macrophages can, depending on conditions and time of administration, release either stimulatory or inhibitory factors. The former is known to be the immunostimulatory agent interleukin 1 (IL-1). The inhibitory factor, which is produced at an early stage following exposure to non-toxic doses of carrageenans, has yet to be formally identified but it is believed to be a prostaglandin because of its specific mode of action and short biological half-life. At present it is impossible to relate these studies to the human situation. Although it is established that carrageenans can cross the intestinal barrier of experimental animals, there is no evidence to suggest that the limited uptake that may occur in man in any way interferes with normal immune competence. Nevertheless, increased exposure may occur in the neonate during weaning, and adults and children following allergic reactions and episodes of gastrointestinal disease. Further studies under such conditions now seem warranted in order to elucidate the possible immunological consequences which may be associated with enhanced uptake of carrageenans in vulnerable groups.

Animals↗

Ethyl pyruvate provides durable protection against inflammation-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction.

Ethyl pyruvate (EP) has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Herein, we sought to test the following hypotheses: 1) the pharmacological effects of EP persist after cells have been exposed to the compound in vitro, even if the cultures are washed to minimize the amount of EP that is retained in the media; 2) the pharmacological effects of EP persist in vivo, even after waiting a prolonged period (i.e., 6 h) after the last dose of the compound; and 3) the in vivo pharmacological effects of EP are distinct from those of the closely related compound, sodium pyruvate. Incubation of Caco-2 human enterocyte-like monolayers with cytomix, a mixture of interleukin-1beta, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor, increased permeability to the fluorescent macromolecule, FITC-labeled Dextran (mol wt 4,000 Da). Co-incubation of the cells with 5 mM EP ameliorated cytomix-induced hyperpermeability and induction of iNOS mRNA expression. EP was associated with similar pharmacological effects when cells were pre-incubated with the compound for 24 h prior and then washed extensively prior to adding the cytokine cocktail. Injecting C57Bl/6 mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in gut barrier dysfunction and hepatocellular injury. Although equivalent doses of both EP and sodium pyruvate ameliorated these phenomena, EP was more efficacious than pyruvate. Pretreatment with EP ameliorated the deleterious effects of LPS, even when the duration between the last dose of EP and the endotoxic challenge was 6 h. We conclude that EP provides durable protection against some of the deleterious effects of LPS or pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Animals↗

Supplementation and inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis influences bacterial transit time during bacterial translocation in rats.

In the obstructed gut, nitric oxide (NO) may influence intestinal barrier function and translocation of bacteria. By using a novel experimental approach, we investigated the effect of supplementation and inhibition of NO synthesis on the time interval necessary for translocation of green fluorescent protein-transfected Escherichia coli (GFP-uv E. coli) in a rat model of small bowel obstruction. In anesthetized Wistar rats, 4 x 10(8) GFP-uv E. coli were administered into a reservoir of terminal ileum formed by ligature. Animals were randomized to receive either i.v. arginine (10 mg/kg), aminoguanidine (300 mg/kg), L-NAME (25 mg/kg), or saline (control). Translocation of GFP-uv E. coli was assessed using intravital video microscopy. Minimal transit time of translocation was measured as time from injection of GFP-uv E. coli into the gut lumen until bacteria were observed in the lamina submucosa and as time from injection of bacteria into the gut lumen until bacteria were observed in the lamina muscularis propria. Minimal transit times were expressed as mean +/- SD. Bacterial translocation into the submucosa and muscularis propria took 36 +/- 7 min and 81 +/- 9 min, respectively in control animals receiving saline. Aminoguanidine and L-NAME caused a marked delay of minimal transit time into the submucosa (63 +/- 5 min and 61 +/- 7 min, respectively; P < 0.05). Arginine significantly accelerated bacterial translocation into the muscularis propria (61 +/- 9 min, P < 0.05). GFP-uv E. coli were detected on frozen sections of small bowel, mesentery, liver, and spleen 2 h after GFP-uv E. coli administration in all animals. A marked upregulation of inducible NO synthase (NOS) in the obstructed bowel segment was demonstrated on immunohistochemistry. The assessment of a newly defined parameter, minimal bacterial transit time, may serve as an additional functional aspect of intestinal barrier function for pathophysiological and pharmacological studies. Aminoguanidine, L-NAME, and arginine were effective in influencing minimal transit time of E. coli during small bowel obstruction.

Animals↗

Different intestinal permeability patterns in relatives and spouses of patients with Crohn's disease: an inherited defect in mucosal defence?

BACKGROUND: A familial defect in intestinal barrier function has been found in Crohn's disease. AIM: To investigate possible genetic and environmental influences on this barrier defect by studying intestinal permeability in both relatives and spouses of patients with Crohn's disease. SUBJECTS: The study included 39 patients with Crohn's disease, 34 healthy first degree relatives, and 22 spouses. Twenty nine healthy volunteers served as controls. METHODS: Intestinal permeability was assessed as the lactulose:mannitol ratio in five hour urinary excretion after oral load, both before (baseline) and after ingestion of acetylsalicylic acid. The permeability response represents the difference between the two tests. A ratio above the 95th percentile for controls was classified as abnormal. RESULTS: Baseline permeability was higher in patients and spouses than in controls. An abnormal baseline permeability was seen in 36% of the patients, 23% of the spouses, 18% of the relatives, and 3% of the controls. After ingestion of acetylsalicylic acid, permeability increased significantly in all groups. Relatives were similar to patients with regard to permeability after exposure to acetylsalicylic acid, whereas spouses were similar to controls. The proportions with an abnormal permeability response to acetylsalicylic acid were 32% in patients, 14% in spouses, 41% in relatives, and 3% in controls. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that baseline permeability is determined by environmental factors, whereas permeability provoked by acetylsalicylic acid is a function of the genetically determined state of the mucosal barrier, and support the notion that environmental and hereditary factors interact in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease.

Adult↗

Impact of hetastarch on the intestinal microvascular barrier during ECLS.

The effects of hetastarch on microvascular fluid flux were determined in anesthetized dogs undergoing extracorporeal life support (ECLS) with a roller pump and membrane oxygenator. ECLS with a lactated Ringer priming solution resulted in a decrease in microvascular protein reflection coefficient and an increase in transvascular protein clearance. Use of a 6% hetastarch priming solution attenuated the decrease in microvascular protein reflection coefficient and blunted the increase in transvascular protein clearance. Ileal tissue water increased in the group treated with the lactated Ringer priming solution compared with the group treated with 6% hetastarch. The effective plasma-to-interstitial colloid osmotic pressure gradient was greater in the group treated with hetastarch than in the group treated with lactated Ringer solution. Hetastarch decreases the edema associated with ECLS. The reduction in edema is due to the maintenance of the plasma-to-interstitial colloid osmotic pressure gradient and the reduction in the microvascular permeability to protein.

Animals↗

Up-regulation and polarized expression of the sodium-ascorbic acid transporter SVCT1 in post-confluent differentiated CaCo-2 cells.

Human cells acquire vitamin C using two different transporter systems, the sodium-ascorbic acid co-transporters with specificity for ascorbic acid, and the facilitative glucose transporters with specificity for dehydroascorbic acid. There is no information on the mechanism of vitamin C transport across the intestinal barrier, a step that determines the bioavailability of vitamin C in humans. We used the colon carcinoma cell line CaCo-2 as an in vitro model for vitamin C transport in enterocyte-like cells. The results of transport kinetics, sodium dependence, inhibition studies, and reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis indicated that CaCo-2 cells express the sodium-ascorbate co-transporters SVCT1 and SVCT2, the dehydroascorbic acid transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3, and a third dehydroascorbic acid transporter with properties expected for GLUT2. Analysis by real time quantitative PCR revealed that the post-confluent differentiation of CaCo-2 cells was accompanied by a marked increase (4-fold) in the steady-state level of SVCT1 mRNA, without changes in SVCT2 mRNA levels. Functional studies revealed that the differentiated cells expressed only one functional ascorbic acid transporter having properties expected for SVCT1, and transported ascorbic acid with a V(max) that was increased at least 2-fold compared with pre-confluent cells. Moreover, post-confluent Caco-2 cells growing as monolayers in permeable filter inserts showed selective sorting of SVCT1 to the apical membrane compartment, without functional evidence for the expression of SVCT2. The identification of SVCT1 as the transporter that allows vectorial uptake of ascorbic acid in differentiated CaCo-2 cells has a direct impact on our understanding of the mechanism for vitamin C transport across the intestinal barrier.

Ascorbic Acid↗

[Role of platelet activating factor in the injury of intestinal immuno-barrier function in young rats].

OBJECTIVE: Gastrointestinal dysfunction is closely correlated with the destruction of intestinal barrier function induced by serious infection. Platelet activating factor (PAF) may induce intestinal injuries. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PAF on the injury of intestinal mucosal immuno-barrier function in young rats. METHODS: Eighteen-day-old Wistar rats were randomized to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 mg/kg), LPS plus PAF receptor antagonist and normal saline injection (Control). PAF receptor antagonist BN52021 5 mg/kg was administered before or 30 minutes after LPS injection (pretreatment or treatment). The ileum specimens (n=8) were harvested at 1.5, 3, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hrs after LPS injection. Double antibody-PEG radioimmunoassay was used to determine the secretory IgA (sIgA) content in intestinal mucosa. Hematoxylin and erosin staining was used for histological evaluation. The ratio of wet and dry weight (W/D) of ileum tissues was calculated. RESULTS: Intestinal villi edema, capillary congestion, extension of the subepithelial lympho channel, and polymorphonuclear infiltration in enteric cavity were noted in the LPS group at 1.5, 3, 6 and 24 hrs after LPS injection. In the PAF receptor antagonist group only villi edema was found. The W/D ratio in the LPS group was significantly higher than that in the Control group at all time points, but it was slightly reduced by the PAF receptor antagonist pretreatment or treatment. The sIgA content was obviously decreased after 1.5, 3, 6, 24 and 48 hrs of LPS challenge compared with that in the Control group (P < 0.01). It reached to a nadir at 6 hrs (0.15 +/- 0.04 microg/mL). The level of sIgA in the PAF receptor antagonist group was higher than that in the LPS group at each time point. There was no statistical difference in the sIgA level between the PAF receptor pretreatment and treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: PAF plays roles in the injury of intestinal immuno-barrier function. Preventive and remedial use of PAF receptor antagonist BN52021 may relieve intestinal injury.

Animals↗

Small intestine epithelial barrier function is compromised in pigs with low feed intake at weaning.

Compromising alterations in gastrointestinal architecture are common during the weaning transition of pigs. The relation between villous atrophy and epithelial barrier function at weaning is not well understood. This study evaluated in vitro transepithelial transport by Ussing metabolic chambers, local alterations in T-cell subsets and villous architecture at low energy intake level and their relation with lactose/protein ratios in the diet. Pigs (n = 66, 26 d old) were sampled either at weaning (d 0), d 1, 2 or 4 postweaning. Piglets received one of three diets at a low energy intake level, which differed in lactose and protein ratio as follows: low lactose/high protein (LL/HP), control (C), or high lactose/low protein (HL/LP). Mean digestible energy intake was 648 kJ/pig on d 1, 1668 kJ/pig on d 2, 1995 kJ/pig on d 3 and 1990 kJ/pig on d 4 postweaning. The CD4(+)/CD8(+) T-lymphocytes ratio decreased after weaning (P < 0.05). Decreased paracellular transport (P < 0.01), greater villous height (P < 0.01), shallower crypts and lower villus/crypt ratios (P < 0.01) were observed on d 2 compared with d 0. Piglets consuming the HL/LP diet tended to have less paracellular transport (P < 0.10) and greater villous height (P < 0.10) compared with piglets fed the other diets. During the first 4 d postweaning, the effect of diet composition on mucosal integrity was not as important as the sequential effects of low energy intake at weaning. Stress and diminished enteral stimulation seem to compromise mucosal integrity as indicated by increased paracellular transport and altered T-cell subsets.

Animals↗

Structural and functional maturation of rat gastrointestinal barrier with thyroxine.

It has been noted that the closure of the intestinal barrier to immunoglobulins is a normal maturational process in the rat. It has also been noted that the microvillus membrane (MVM) of newborn animals differs from adult MVM. The purpose of this study is to document whether thyroid hormone can induce closure in vivo in the rat and to relate this effect of thyroxine to the structural and functional maturation of the intestinal MVM. To assess closure, 2-wk-old rats were fed a rat immunoglobulin G (IgG), and serum antibody binding activity was measured 4 h later. The antibody binding activity of treated animals (T) was 1.5-2 times less than that of controls (C) (P less than 0.001), indicating that thyroxine stimulates closure. The MVM similarly showed signs of maturation. Structural maturation was demonstrated by the lower fluidity of the thyroid-treated animals' membranes. Under the influence of thyroxine, the number of receptors on the MVM for IgG had decreased [2.8 X 10(-7) M (C) vs. 1.7 X 10(-7) M (T)], while the Ka remained the same, demonstrating the functional maturation of the MVM. In conclusion, thyroid hormone can induce both structural and functional maturation of the intestinal MVM and can enhance the intestinal mucosal barrier by decreasing the penetration of antibodies.

Animals↗

Reduction in adhesive small-bowel obstruction by Seprafilm adhesion barrier after intestinal resection.

INTRODUCTION: Although Seprafilm has been demonstrated to reduce adhesion formation, it is not known whether its usage would translate into a reduction in adhesive small-bowel obstruction. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, multicenter, multinational, single-blind, controlled study. This report focuses on those patients who underwent intestinal resection (n = 1,701). Before closure of the abdomen, patients were randomized to receive Seprafilm or no treatment. Seprafilm was applied to adhesiogenic tissues throughout the abdomen. The incidence and type of bowel obstruction was compared between the two groups. Time to first adhesive small-bowel obstruction was compared during the course of the study by using survival analysis methods. The mean follow-up time for the occurrence of adhesive small-bowel obstruction was 3.5 years. RESULTS: There was no difference between the treatment and control group in overall rate of bowel obstruction. The incidence of adhesive small-bowel obstruction requiring reoperation was significantly lower for Seprafilm patients compared with no-treatment patients: 1.8 vs. 3.4 percent (P < 0.05). This finding represents an absolute reduction in adhesive small-bowel obstruction requiring reoperation of 1.6 percent and a relative reduction of 47 percent. In addition, a stepwise multivariate analysis indicated that the use of Seprafilm was the only predictive factor for reducing adhesive small-bowel obstruction requiring reoperation. In both groups, 50 percent of first adhesive small-bowel obstruction episodes occurred within 6 months after the initial surgery with nearly 30 percent occurring within the first 30 days. Additionally no first adhesive small-bowel obstruction events were reported in Years 4 and 5 of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The overall bowel obstruction rate was unchanged; however, adhesive small-bowel obstruction requiring reoperation was significantly reduced by the use of Seprafilm, which was the only factor that predicted this outcome.

Adolescent↗

Molecular studies of the intestinal mucosal barrier physiopathology using cocultures of epithelial and immune cells: a technical update.

Peyer's patch lymphocytes cocultured with Caco-2 cells trigger the phenotypic conversion of enterocytes into cells that express morphological and functional M-cell properties. We report a technical update for setting up this model, which will enable the study of M-cell biology, the identification by biochemical approaches of molecules involved in the interaction of microorganisms with M cells, and the development of vectors that would efficiently target the mucosal immune system.

Animals↗

Novel effect of NF-kappaB activation: carbonylation and nitration injury to cytoskeleton and disruption of monolayer barrier in intestinal epithelium.

Using monolayers of intestinal cells, we reported that upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is required for oxidative injury and that activation of NF-kappaB is key to cytoskeletal instability. In the present study, we hypothesized that NF-kappaB activation is crucial to oxidant-induced iNOS upregulation and its injurious consequences: cytoskeletal oxidation and nitration and monolayer dysfunction. Wild-type (WT) cells were pretreated with inhibitors of NF-kappaB, with or without exposure to oxidant (H(2)O(2)). Other cells were transfected with an IkappaBalpha mutant (an inhibitor of NF-kappaB). Relative to WT cells exposed to vehicle, oxidant exposure caused increases in IkappaBalpha instability, NF-kappaB subunit activation, iNOS-related activity (NO, oxidative stress, tubulin nitration), microtubule disassembly and instability (increased monomeric and decreased polymeric tubulin), and monolayer disruption. Monolayers pretreated with NF-kappaB inhibitors (MG-132, lactacystin) were protected against oxidation, showing decreases in all measures of the NF-kappaB --> iNOS --> NO pathway. Dominant mutant stabilization of IkappaBalpha to inactivate NF-kappaB suppressed all measures of the iNOS/NO upregulation while protecting monolayers against oxidant insult. In these mutants, we found prevention of tubulin nitration and oxidation and enhancement of cytoskeletal and monolayer stability. We concluded that 1) NF-kappaB is required for oxidant-induced iNOS upregulation and for the consequent nitration and oxidation of cytoskeleton; 2) NF-kappaB activation causes cytoskeletal injury following upregulation of NO-driven processes; and 3) the molecular event underlying the destabilizing effects of NF-kappaB appears to be increases in carbonylation and nitrotyrosination of the subunit components of cytoskeleton. The ability to promote NO overproduction and cytoskeletal nitration/oxidation is a novel mechanism not previously attributed to NF-kappaB in cells.

Blotting, Western↗

Intravenous acid fibroblast growth factor protects intestinal mucosal cells against ischemia-reperfusion injury via regulating Bcl-2/Bax expression.

AIM: To detect the effect of acid fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) on apoptosis and gene expression of bax and bcl-2 gene in rat intestine after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and to explore the protective mechanisms of aFGF. METHODS: One hundred and eight 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). In group I, the animals were killed after 45 min of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion, while in groups R and A, the rats sustained 45 min of SMA occlusion and were then treated with normal saline and aFGF, respectively, sustained 15 min, 30 min, 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, or 48 h of reperfusion, respectively. In group C, SMA was separated, but without occlusion. Apoptosis in intestinal villus was determined with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling technique (TUNEL). Intestinal tissue samples were taken not only for detection of bax and bcl-2 gene expression by RT-PCR, but also for detection of bax and bcl-2 protein expression and distribution by immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: The rat survival rates in aFGF treated group were higher than group R (P<0.05) and the improvement of intestinal histological structures was observed at 2, 6, and 12 h after the reperfusion in group A compared with group R. The apoptotic rates were (41.17+/-3.49)%, (42.83+/-5.23)% and (53.33+/-6.92)% at 2, 6 and 12 h after reperfusion, respectively in group A, apparently less than those of group R at matched time points (50.67+/-6.95, 54.17+/-7.86, 64.33+/-6.47, respectively) (P<0.05). The bax gene transcription and translation were significantly decreased in group A vs group R, while mRNA and protein contents of Bcl-2 in group A were obviously higher than those in group R during 2-12 h period after reperfusion. CONCLUSION: The changes in histological structure and the increment of apoptotic rate indicated that the intestinal barrier was damaged after intestinal I/R injury, whilst intravenous aFGF could alleviate apoptosis induced by ischemia and reperfusion in rat intestinal tissues, in which genes of bax and bcl-2 might play important roles.

Animals↗

Activation of phosphorylating-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and its relationship with localization of intestinal stem cells in rats after ischemia-reperfusion injury.

AIM: To investigate the expression of phosphorylating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in rat small intestine after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) insult and its relationship with the localization of intestinal stem cells. METHODS: Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided randomly into three groups, namely intestinal ischemia-reperfusion group (R), intestinal ischemia group (I) and sham-operated control group (C). In group I, the animals were killed 45 minutes after superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion, while in group R the rats sustained SMA occlusion for 45 minutes and reperfusion for 2, 6, 12 or 24 hours respectively. In sham-operated control group, SMA was separated, but without occlusion. The activity of plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) was determined. Intestinal tissue samples were also taken for histological analysis and immunohistochemical analysis of MAPK p38 detection and intestinal stem cell localization. RESULTS: The changes in histological structure and plasma DAO levels indicated that the intestinal barrier was damaged after intestinal I/R injury. In group C and I, each crypt contained 5-6 p38 MAPK positive cells, which were mainly located in the lower region of the crypts. This was consistent with the distribution of intestinal stem cells. The presence of positive cells in crypts increased with the time of reperfusion and reached its peak at 12 hours after reperfusion (35.6 %). CONCLUSION: After intestinal I/R injury, the expression of phosphorylating-p38 MAPK in small intestine increased with the duration of reperfusion, and its distribution coincided with that of intestinal stem cells and their daughter cells, indicating that phosphorylating-p38 might be a possible marker of intestinal stem cells.

Animals↗