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Biomedical subjects

J M Mouwen

Publications and source records attributed to J M Mouwen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Morphometry of the small intestine in pigs with ileo-rectal anastomosis.

Ileo-rectal anastomosis (IRA), which is frequently used to measure prececal digestibility in pigs, could induce some disturbances of the normal absorptive function. Our aim was to investigate the effects of different IRA surgical procedures on the main histologic characteristics of the small intestine in pigs. The 4 different IRA procedures compared to intact pigs (INT) were the following: either end to end (EE) or end to side (ES) with or without preservation of the ileocecal valve (EEV, EE, ESV, ES respectively). At 147 d after surgery, samples of the wall of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum were taken under anesthesia and histometric examinations were performed on HE- and PAS-colored sections to estimate changes mainly of mucosa and muscle layers. The values recorded for villus length, crypt depth, and whole thickness of the mucosa suggested that the EE procedures disturb the small intestine less than the ES models. A new parameter, called epithelial quotient and calculated as [(villus length/crypt depth)/mitotic index], was proposed to improve the comparisons. According to this quotient, EE procedures did not significantly affect the mucosa of the whole small intestine. An increased density of goblet cells was recorded in all operated pigs along the small intestine, but mainly in the ileum after EE-IRA. The lymphatic follicle area was reduced. These findings, which were in agreement with a reduced mitotic index in the ileum of EE-pigs, indicated a decreased effect of noxious factors on the small intestinal mucosa in IRA-pigs, especially after the EE-IRA procedure. Some atrophic or hypertrophic effects on the muscle layers were related to the absence or preservation of the ileo-cecal valve. Finally it was concluded that i) there was no major disturbance after IRA, and ii) the end to end procedure was most beneficial for the structural integrity of the small intestine.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Dietary effects of faba-bean (Vicia faba L.) tannins on the morphology and function of the small-intestinal mucosa of weaned pigs.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate effects of condensed tannins in faba beans (Vicia faba L.) on morphological and functional variables of the small-intestinal mucosa of piglets. In an experiment with young piglets (8-17 kg body weight), fed on either a control diet or a diet containing 200 g/kg of low- or high-tannin faba bean hulls (with < 0.10 and 3.3% catechin equivalents of condensed tannins respectively), morphological and functional characteristics of the jejunal mucosa were determined. Results of the study showed that the morphological variables of the mucosa of the three groups of piglets were similar. Also, no changes due to dietary tannins were observed in sucrase (EC3.2.1.48)-isomaltase (EC 3.2.1.10) activity in homogenates of mucosa plus submucosa. However, aminopeptidase (EC 3.4.11.2) activity in these homogenates in the proximal part of the small intestine of the animals of the group fed on the high-tannin diet was significantly lower than that in the animals fed on the control diet or the diet with low-tannin hulls (P < 0.05).

Aminopeptidases↗

Tight junctional structure and permeability of porcine jejunum after enterotoxic Escherichia coli infection.

Tight junctional structure and macromolecular permeability were tested in four three-week-old piglets, experimentally infected with the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strain O149 K91 K88. Histologically, only minor microscopic evidence of inflammation and little or no architectural changes in the jejunal mucosa were observed. A significant decrease in tight junctional strand numbers occurred, without a concomitant decrease in tight junctional depth. The permeability of the porcine jejunal epithelium to horseradish peroxidase did not change after the ETEC infection.

Animals↗

[Possible significance of spiral-shaped bacteria in the etiology of abomasal ulcers in adult cattle].

Enzyme-chemical and histological evaluations were used to examine the abomasal mucosa of adult cattle with or without mucosal lesions of the corpus. Urease activity was detected with the CLO (Campylobacter-like organisms) test in the abomasal mucosa of all cattle except one, which had mucosal lesions. Spiral-shaped bacteria were visualised histologically in the mucus layer, with the highest number being found in the pars pylorica. Variable amounts of intra-epithelial mucin were found in the corpus and pars pylorica of both test and control cattle. Most inflammatory cells were found in the lamina propria of the pars pylorica. It is suggested that spiral-shaped bacteria, together with a diminished mucosal barrier, play a role in the pathogenesis of abomasal ulcers in adult cattle.

Abomasum↗

Interaction of legume lectins with the cellular metabolism of differentiated Caco-2 cells.

The binding of the legume lectins Phaseolus vulgaris E4 and L4, Glycine max agglutinin, Vicia faba agglutinin, and Pisum sativum agglutinin to intact differentiated Caco-2 cells and to brush border membranes of differentiated Caco-2 cells was investigated, and their impact on the cellular metabolism and the microvilli of these cells was assessed. P. vulgaris isolectin E4 showed the most intense staining after binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled lectin to intact Caco-2 cells. P. sativum agglutinin showed the weakest staining intensity. The dissociation constant for P. vulgaris isolectin E4 and P. sativum agglutinin binding was 0.11 x 10(-5) and 1.69 x 10(-5) mol/L, respectively. The values of the dissociation constants for P. vulgaris isolectin L4, G. max agglutinin, and V. faba agglutinin were situated in between these extremes. Stimulation of thymidine, glucosamine, and fucose incorporation was observed after exposure to P. vulgaris isolectins and soybean agglutinin. V. faba agglutinin had an inhibitory effect, whereas P. sativum agglutinin showed little or no effect. Compared with control cells and P. vulgaris isolectin L4- and P. sativum agglutinin-incubated cells, the microvilli of P. vulgaris isolectin E4-, soybean agglutinin-, and V. faba agglutinin-incubated cells were shortened significantly. The data provide evidence that a correlation exists, not only between the dissociation constants of the lectins and the fluorescent staining intensity, but also between the dissociation constants of the lectins and the extent of the legume lectin-induced changes in the cellular metabolism.

Colonic Neoplasms↗

Thickening of the glycocalyx during methotrexate induced small intestinal mucosal atrophy in the rat.

In this study, the morphology of the glycocalyx of small intestinal enterocytes in the rat was investigated after the induction of mucosal atrophy by methotrexate (MTX) in 18 Wistar rats. On the 2nd, 4th and 6th day after the intraperitoneal administration of MTX, a group of 6 rats was sacrificed and tissue specimens taken at the level of the Treitz' ligament were post fixed in a mixture of 2.0% watery osmiumtetroxide and 1.5% potassium-ferrocyanide to enhance visibility of glycoconjugates and processed for electron microscopy. In the control rats, the glycocalyx was hardly visible on the villous enterocytes, but rather conspicuous on the enterocytes in the crypts. On the second day after injection of MTX, the glycocalyx of the villous enterocytes was more pronounced but on the crypt enterocytes it resembled that of control animals. On the 4th day after MTX administration, a striking reduction and shortening of microvilli of villous enterocytes was seen, together with very pronounced glycocalyces, while crypt cells possessed well developed cell coats. On the 6th day after the injection of MTX, the glycocalyx of both villous and crypt cells appeared almost normal again.

Animals↗

Intestinal permeability in pigs during rotavirus infection.

Macromolecular permeability of the small intestine was tested in four 3-week-old gnotobiotic pigs inoculated with porcine rotavirus strain RV277 (group A). Pigs were administered 125I-labeled polyvinylpyrrolidone (molecular weight [mol wt], 40,000) orally 1 day before and 2 and 24 hours after virus inoculation, and blood samples were obtained every 6 hours. Eight hours after rotavirus inoculation, pigs had watery diarrhea. Increased permeation of 125I-labeled polyvinylpyrrolidone was not observed after clinical signs of infection had developed. Serum total protein and urea nitrogen concentrations increased slightly at the end of the study, probably as a consequence of dehydration. Differences in blood glucose concentration were not seen. At 48 hours after viral inoculation, macromolecular permeability was tested morphologically by injecting horseradish peroxidase (mol wt, 40,000) into the jejunal lumen just distally to the ligamentum colicoduodenale. After an incubation period of 20 minutes, small segments of jejunum were obtained for stereomicroscopic, histologic, and ultrastructural investigations. Moderate hyperregenerative villus atrophy was found. Ultrastructural changes of the villus epithelium were minor, and increased macromolecular permeation was not observed.

Animals↗

[Veterinary pathology: a vital specialism within veterinary medicine].

Pathology is by definition an entity of major importance in medical science. Within medical care, pathologists are involved in cytopathological, histopathological and post mortem examinations. The value of post mortem examinations is discussed with reference to the value of the autopsy within human medical science. In veterinary medicine, veterinary pathology has to be incorporated in highly qualified veterinary medical care, has to participate in the quality assessment and the quality control of veterinary medical care, and has to be involved in the required continuing education of veterinarians. In addition, veterinary pathology is involved in basic research and research with regard to human health control.

Animals↗

Intestinal permeability in piglets during transmissible gastroenteritis.

Macromolecular permeability of the small intestine was tested in seven three-week-old piglets infected with porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGE-strain Miller). Fourteen hours after the infection, the piglets showed loss of appetite and a profuse diarrhoea. In some animals vomiting occurred somewhat earlier. Macromolecular permeability was tested morphologically by injecting horseradish peroxidase (MW = 40,000 Da) into the jejunal lumen just distally to the Treitz' ligament in two piglets at 12 hours and in five piglets at 48 hours after the inoculation in comparison with two control piglets. After a period of 20 minutes, small segments of jejunum were taken for stereomicro-scopical, histological and ultrastructural investigations. An increased permeability for HRP together with a severe, hyper-regenerative villous atrophy was observed in the TGE-infected piglets at 48 hours after the inoculation.

Animals↗

Binding of kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) isolectins to differentiated human colon carcinoma Caco-2 cells and their effect on cellular metabolism.

The binding of Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA) isolectins L4 and E4 to the brush border membrane of differentiated Caco-2 cells was studied and the impact on cellular metabolism and microvilli was assessed. Computer analysis of the data based on binding experiments with peroxidase conjugated isolectins gave mean (SD) values for maximal binding of 2540 (151).10(-9) M for PHA-L4 and 2104 (140).10(-9) M for PHA-E4 per mg of brush border membrane protein. The dissociation constants for L4 and E4 binding were 4.3 (1.4).10(-6) M and 1.1 (0.8).10(-6) M, respectively. Incubation of differentiated Caco-2 cells for 30 minutes with ferritin conjugated PHA isolectins showed that, as indicated by the number of ferritin particles, PHA-E4 bound to the microvilli to a greater extent than PHA-L4. Ferritin particles were also localised intracellularly over endocytotic invaginations and vesicles. After incubation for 48 hours with PHA-L4 or PHA-E4, the relative incorporation of precursors for DNA, RNA, and (glyco)protein synthesis into the trichloroacetic acid insoluble fraction of the Caco-2 cells was determined. Both isolectins stimulated the incorporation of thymidine and glucosamine, but neither PHA-L4 nor PHA-E4 were able to influence the incorporation of uridine. With respect to fucose, methionine, and N-acetyl mannosamine, the stimulatory effect remained confined to PHA-E4. Since PHA-L4 and PHA-E4 were tested at the same concentrations, PHA-E4 is more effective than PHA-L4. The changes in the uptake of radioactive precursors were lost after heat inactivation of PHA-E4. Compared with control and PHA-L4 incubated Caco-2 cells, the microvilli of PHA-E4 incubated cells were shortened significantly (p less than 0.01).

Cell Membrane↗

[Changes in the histochemical composition of mucins in goblet cells in the course of a Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection in the rat].

Rats were infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, and changes in the histochemical composition of mucins in jejunal goblet cells were investigated. Ten days after infection, mitotic activity was extensively in jejunal crypts: both crypts and villi were characterised by hyperplasia of goblet cells. Infected rats had a markedly greater number of crypt and villi goblet cells containing neutral mucin than the control rats did. Moreover, 15 days after infection, infected rats had significantly more goblet cells containing acid mucin than control rats did. In infected rats, the acid mucins in goblet cells (day 15) appeared to be predominantly sulphomucins, whereas in control rats the acid mucins were predominantly sialomucins. The experiments established that when N. brasiliensis is excreted by rats, the histochemical composition of mucins in crypt and villi goblet cells has been changed not only quantitatively, but also qualitatively.

Animals↗

Intraruminal administration of milk in the calf as a model for ruminal drinking: morphological and enzymatical changes in the jejunal mucosa.

In order to develop a calf model for studying the syndrome of ruminal drinking (RD) in veal calves, three dual-fistulated calves were used to test the effect of intraruminal administration of milk replacer on the jejunal mucosa. Biopsies of the proximal jejunal mucosa were taken through a jejunal fistula and the mucosal morphology and the activities of two brush border enzymes, lactase and alkaline phosphatase, were determined. Means of villus length and brush border enzyme activities decreased during the period of intraruminal administration of milk. The hyperplastic villus atrophy in this model was similar to that found in chronic RD patients in previous studies. This could not be associated with isolation of pathogenic micro-organisms from the faeces and is probably the consequence of the intraruminal milk feeding procedure itself. Clinical recovery from the signs of RD occurred rapidly after intraruminal administration of milk ceased and was followed by restoration of villus length and brush border enzyme activities 3-4 weeks later.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Effect of variable protein contents in diets containing Phaseolus vulgaris beans on performance, organ weights and blood variables in piglets, rats and chickens.

A comparison was made of the effects of antinutritional factors present in Phaseolus vulgaris on piglets, rats and chickens. Also the hypothesis of whether the negative effect on weight gain due to the inclusion of raw Phaseolus vulgaris in the diet can be attributed to an insufficient supply of amino acids was tested. Test diets containing 200 g raw Phaseolus beans/kg were balanced for digestible protein and amino acids; in one diet extra casein was incorporated. The main response criteria were live-weight gain and the weight of various organs including the intestine. Live-weight gain in piglets was markedly reduced during feeding 200 g raw Phaseolus vulgaris/kg in the diet, but not in rats and chickens. Addition of casein did not improve the weight gain of the piglets, indicating that a toxic factor was responsible for the reduced weight gain and not an insufficient supply of amino acids. The weights of the spleen and thymus were markedly reduced in the piglets when the diets with raw Phaseolus beans were given, but not in the rats and chickens. Additional supply of casein did not change this effect. Indications were found that when the supply of dietary protein is adequate there is no reduction in pancreas weight with raw Phaseolus beans as was observed in previous experiments. The weight of the intestine was increased in all three species due to feeding raw Phaseolus vulgaris.

Amino Acids↗

Pathologic changes of the small intestinal mucosa of pigs after feeding Phaseolus vulgaris beans.

The jejunal mucosa of pigs fed diets containing Phaseolus vulgaris beans was characterized grossly as mucosal atrophy and microscopically as atrophy and blunting of the villus in association with elongation of crypts with cells with increased mitotic activity. These morphologic findings were most severe in the proximal and middle parts of the jejunum. Compared to controls, goblet cells were significantly decreased in the villus but markedly increased in the crypt region. The activity of aminopeptidase and sucrase-isomaltase in the test animals was also significantly lower than in the controls. The findings in this study suggested that feeding Phaseolus vulgaris beans reduced the digestive and absorptive capacity of the mucosa, resulting in weight loss and diarrhea of affected pigs.

Animals↗

Intestinal permeability to polyethylene glycol 4000 and porcine albumin in piglets infected with transmissible gastroenteritis virus.

The intestinal permeability of specific pathogen free piglets has been studied by measuring the concentration of 14C in the blood after oral administration of 14C polyethylene glycol (14C PEG, MW = 4000) and the concentration of 131I in the faeces after intraperitoneal administration of 131I porcine albumin (131I PA, MW = 68,000). The tests were performed one day before and up to two days after the piglets were infected with transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus. Jejunal biopsies were taken from two piglets before the experimental infection, from two piglets 12 h after the experimental infection and from five piglets at the end of the experiment, 46 h after infection. Blood samples were taken six-hourly and faecal samples several times. Some piglets vomited before diarrhoea and loss of appetite started at 14 h after infection; the packed cell volume decreased before but increased after infection. Morphological examination showed hyperregenerative villous atrophy at 46 h after infection. There was no increase in the permeation of 14C PEG but there was a significant increase in the flux of 131I PA from the blood to the gut lumen.

Administration, Oral↗

The interaction between plant lectins and the small intestinal epithelium: a primary cause of intestinal disturbance.

The literature concerning the effects of plant lectins on the small intestinal epithelium is reviewed. It appears that after oral intake, intact plant lectins can reach the small intestinal lumen. Their binding to the mucosal surface evokes an increased synthesis of glycoproteins and a degeneration of the intestinal epithelium. The epithelial alterations may result in hyperregenerative villus atrophy and endogenous nitrogen loss. These changes ultimately can lead to less efficient feed conversion, diminished growth, scouring, wasting and death. The possible significance of plant lectins in digestive disturbances in farm animals is suggested.

Animals↗

Conjunctivitis, red nose and skin hypersensitivity as signs of food allergy in veal calves.

The severity of diarrhoea and the degree of hyperaemia of the conjunctiva and nose were recorded in veal calves being fattened on either cows milk or milk-replacer. A skin-prick test using the milk-replacer as antigen was also performed. Control calves received only their mother's milk. Among these control calves there were no abnormalities, and in the calves fed other cows milk only slight abnormalities were seen. In contrast, in the calves fattened on milk-replacer, and especially in the calves showing the 'cachexia' syndrome, there were moderate to severe abnormalities and clear correlations were found between the severity of the diarrhoea and the hyperaemia of the conjunctiva and nose, and the scores recorded in the skin-prick test.

Animals↗