Distribution Of Rat Goblet Cells-specific Proteins And Their Alterations During Dextran Sulfate Sodium-induced Colitis

Background and Objective: Recently, it was concerned that goblet cell functions widely rather than secreting mucus to protect the intestinal mucosa. As more specific proteins from goblet cells were discovered, it seems that goblet cells play a role in many physical performance, such as mucosa repair, immune defense and carcinogenesis. But the mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated distribution of goblet cell-specific proteins, rTFF3 an rIgGFcγBP, and alterations of rTFF3 and rIgGFcγBP during a DSS-induced rat colitis model, to gain insight into the biological function of intestinal goblet cells and the molecular mechanisms involved in inflammatory bowl disease.Materials and Methods: (1) Distributions of rTFF3 and rIgGFcγBP in various rat tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry using self-made polyclonal antibodies against rTFF3 and rIgGFcγBP synthetic polypeptides respectively. The pattern of rTFF3 molecule was analysed using SDS/PAGE and Western blot. (2) Rat DSS-induced colitis model were raised with 7%DSS for 7 days. Clonic segments were excised on days 0 (control), 2 (onset of disease), 7 (active disease), and 14 (regenerative phase) for histological evaluation and immunohistochemical detection. Stool on each same day was collected and their solvents in SDS sample buffer were analyzed by Dot blot method. Also blood sample of each day was examined by same method..Results:(1) rTFF3 and rIgGFcγBP can be detected immunohistochemically in rat fetal intestine as early as late gestation and are observed abundantly in adult intestine, mainly in goblet cell droplet. In intestinal tract, these two proteins are distributed along small intestine villus, remarkedly expressed in lower part of the crypt, while mainly expressed in the upper part of the large intestine villus. In addition, these two proteins are expressed in biliary epithelium, but negative in other secreting tissues such as conjuctiva, trachea, uterine cervix etc.. (2) The histochemical staining revealed that the DSS-induced rat colitis model is morphologically similar with human UC. The immunohistochemistry of the colonic segments showed rTFF3 and rIgGFcγBP were reduced during the onset disease and...