Effect of Chronic Social Defeat Stress on the Small-Intestinal Environment, Including the Gut Flora, Immune System, and Mucosal Barrier Integrity.

ABSTRACT: Psychological stress is deeply involved in the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal diseases. We investigated the effect of psychological stress on the small-intestinal environment, including gut flora, immune system, and mucosal integrity in mice subjected to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). CSDS mice were established by exposing a C57BL/6N mouse to an ICR aggressor mouse. Stool samples were obtained to investigate its properties and the gut microbiome profile. Using small-intestinal tissues, the expression of cytokines, antimicrobial peptides, and tight junction proteins (TJPs) were examined by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Small-intestinal permeability was evaluated by transepithelial electrical resistance assay. For stool properties, mean Bristol scale score and fecal w

SUBMITTER: Yagi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12525323 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature