Changes in mucosal homeostasis predispose NHE3 knockout mice to increased susceptibility to DSS-induced epithelial injury.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

NHE3 is a target of inhibition by proinflammatory cytokines and pathogenic bacteria, an event contributing to diarrhea in infectious and idiopathic colitis. In mice, NHE3 deficiency leads to mild diarrhea, increased intestinal expression of interferon (IFN)-gamma, and distal colitis, suggesting its role in epithelial barrier homeostasis. Our aim was to investigate the role of NHE3 in maintaining mucosal integrity.

Methods

Control or dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated, 6- to 8-week-old wild-type (WT) and NHE3(-/-) mice were used for the experiments. Small intestines were dissected for further analysis.

Results

NHE3(-/-) mice have elevated numbers of CD8alpha(+) T and natural killer cells in the intraepithelial lymphocytes and lamina propria lymphocy

SUBMITTER: Kiela PR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3454522 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature