Food allergy alters jejunal circular muscle contractility and induces local inflammatory cytokine expression in a mouse model

Abstract

BackgroundWe hypothesized that food allergy causes a state of non-specific jejunal dysmotility. This was tested in a mouse model.MethodsBalb/c mice were epicutaneously sensitized with ovalbumin and challenged with 10 intragastric ovalbumin administrations every second day. Smooth muscle contractility of isolated circular jejunal sections was studied in organ bath with increasing concentrations of carbamylcholine chloride (carbachol). Smooth muscle layer thickness and mast cell protease-1 (MMCP-1) positive cell density were assayed histologically. Serum MMCP-1 and immunoglobulins were quantified by ELISA, and mRNA expressions of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6 and TGFβ-1 from jejunal and ileal tissue segments were analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsOvalbumin-specific serum IgE correlated with jejunal MMCP-1+ cell density. In the allergic mice, higher concentrations of carbachol were required to reach submaximal muscular stimulation, particularly in preparations derived from mice with diarrhoea. Decreased sensitivity to carbachol was associated with increased expression of IL-4 and IL-6 mRNA in jejunum. Smooth muscle layer thickness, as well as mRNA of IFN-γ and TGF-β1 remained unchanged.ConclusionIn this mouse model of food allergy, we demonstrated a decreased response to a muscarinic agonist, and increased levels of proinflammatory IL-6 and Th2-related IL-4, but not Th1-related IFN-γ mRNAs in jejunum. IgE levels in serum correlated with the number of jejunal MMCP-1+ cells, and predicted diarrhoea. Overall, these changes may reflect a protective mechanism of the gut in food allergy.

Peanut-induced intestinal allergy is mediated through a mast cell–IgE–FcεRI–IL-13 pathway

“…IL-6 drives Th17 differentiation and IL-17 production (36–38). The mRNA expression levels of IL-6 were significantly increased in the jejunum of the food-allergic animals (39), as confirmed here along with increased expression of IL-17 mRNA. Decreased IL-6 production by mast cells might indirectly account for decreased IL-17 expression in FcεRI−/− mice.…”

Perceived food hypersensitivity: A review of 10 years of interdisciplinary research at a reference center

“…In our model approximately 80% of the allergic mice presented diarrhea after the sixth intragastric challenge. Consistently, only the diarrhea-presenting mice showed hypocontractility of circular jejunal muscle when compared with the sham-sensitized but allergenchallenged control group [85]. Conceivably, hypocontractility of jejunal circular muscle should allow quick transit of the intestinal content in allergic mice.…”

The antimicrobial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxicity of different fractions of four South African Bauhinia species used traditionally to treat diarrhoea

“…In addition, diarrhoea associated with malnutrition could result in stunted growth, nonoptimal immune functionality and increased susceptibility to infections. Physiologically, diarrhoea can be beneficial to the GIT as it provides an important mechanism of flushing away harmful luminal substances (Valeur et al, 2009). However, diarrhoea becomes pathological when the loss of fluids and electrolytes exceeds the body's ability to replace the losses.…”