Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Protocols for Analyzing the Role of Paneth Cells in Regenerating the Murine Intestine using Conditional Cre-lox Mouse Models
07:48

Protocols for Analyzing the Role of Paneth Cells in Regenerating the Murine Intestine using Conditional Cre-lox Mouse Models

Published on: November 21, 2015

The Paneth cell: a source of intestinal lysozyme

T Peeters, G Vantrappen

    Gut
    |July 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study shows that lysozyme in mouse intestinal fluid originates from Paneth cells. Pilocarpine stimulates the secretion of this lysozyme, highlighting its role in intestinal defense.

    Area of Science:

    • Gastroenterology
    • Immunology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • Paneth cells are specialized epithelial cells located at the base of intestinal crypts.
    • Lysozyme is an antimicrobial enzyme found in various bodily secretions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the origin and regulation of lysozyme in the mouse small intestine.
    • To determine if Paneth cells are the source of intestinal lysozyme and if its secretion can be stimulated.

    Main Methods:

    • Indirect fluorescent antibody technique using an antiserum against mouse intestinal lysozyme.
    • Administration of pilocarpine to stimulate secretion.
    • Perfusion studies to quantify lysozyme output.

    Main Results:

    • Fluorescence for lysozyme was localized to Paneth cells in the crypts of Lieberkuhn.
    • Pilocarpine administration caused a shift in fluorescence from Paneth cells to the crypt lumen.
    • Lysozyme output increased significantly after pilocarpine stimulation, from basal levels of 0.1-0.4 µg/ml to peak rates of 1.8-6.5 µg/ml.

    Conclusions:

    • Lysozyme in the succus entericus is derived, at least in part, from Paneth cells, likely stored in their granules.
    • Pilocarpine stimulates the secretion of Paneth cell lysozyme.
    • This research provides a model for studying Paneth cell function within the intestinal defense system.

    More Related Videos

    Isolation and Flow Cytometric Characterization of Murine Small Intestinal Lymphocytes08:14

    Isolation and Flow Cytometric Characterization of Murine Small Intestinal Lymphocytes

    Published on: May 8, 2016

    Improved Swiss-rolling Technique for Intestinal Tissue Preparation for Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescent Analyses07:42

    Improved Swiss-rolling Technique for Intestinal Tissue Preparation for Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescent Analyses

    Published on: July 13, 2016

    Related Concept Videos

    Lipid Digestion01:06

    Lipid Digestion

    Lipids are large molecules that are generally not water-soluble. Since most of the digestive enzymes in the human body are water-based, there are specific steps the body must take to break down lipids and make them available for use.
    Lysosomes01:31

    Lysosomes

    Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed spherical sacs derived from the Golgi apparatus. The most important function of the lysosome is degrading macromolecules and biological polymers that are released during membrane trafficking events such as the secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The degradation is carried out by several hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment of the lysosomal lumen. These acid hydrolases are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling,...
    Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells01:23

    Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells

    The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...
    Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas01:16

    Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas

    The pancreas, a vital organ within the abdominal cavity, plays dual roles in the digestive and endocrine systems, collaborating with exocrine and endocrine cells to maintain optimal digestion and blood sugar levels.
    Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
    Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...
    Pancreatic Juice and Secretion01:26

    Pancreatic Juice and Secretion

    Pancreatic juice is a clear fluid produced by the pancreas, containing water, salts, sodium bicarbonate, and enzymes vital for digestion in the small intestine. It helps break down large molecules, facilitating nutrient absorption.
    When acidic chyme from the stomach enters the duodenum, it triggers the release of secretin, a hormone that prompts pancreatic juice secretion. After a fatty meal, cholecystokinin, another hormone, stimulates gallbladder contraction and enhances enzyme-rich...
    Histology of the Small Intestine01:27

    Histology of the Small Intestine

    The small intestine exhibits a unique histological structure that significantly enhances its function in digestion and nutrient absorption. These structures include circular folds, villi, and various specialized cells that collectively facilitate the digestion of food.
    The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...