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Lactoferrin protects rabbits from Shigella flexneri-induced inflammatory enteritis
Henry F Gomez1, Theresa J Ochoa, Irene Herrera-Insua
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, 77030, USA.
Infection and Immunity
|November 20, 2002
Summary
Lactoferrin, found in human colostrum, effectively prevents Shigella flexneri-induced inflammatory enteritis in rabbits. This study demonstrates lactoferrin's protective role against bacterial infections in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Shigella species cause bacillary dysentery through intestinal invasion and inflammation.
- Lactoferrin, a mucosal glycoprotein, shows potential in vitro protection against bacterial enteric infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vivo efficacy of lactoferrin against Shigella flexneri-induced enteritis.
- To investigate lactoferrin's protective effects at concentrations found in human colostrum.
Main Methods:
- A rabbit model of enteritis was used to study Shigella flexneri infection.
- Lactoferrin was administered at human colostrum concentrations to assess its impact on inflammation.
Main Results:
- Lactoferrin administration prevented the development of inflammatory intestinal disease in infected rabbits.
- Histological analysis revealed that lactoferrin blocked typical inflammatory changes, including villous blunting and leukocyte infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Lactoferrin effectively inhibits the development of Shigella flexneri-induced inflammatory enteritis in a rabbit model.
- These findings support lactoferrin's role as a protective agent against bacterial enteric infections in vivo.