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Intestinal permeability in pigs during rotavirus infection
L Vellenga1, H J Egberts, T Wensing
1Clinic for Large Animal Medicine, State University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
American Journal of Veterinary Research
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Porcine rotavirus infection in young pigs did not increase intestinal macromolecular permeability, despite diarrhea. Further testing confirmed no significant changes in gut barrier function following rotavirus challenge.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Gastroenterology
- Animal Physiology
Background:
- Porcine rotavirus (PRV) is a significant cause of diarrhea in piglets.
- Intestinal barrier function is crucial for nutrient absorption and pathogen exclusion.
- Understanding PRV's impact on gut permeability is vital for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of porcine rotavirus (RV277) infection on small intestinal macromolecular permeability in gnotobiotic pigs.
- To assess changes in gut barrier integrity at both physiological and ultrastructural levels.
Main Methods:
- Gnotobiotic pigs were inoculated with porcine rotavirus (RV277).
- Macromolecular permeability was assessed using 125I-labeled polyvinylpyrrolidone and horseradish peroxidase.
- Blood parameters and jejunal tissues were analyzed at various time points post-inoculation.
Main Results:
- Watery diarrhea developed 8 hours post-inoculation.
- No significant increase in macromolecular permeability was detected, even after clinical signs appeared.
- Histological examination revealed moderate villus atrophy, but minor ultrastructural epithelial changes.
Conclusions:
- Porcine rotavirus infection, at the tested dose and time points, did not compromise the small intestinal barrier function in gnotobiotic pigs.
- Observed dehydration likely contributed to slight increases in serum total protein and urea nitrogen.
- Further research may explore different rotavirus strains or infection durations.