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Influence of the indigenous gastrointestinal microbial flora on duodenal alkaline phosphatase activity in mice
D P Yolton1, C Stanley, D C Savage
1Department of Microbiology, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712.
Abstract:
Alkaline phosphatase activity was assayed by two procedures in duodenal homogenates from specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice of various ages, adult germfree mice, adult ex-germ-free mice colonized with an indigenous microflora from the SPF mice, and adult ex-germ-free mice monocontaminated with a Lactobacillus sp. indigenous to the SPF mice. In the SPF neonates, the activity remained at low levels until at least 12 days of age, increased to high levels at 20 days of age, and then fell to adult levels between the early neonatal and later high levels. In the germ-free mice, the activity levels were significantly higher than the levels in SPF mice at any age. In contrast, in the ex-germ-free animals, colonized by an entire indigenous microflora, the values fell within the range for adult SPF animals. In the ex-germ-free mice colonized only by the Lactobacillus sp., the activity levels were intermediate between the values for germ-free and SPF mice. These findings show that the indigenous microbial flora influences considerably the intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity in the mouse.
Insights
The indigenous gut microbiota significantly influences intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity in mice. Germ-free mice show higher activity, while colonization normalizes it, indicating microbial regulation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) plays a role in nutrient absorption and gut health.
- The influence of the gut microbiota on IAP activity is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of indigenous microbial flora on duodenal alkaline phosphatase activity in mice.
- To compare IAP activity across different microbial colonization states.
Main Methods:
- Assayed alkaline phosphatase activity using two procedures in duodenal homogenates.
- Utilized specific pathogen-free (SPF), germ-free, ex-germ-free colonized with indigenous microflora, and ex-germ-free monocontaminated with Lactobacillus sp. mice.
- Examined IAP activity across various age groups.
Main Results:
- SPF neonates showed low IAP activity, increasing by 20 days and then declining to adult levels.
- Germ-free mice exhibited significantly higher IAP activity compared to SPF mice.
- Ex-germ-free mice with indigenous microflora showed IAP levels within the SPF range.
- Monocontamination with Lactobacillus sp. resulted in intermediate IAP activity.
Conclusions:
- The indigenous gut microbial flora substantially influences intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity in mice.
- Microbial colonization, rather than germ-free status, is crucial for regulating IAP levels.
- Specific microbial components, like Lactobacillus sp., may play a role in modulating IAP activity.