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Published on: December 15, 2011
A non-human primate model for gluten sensitivity.
Michael T Bethune1, Juan T Borda, Erin Ribka
1Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Plos One
|February 21, 2008
Summary
Rhesus macaques with gluten sensitivity exhibit symptoms similar to human celiac disease. This animal model shows promise for studying gluten-related disorders and developing new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Gluten sensitivity affects many humans, causing celiac disease with symptoms like diarrhea and malabsorption.
- There is a need for animal models to study gluten sensitivity and celiac disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gluten sensitivity in rhesus macaques.
- To determine if rhesus macaques can serve as a model for human celiac disease.
Main Methods:
- ELISA antibody assays were used to screen rhesus macaques for gluten sensitivity.
- A gluten-sensitive macaque and a control were studied with alternating gluten-free and gluten-challenge diets.
- Blinded clinical and histological evaluations assessed gluten sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Gluten-sensitive macaques displayed celiac disease symptoms including diarrhea, steatorrhea, and intestinal lesions when fed gluten.
- A gluten-free diet resolved these symptoms, while gluten reintroduction caused relapse.
- Elevated anti-gliadin antibodies were observed in gluten-sensitive macaques.
Conclusions:
- Gluten-sensitive rhesus macaques represent a valuable model for celiac disease research.
- This model can aid in understanding celiac disease pathogenesis and treatment development.
