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Recapitulating Suckling-to-Weaning Transition In Vitro using Fetal Intestinal Organoids
Published on: November 15, 2019
Early weaning reduces small intestinal alkaline phosphatase expression in pigs
Dale Lackeyram1, Chengbo Yang, Tania Archbold
1Center for Nutrition Modeling, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.
The Journal of Nutrition
|January 22, 2010
Summary
Early weaning in piglets significantly reduces small intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) digestive capacity and gene expression. This decline may increase susceptibility to enteric diseases and growth issues in young pigs.
Area of Science:
- Animal Physiology
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Small intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is crucial for piglet gut health, aiding in detoxification, pH balance, nutrient digestion, and fat absorption.
- IAP expression is linked to enterocyte differentiation, making it sensitive to developmental changes like weaning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of early weaning on the digestive capacity and gene expression of IAP in piglets.
- To compare adaptive changes in IAP function and quantity between weaned and suckling piglets.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of IAP enzyme kinetics (V(cap), affinity) and protein/mRNA abundance in jejunal tissues of weaned versus suckling piglets (10-22 days old).
- Quantification of IAP mRNA and associated transcription factor (IAP caudal-associated homeobox transcription factor 1) levels.
Main Results:
- Weaning decreased IAP enzyme affinity by 26% and maximal activity by 22%, primarily in the jejunum.
- Apical membrane IAP protein abundance in the proximal jejunum reduced by 64% post-weaning.
- IAP mRNA levels decreased by 58%, linked to reduced transcription factor abundance.
Conclusions:
- Early weaning impairs small intestinal IAP digestive capacity, catalytic affinity, and gene expression in piglets.
- These IAP alterations may contribute to the increased risk of enteric diseases and growth retardation observed in early-weaned pigs.
