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Updated: May 19, 2026
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In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches to Determine Intestinal Epithelial Cell Permeability
Published on: October 19, 2018
The mycotoxin patulin increases colonic epithelial permeability in vitro
Summary
Patulin, a mycotoxin, damages the gut lining by increasing intestinal permeability and inhibiting chloride secretion. This study confirms its cytotoxic effects on colonic mucosa, suggesting a need for stricter consumption limits.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The gastrointestinal tract is exposed to dietary mycotoxins like patulin.
- Patulin is known to increase intestinal cell monolayer permeability.
- Understanding patulin's effects on intact intestinal tissue is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patulin's impact on isolated rat colonic mucosa permeability, ion transport, and morphology.
- To explore the mechanisms underlying patulin's effects on colonic epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Isolated rat colonic mucosa mounted in Ussing chambers.
- Measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and [(14)C]mannitol permeability.
- Assessment of carbachol-induced chloride secretion.
- High-content analysis of patulin's cytotoxic effects on Caco-2 cells.
Main Results:
- Patulin (100-500 μM) rapidly reduced TEER and increased mannitol permeability 2.9-fold.
- Patulin inhibited carbachol-stimulated chloride secretion.
- Histological examination revealed mucosal damage.
- High-content analysis confirmed patulin's cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells, with a longer time course than observed in mucosal sheets.
Conclusions:
- Patulin is cytotoxic to enterocytes and directly disrupts permeability and ion transport in intact colonic mucosa.
- These findings extend previous cell culture studies and highlight potential health risks associated with patulin consumption.
- The data support the establishment of safety limits for patulin in food products.
