Effects of monochromatic light stimuli on the development and Muc2 expression of goblet cells in broiler small...

The effects of monochromatic light on the ontogeny, differentiation, and Muc2 expression level in goblet cells were studied in the small intestines of late-stage broiler embryos. The embryos were exposed to blue light (B group), green light (G group), red light (R group), or darkness (D group) throughout the incubation period. On d 15 of incubation (E15), a few acidic goblet cells (only the sulfated subtype) were observed, and Muc2 mRNA expression was detected. On E18, however, neutral, acidic, and intermediate types, as well as the sulfated subtype, were observed in the small intestine, and a decreasing gradient of goblet cell density was found along the duodenum to ileum axis. Up to E21, 3 types of goblet cells and 3 acidic cell subtypes were found in all the small intestines. The goblet cell density increased along the duodenum to ileum axis. Monochromatic light stimulation resulted in no significant differences in the density and types of goblet cells between the different treatment groups on E15 and E18, but an increased Muc2 mRNA expression level was detected on E18 in the G group compared with the other treatment groups. On E21, the goblet cell density, proportion of acidic goblet cells, and Muc2 mRNA expression level increased in the G group compared with other treatment groups. These results suggest that the ontogeny and differentiation of goblet cells in broiler embryos display temporal and spatial differences. Green monochromatic light may have the potential to promote the proliferation and maturation of as well as the expression of Muc2 mRNA in goblet cells of broiler embryos.