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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Application of a Mouse Ligated Peyer’s Patch Intestinal Loop Assay to Evaluate Bacterial Uptake by M cells
Published on: December 17, 2011
Uptake and translocation of fluorescent latex particles by rabbit Peyer's patch follicle epithelium: a quantitative
1Cell Biology and Aging Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121.
Abstract:
A quantitative, light microscopic morphometric model for uptake of particulates by Peyer's patch M cells was developed. Rabbit intestinal loops containing Peyer's patches were inoculated with fluorescent, non-degradable polystyrene microparticles (600-750 nm), and their localization in Peyer's patches was traced after varying time periods. The particles were localized sequentially at the FAE cell surface, spanning the entire width of FAE cells, and within the subepithelial dome as a function of time. The particles were associated with 5D9+ or 1D9+ M cells, but were not taken up or transported by villus epithelia. The kinetics suggested a synchronous wave of uptake and transepithelial transport. Quantitative analysis revealed a considerably greater uptake efficiency of polystyrene microspheres in comparison to other biological particles.
Insights
This study developed a model to track microparticle uptake by Peyer's patch M cells. Polystyrene microspheres showed higher uptake efficiency than other biological particles, indicating a potential pathway for particle transport.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Peyer's patches are key sites for immune surveillance in the gut.
- M cells within the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) are specialized for antigen uptake.
- Understanding particle transport mechanisms is crucial for drug delivery and vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a quantitative model for microparticle uptake by Peyer's patch M cells.
- To investigate the kinetics and localization of microparticle transport across the FAE.
- To compare the uptake efficiency of polystyrene microspheres with other biological particles.
Main Methods:
- Development of a light microscopic morphometric model.
- Inoculation of rabbit Peyer's patch intestinal loops with fluorescent polystyrene microparticles (600-750 nm).
- Time-course tracing of microparticle localization and association with M cells (5D9+ and 1D9+).
Main Results:
- Microparticles were sequentially localized at the FAE cell surface, spanning FAE cells, and within the subepithelial dome.
- Particle uptake and transport were primarily associated with M cells, not villus epithelia.
- Kinetics suggested a synchronous wave of uptake and transepithelial transport.
- Polystyrene microspheres demonstrated significantly higher uptake efficiency compared to other biological particles.
Conclusions:
- A quantitative model for M cell particle uptake was successfully developed.
- Polystyrene microparticles are efficiently taken up and transported by Peyer's patch M cells.
- This pathway offers potential for targeted delivery of nanoparticles in the gut.
