Effect of Yersinia enterocolitica on intestinal mucin secretion

Mucin and glycoprotein synthesis and secretion were evaluated in the upper, mid, and distal small intestine and in the proximal colon of rabbits infected with Yersinia enterocolitica (YE). Infected (INF) animals were examined on day 6 and compared with pair-fed controls and unmanipulated weight-matched rabbits. Tissue mucin content in vivo and mucin secretion in vitro, measured by a specific immunoassay, were significantly elevated in all four regions of the gut of INF rabbits compared with both control groups. In vitro secretion of stored glycoprotein, prelabeled with [3H]glucosamine, was not increased in the upper and mid small intestine of INF animals but was significantly elevated in the distal small intestine and proximal colon. In vitro incorporation of [14C]glucosamine was increased in all four regions of the gut of INF rabbits, but secretion of newly synthesized [14C]glycoprotein was only significantly elevated in the distal small intestine and proximal colon. A graded response was observed down the intestinal tract of INF rabbits, with the greatest increase in mucin content, synthesis and secretion occurring in the distal small intestine and proximal colon where the morphological impact of disease is also most severe.