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The Systemic Zinc Homeostasis Was Modulated in Broilers Challenged by Salmonella
Aimin Wu1,2, Shiping Bai1,2, Xuemei Ding1,2
1Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
Biological Trace Element Research
|October 24, 2019
Summary
Salmonella infection in broilers causes hypozincaemia, a decrease in serum zinc and increase in liver zinc, by altering zinc transporters. This highlights a key immune response in poultry against bacterial invasion.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Animal Immunology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Salmonella challenge induces hypozincaemia in mice as a defense mechanism.
- The impact of Salmonella on zinc homeostasis in broilers remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in zinc homeostasis in broilers following Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) challenge.
- To elucidate the role of zinc transporters in broiler response to Salmonella infection.
Main Methods:
- Broilers were challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium (ST).
- Serum and tissue samples were collected at 1, 3, and 7 days post-challenge.
- Zinc levels and zinc transporter gene expression (Zip family) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Salmonella challenge led to hypozincaemia (decreased serum zinc, increased liver zinc) in broilers.
- Zinc transporter expression was modulated; importers (Zip5, 10-13) were downregulated, reducing duodenal absorption.
- Zip14 was upregulated, facilitating zinc redistribution to the liver.
Conclusions:
- Broilers counteract Salmonella infection by modulating systemic zinc homeostasis.
- Zinc transporter regulation is a key mechanism in broiler defense against Salmonella, affecting zinc absorption and distribution.
