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Updated: Jan 3, 2026
Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity in Mice Using Fluorescein-Isothiocyanate-Labeled Dextran
Published on: November 18, 2022
The Effect of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor on Intestinal Permeability: FITC-Dextran Serum Measurement and
Milica Vujičić1, Sanja Despotović1, Tamara Saksida1
1Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", University of Belgrade, Beograd, Serbia.
Abstract:
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a molecule with multiple functions: from enforcing the immune system to fight bacterial infection to the regulation of insulin activity. Also, MIF is expressed by enterocytes that line the intestinal border toward the lumen, and in M cells, where it regulates phagocytosis of antigens from the lumen of the gut and their transport to Peyer's patches. Since there were no data on the role of MIF in the maintenance of the intestinal barrier, we used MIF-deficient mice bred on C57BL/6 background as a model for the investigation of intestinal permeability. The obtained results indicate that the absence of MIF increases intestinal permeability. Here we describe two methods for measuring intestinal permeability in mice: detection of orally delivered FITC-dextran in the serum and transmission electron microscopy used for visualization and measurement of cell-to-cell connections width.
Insights
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is crucial for maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. Its absence in mice leads to increased intestinal permeability, impacting gut health.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has diverse roles, including immune response and insulin regulation.
- MIF is present in intestinal enterocytes and M cells, influencing antigen transport.
- The specific role of MIF in intestinal barrier function was previously uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MIF in maintaining intestinal barrier function.
- To determine the effect of MIF deficiency on intestinal permeability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MIF-deficient mice on a C57BL/6 background.
- Assessed intestinal permeability by measuring serum FITC-dextran levels after oral administration.
- Employed transmission electron microscopy to analyze cell-to-cell connections.
Main Results:
- Mice lacking MIF exhibited significantly increased intestinal permeability.
- Analysis revealed alterations in cell-to-cell connections in MIF-deficient mice.
- FITC-dextran levels were elevated in the serum of MIF-deficient mice, indicating a leaky barrier.
Conclusions:
- MIF plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier.
- The absence of MIF compromises intestinal barrier function, leading to increased permeability.
- Further research into MIF's mechanisms in the gut is warranted.
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