Basal Intestinal Morphology, Immunolocalization of Leptin and Ghrelin and Their Receptors in Newborn Wistar Rats
Ewa Tomaszewska1, Halyna Rudyk1,2, Piotr Dobrowolski3
1Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.
Abstract:
Animal feed is very frequently contaminated with different types of mold, the metabolites of which are toxic to living organisms. Mold-contaminated cereal is rich in heat-resistant and harmful metabolites such as fumonisins (FBs). The amount of FBs consumed as part of animal feed, including livestock feed, is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal oral FB intoxication on basal duodenum morphology and the immunolocalization of gut hormones responsible for food intake (leptin and ghrelin), as well as their receptors, in newborn rat offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly allocated to one of three groups: a control group or one of two FB-intoxicated groups (60 or 90 mg FB/kg b.w., respectively). Basal morphological duodenal parameters changed in a dose- and sex-dependent manner. The intensity of the ghrelin immunoreaction was unchanged in females, while in males it increased after FB exposure (60 mg/kg b.w.), with a simultaneous decrease in expression of the ghrelin receptor. Leptin and its receptor immunoreaction intensity was decreased in both sexes following FB exposure. The current study highlighted the potential involvement of intestinal ghrelin and leptin in the metabolic disturbances observed later in life in offspring that were prenatally exposed to fumonisins.
Insights
Maternal exposure to fumonisins (FBs) in animal feed alters duodenum development and gut hormone levels in newborn rats. Prenatal FB exposure may link to later-life metabolic issues in offspring.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Animal feed contamination with toxic mold metabolites, such as fumonisins (FBs), is common.
- The impact of FB consumption on livestock and the subsequent effects on offspring are not well understood.
- Fumonisins are heat-resistant toxins found in mold-contaminated cereals, posing a risk in animal feed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of maternal oral fumonisin (FB) intoxication on the duodenum and gut hormone regulation in newborn rats.
- To assess the impact of FB exposure on the morphology and immunolocalization of leptin, ghrelin, and their receptors in offspring.
- To understand the potential long-term metabolic implications of prenatal FB exposure.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant Wistar rats were divided into control and two FB-intoxicated groups (60 or 90 mg FB/kg b.w.).
- Maternal FB intoxication was administered orally.
- Duodenum morphology and immunolocalization of leptin, ghrelin, and their receptors in newborn offspring were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Duodenal morphology changes were observed in a dose- and sex-dependent manner following FB exposure.
- Ghrelin immunoreaction increased in male offspring exposed to 60 mg/kg FB, with decreased ghrelin receptor expression.
- Leptin and its receptor expression decreased in both sexes after FB exposure.
Conclusions:
- Maternal FB intoxication significantly impacts duodenal development and gut hormone profiles in newborn rats.
- Prenatal exposure to fumonisins may influence intestinal ghrelin and leptin signaling pathways.
- These alterations suggest a potential role for intestinal hormones in metabolic disturbances in offspring exposed to FBs in utero.
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