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Mechanisms Underlying Gut Hormone Secretion Using the Isolated Perfused Rat Small Intestine
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Published on: February 26, 2019

Characterization of an inhibitory factor derived from epithelial cells of the small intestine

T Llana1, R G Bell

  • 1James A. Baker Institute of Animal Health, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca 14853.

Regional Immunology
|January 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Rat small intestine epithelial cells secrete a protein that inhibits immune cell responses and the growth of transformed cell lines. This enterocyte-derived factor may explain low intestinal T cell reactivity in vivo.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) play a role in regulating the local immune environment.
  • The gut mucosa harbors a unique immune system with distinct characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize an inhibitory factor secreted by rat small intestine epithelial cells.
  • To investigate the biological activities of this novel enterocyte-derived factor.

Main Methods:

  • Culture of rat small intestine epithelial cells (EC) to obtain conditioned media (ECCM).
  • Assays to assess the effect of ECCM on lymphocyte proliferation (Concanavalin A, IL-2, antigen-specific) and transformed cell line growth.
  • Biochemical characterization including molecular weight and isoelectric point determination, and sensitivity to trypsin and heat.

Main Results:

  • ECCM demonstrated reversible, non-cytotoxic inhibition of lymphocyte responses to mitogens and antigens.
  • The factor also inhibited the growth of several transformed cell lines.
  • Biochemical analysis identified the inhibitory activity associated with a trypsin-sensitive protein (approx. 32 kDa, pI 3-5) labile upon heating.

Conclusions:

  • A novel, enterocyte-derived protein possesses significant immunomodulatory and anti-proliferative activities.
  • This factor's properties differ from previously described mucosal inhibitory factors.
  • The identified protein may contribute to the observed low level of intestinal T cell reactivity in vivo.

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